15 Timeless, ageless & essential items for your summer wardrobe
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Memorial Day weekend officially kicks off tomorrow afternoon. Those of us in the New England area are going to be graced with gorgeous weather all weekend long. This is a first in a long time! Our Spring, so far, has been rather rainy and cool. Yesterday the sun shone brilliantly and temperatures soared into the 70s. This weekend folks will be taking to the beach, opening up their pools, lighting up their grills, popping open cans of beer and bottles of champagne. Everything seems a little easier and breezier in the summertime, including the way we dress. Below are 15 of my essential items that will take you through the summer from the office to the pool, no matter your age.
A pretty, wide brimmed straw hat is necessary to keep out the sun's burning rays. From the flower market to the farmer's market to the beach. Not only will a pretty hat protect your skin, scalp and hair, but it’s the perfect accessory to your outfit - whether worn with jeans, shorts or a pretty dress.
An oversized straw bag - I’m a huge fan of straw bags and I get a new one every summer. From office to cocktail hour, from farmer's market to beach, a simple straw bag is the ultimate summer accessory. Perfect for toting a paperback, sunscreen, sunglasses, water, keys, lipstick and phone, there's still plenty of room for any last minutes add-ins... as in I just had to get that adorable cardigan I saw in the storefront window!
A white blouse - Do I really need to say more? I mean one can never have too many white blouses. From tailored to oversized, there is perhaps no item quite as versatile.
The tunic - As I’ve gotten older I’ve fallen more and more in love with these oversized, yet flattering tops that can be worn as tops with pants or shorts or as a simple dress. I have loads of them in various colors and patterns., A simple white or black one can be easily dressed up for the summertime cocktail party.
Sunglasses - Always in style, always important to have, but especially in the summer when the days are brighter and longer. Luckily for our own style preferences and face shapes, it seems that everything goes these days. I’ve stopped paying a fortune for the designer pair only to have me lose them a day or two after I get them. With these accessories, I say the more the merrier. (Marshall’s always has the greatest selection.)
Little White Sneakers - The little white sneaker is so versatile and is the perfect summer shoe for those who plan on traveling (near or far) and sightseeing. They are sensible and pair well with dresses or jeans. I've been crushing on the Adidas Stan Smith for a while now, and I love that in addition to the classic green, they're available with all sorts of trims. I happen to adore my rose-gold ones myself!
The Shift - Perfect for a hot summer's day. This loose and carefree style is very forgiving and flatters many body shapes. Quite frankly there are just days you don't want to suck it in or wear spanx!
Wedge sandals or espadrilles - The wedge which saw a new popularity a couple of summers ago and will remain a strong presence this summer. Put together the wedge and the espadrille and bam, we’ve got shoe perfection. (Especially for shorter girls like myself!)
Anything off the shoulder - The off-the-shoulder look is hot right now and I love it. I think every woman's best asset is her shoulders... so set them free. Whether a top paired with pants or in dress form, you'll want to pick up several!
White jeans - (All white) A perennial favorite that never goes out of favor or style. Although now it's perfectly acceptable to wear them year round, they are still a warm weather favorite with their ability to lighten and brighten the wardrobe.
A little white dress - As essential as the LBD is to every woman's wardrobe, so is the LWD.
A cardigan - For those chilly nights, cardigans wear well with everything.
Slim black pants - Because even in summer there are times we need to stay chic.
A Chanel style jacket - see above
A ponytail or loose bun - An easy way to keep your hair stylish on those super hot, and humid days. Wears well from office to beach!