7 Summer Wardrobe Staples

Every summer I consider buying the season’s trendiest items, but usually stick to updated versions of my summer wardrobe staples. White denim, neutral sandals, and woven hats are just a few items I wear all summer long. Here are 7 Summer Wardrobe Staples to add to your closet.

7 Summer Wardrobe Staples

My classic summer wardrobe favorites are must haves for our New England summer. Temperatures vary from warm to hot days and humid to cool nights. I never pack away all of my cool weather items for summer in Connecticut because I often wear white denim and a sweatshirt once a week! All of my favorite summer items can be worn together for a casual summer outfit or dressed up with classic accessories.

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 denim pants and 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.  

Speaking of cool summer nights, I never pack away all of my sweaters once the warm weather rolls in. There are a few sweaters, crewneck sweatshirts from vacation spots, and Dudley Stephens fleeces I wear all summer long. This cotton-linen summer sweater is a great piece, as well as this classic cotton crewneck sweater by Alice Walk (all of their pieces are lightweight, versatile and timeless!).

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 // 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 nine 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 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. Dudley Stephens launched a resort collection that’s perfect for warm months. I wore maternity and non-maternity maxi dresses throughout my entire summer pregnancy in 2021. Want to know one of my favorite brands? This beautiful maxi dress by Emerson Fry (seen below) is worn summer after summer – I buy a new pattern every year! I also love the versatility of these maxi dresses.

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.