The following are your wardrobe essentials for this spring and Summer of 2017

My selections for this summer's fashion sensibilities reflect my personal style and philosophies. I'm not a fan of trends. They tend to be a flash in the pan. They tend not to have staying power because of this they tend to be a waste of money. I look for styles that are not only flattering, but that are ageless and will stand the tests of time. Please don't confuse this to mean that I like clothes that are boring and bland. I prefer to start with the classics as a canvass then add my own personal touch in a fresh and modern manner. In the summertime I do seem to gravitate to a more boho feel which seems to perfectly reflect the lazy, hazy days attitude. I prefer loose, flowy and non-binding when the weather heats up. Then there's that chic New York side of me as well. And as opposite as those two may seem, each item listed below is suited to each of those styles and everything in between. My wardrobe essentials will complement a wide range of body shapes, and as appropriate for a woman in her 20s as well as one in her 50s and 60s. As I approach my own 50th I want to look youthful and yet age appropriate. You won't see short-shorts or short rompers on this list, and you certainly won't see them on me! I'm not sure how I feel about the exposed one shoulder look yet, I will get back to you on that...

1. A scarf

17 Summer wardrobe essentials for the Summer of 17

Scarves are being worn in lieu of necklaces, in ways that are classic yet modern and fresh. Change them up daily, they look great whether paired with a casual or dressier outfit. They can be worn loosely or choker length as seen above. Image via

2. A straw hat

Forever stylish, these sun-sunshields are being worn both off as well as on the beach. Casual and elegant, these are functional as well as fashionable. Images via and via

3. A straw bag

There's no summer bag as iconic as the straw bag. Like the hat it travels well from the beach to the city... Whether it's used for toting a bathing suit and towel, a newspaper, some flowers and baguette, or as I have often done, a laptop, you'll not need to coordinate your outfits around it - it goes with everything. And yes, you can even pair it with a suit. Want to jazz up a plain bag, tie a scarf around the handles or add some fringe or pompoms do give it a more modern flair. Large or small, the straw bag is the IT bag of the season. Images above via

4. A white blouse

Nothing is as easy to wear or as versatile as a little white blouse. I have written about them here. There are a myriad of styles from which to choose from, from the more traditional button down to one that is breezier bohemian inspired. Every wardrobe needs a white blouse! Image via

5. A tunic

If you're a regular reader you will know that I am positively mad for tunics. (see here) Worn with jeans, leggings or as dresses, I find them to be perfection. They exude an ease that reflects summer's carefree lifestyle. Every wardrobe needs a tunic... or ten!

6. White jeans

Because white jeans. I am obsessed. Do I really need to say more? For more click here.

7. Black jeans

Because black never ever fades from style. Ever. Though this might not be my choice on a day that's 90 degrees with 70% humidity!

8. White tennis shoes

Comfortable and practical the white sneaker, in a myriad of styles, is enjoying continued popularity again this summer. Image via

9. Ballet flats

Because sometimes you want a comfortable shoe that's dressier than a sneaker and not a sandal. The lace-up versions which first became popular a couple of summers ago seem to have an even greater presence, carried by more designers and available in more colors. The hardest decision will be to stick with a neutral or dare to go go bold?! Image via

10. Espadrilles

I think that nothing makes me happier than to see these shoes back in the summer spotlight, getting the recognition they deserve. Stylish and comfortable, in a wedge or a flat these traditional canvas top with a rope sole instill a feeling of nostalgia in me. As a child I wore then in a rainbow of colors with wide laces that wrapped around my ankles. They were a popular shoe in the south of France. When I was older, a young teenager and coming into my own in the 1980s, preppy fashion dominated, I felt so sophisticated in my navy Jacques Cohen wedge heeled espadrilles. Images via and via.

11. A halter style top/sundress

I am mad about this style top. The halter looks well on everyone and can be worn by everyone. I have several dresses in this style and even more tops. Image via.

12. Stripes

Forever nauti... blue and white stripes will forever make me think of the water, the ocean, sailing... pairs well with the requisite white jean! Image via.

13. An off the shoulder blouse/dress

I am delighted that these easy breezy off the shoulder tops are back again this season. These figure flattering and age-friendly tops are proving to have staying power and definitely aren't a flash in the pan. I have a few and adore them. They can be worn during the day or dressed up for evening. If you're well endowed be sure to have a good supportive as well as comfortable strapless bra! Image via.

14. A blouse/dress with bell sleeves

My inner bohemian just adores the freedom of the bell sleeve. I'm delighted to be seeing this style on everything from coats and sweaters to blouses and dresses. I think the key here is ensure that they're not so long that they're getting in the way. An inch above the wrist, 3/4 length and even short sleeves are the way to go with this style. You won't want to wear these while doing the dishes! Image via. Furthermore white is always right in the summer!

15. Round sunglasses

My exception to the classics rule always lies within the accessories. Here is where you can play and have fun. A fun, fresh and modern accessory can really make and shape an outfit. The Aviators that we've seen so much of over the past couple of years are being traded up for round frames and square frames. Reminiscent of the 60s and 70s these shades are the perfect example of what goes around comes around. We are delighted to see the return of these stylish frames. Image via.

16. Ruffles

17 Summer wardrobe essentials for the Spring and Summer of 17!

My love for the slightly outrageous and dramatic is met with the modern day ruffle. These aren't frilly or froufrou, but sophisticated yet fun. These oversized frills are everywhere from sun dresses to tank tops to pants and even on bathing suits. We love their whimsical vibe and look around you, you'll see them everywhere!

17. Sunscreen

Thank goodness deep, dark savage tans are no longer en vogue. Thank goodness women are now favoring a slight, healthy glow over the look of over-roasting in the sun. Some may argue that no amount of sun is healthy. Some may argue that it is best to stay out of the sun altogether. But for many of us this isn't realistic and it doesn't have to be true. While it is indeed best to keep out of the sun's direct rays from about 11:00 - 2:00 PM, you can stay outside if well protected. Sunscreen is your friend. Your ally. Sunscreen can save your life. As long as you use it properly. I am a victim of skin cancer and had surgery to remove some from my collarbone just last year. I am overdue for a screening and it's on my list of things to tackle over the next couple of weeks. As I met with my surgeon last spring, a leading skin cancer researcher, I asked him if it was true that I would need to stay out of the sun. His answer shocked me, I did not have to. But I did need to shield my skin. I also asked about the strength of sunscreen I should be using. I needed nothing stronger than an SPF of 30 he assured me. However, I would need to reapply it frequently. Cover my body fully. Each application, on an average person, requires about a shot-glass worth. I asked him if there was a brand he prefered and his reply was Neutrogena. (It should be noted that one should stay away from sunscreen as coverage isn't as thorough and if using outside much of it can blow off into the wind.

I will be honest and tell you that I happen to like a little sunkissed glow. While I slather myself with 30 SPF I also slather on the self tanner. After testing and going through a wide variety of brands I have come to rely on the inexpensive Jergens as my favorite. (There are two that I prefer, both are foam instead of lotion-based, as I feel that sprays and foams cover better, more easily and are less prone to streaking.

Above image via Cosmopolitan. Click here to read the article about proper usage and coverage.

For more on Spring and Summer Styles that I have written about in the past, click here, here, here, here, and here.

17 Summer wardrobe essentials for the Spring and Summer of 17!