7 Summer Wardrobe Staples

Every summer I consider buying the season’s trendiest items, but I always come back to the same classics. I took a long break from style posts on the blog, but my summer wardrobe honestly hasn’t changed much — and I think that’s the whole point of having staples. White denim, neutral sandals, and woven hats are still what I reach for on repeat all summer long. Here are my 7 Summer Wardrobe Staples that have stood the test of time.

7 Summer Wardrobe Staples

My classic summer wardrobe favorites are must-haves for a New England summer. Temperatures vary from warm to hot days and humid to cool nights — I never fully pack away my cool-weather pieces because a white denim and sweatshirt combo still happens at least once a week. Everything I reach for in summer can be worn casually or dressed up with the right accessories, which is why these pieces have stayed in my closet year after year.

White Denim

Whether its shorts or pants, white denim is one of my summer wardrobe staples. Since we all know white doesn’t stay clean for long, I usually have to buy a new pair of white jeans and white shorts every summer. 

When you live in New England and have cool summer nights, it’s convenient to have more than one pair of white pants (in case they get dirty). White denim matches everything, which is why it’s one of my favorite summer wardrobe staples.  

Summer Sweaters and Sweatshirts

Speaking of cool summer nights, I never pack away all of my sweaters once the warm weather rolls in. There are a few sweaters and crewneck sweatshirts from vacation spots I wear all summer long. A cotton-linen summer sweater or a beach waffle crewneck are classic pieces, as well as a classic cotton crewneck sweater by Alice Walk. Alice Walk can be pricey, but their tops are lightweight, versatile and timeless. You can find a few Dudley Stephens (as seen below) in my closet as well.

Take $25 off your first Dudley Stephens order here!

Want to see some of my summer staples in action? Check out my 2021 Summer Wardrobe Staples Style Session on IGTV here!

Jean Shorts

I used to have strong feelings against jean shorts, but over the last couple years I decided I like them again. Jean shorts are a summer staple: easy to wear, comfortable, and come in a thousand different styles. Long, short, distressed, pleated fancy shorts – the options for the perfect summer jean short go on and on. 

Hat // Striped Shirt // Shorts (similar)// Sandals

Neutral Shoes

I’ve always loved how a neutral colored sandal can elongate short legs, so I wear my favorite pair of summer sandals every other day. My Grandma-in-law bought them for me about thirteen years ago while on vacation in Destin and now everyone I know owns a pair. The Tory Burch Miller sandal is so versatile and compliments any outfit – it’s expensive but holds up so well summer after summer. 

Beach Sweater / Drawstring Shorts (similar) / Neutral Sandals / Beach Blanket

White sneakers have become a staple in my summer wardrobe, as well as waterproof Birkenstocks, regular Birkenstocks and espadrilles. 

Maxi Dresses & Skirts 

Easy, breezy, maxis are a must have for summer. Whether you’re wearing a maxi dress or maxi skirt, they’re both staples in my wardrobe. This beautiful maxi dress is by Emerson Fry (seen below). I also love the versatility of Hillhouse maxi dresses.

Check out my favorite summer maxi and midi dresses here.

Anything Linen

These linen pants are so comfortable, cool, and perfect for any weather. I wear them every summer! Linen shirts, dresses, pants, and shorts are a wardrobe staple in the summer for men and women alike.

Dress (similar) // SANDALS // Hat // Sunglasses

Dress // Sandals

A Summer Hat

My hat collection grows every summer. There once was a time when I wanted the sun on my face all day; but now I realize the damage (and wrinkles) the sun causes. On most summer days, you can find me in a hat from Hat Attack when I’m outdoors. From sturdy woven hats to baseball caps to floppy beach hats, I bring a hat whereever I go. 

This post was originally published in 2020 and has been updated for 2026.