Summer Style Essentials

We all have those pieces in our closet that become our constants for the season - the closet staples that we build looks upon. They are workhorses that tie many outfits together, that can easily transition from one look to another with a completely different vibe. They become our favorites that we reach for again and again. This week, I am going to explore some of my favorite summer essentials we have in the shop right now, that I think could be your next fave staple piece for the season.

When we talk about summer essentials, we want pieces that reflect the spirit summer - carefree, easy, and fun. Pieces that we can throw on over a bikini, or grab on the way out the door to a cookout. Nothing overly fussy, clingy, or tight - summer is, after all, the free-spirited time of year, the hippy sister of the seasons. We want styles that show off our sun bronzed skin, keep us cool, and transition easily from long bright days into balmy nights so we don't have to bother with a wardrobe change before dinner.

The Throw & Go Dress

Everyone needs at least one dress like this in their summer wardrobe. It has to be light, breezy, and flattering - the type of dress you can throw in your beach bag in case your day of sunbathing bleeds into happy hour cocktails. My pick in the shop right now is the Summer Lime Annette Dress by Merritt Charles. 

I love the subtle ditsy pattern in this dress, and the neutral light shade of green. What makes this babe a summertime essential is her easy flattering shape and versatility. You can throw her over your bikini, but her silk fabrication elevates her for post-beach cocktails when you pair her with our Snack Bar Wedge and Long Branch Earrings. Give her a duster or jacket and a slide, and she becomes west coast casual cool. She is the kind of dress that will work with just about anything in your closet (we actually love her under a slouchy white knit or oversized sweatshirt), but also gives you everything you need when you wear her by herself, which is why we place this beauty easily in the "Throw and Go" category. We recommend a spritz of Sun Saint before you go out the door - the coconut sun-soaked scent is the only accessory you'll need. 

The Cozy Pullover

Everyone needs a slouchy knit or sweatshirt that plays well with anything in your closet so that you can bring her along for any adventure. I'm talking about the kind of cozy pullover that you always leave in your car so no matter where the day takes you, you'll have something to keep you warm if the evening turns a little chilly when the sun goes down (as it tends to do here in New England). Nothing says summer more to me than this slouchy The Good Gets Better Sweatshirt pulled over a sundress. 

This treasure - also by Merritt Charles - is SO cozy and soft, you will never want to take her off. The subtle, dainty gold thread spells out "The Good Gets Better" and we are loving this mantra of positivity for this current moment. The heather grey color will go with basically everything in your closet, and the slight boat neck gives her a cool-girl, coastal update to a classic sweatshirt style. We highly recommend throwing this babe in your bag for later - she will keep you warm on evenings by the water, while still keeping you looking styled whether you pair her with denim or a summer dress. 

The Tailored White Shorts

It's no secret that I'm all about sun-bleached looks for summer, and that bright white may be my favorite classic summer trend. A white staple will make your tan pop and can be the foundation for every summer outfit you daydream about. Everyone needs a pair of tailored white shorts in their closet to put back to brights, neutrals, or more crisp whites. I like to think of white linen as the basic of summer - you can basically replace denim with linen when you want your look to be breezier and more effortless for the warmer months. In the shop right now we have the perfect White Linen Valentina Shorts that fit this bill.

These shorts by Whismy + Row are a classic that are timeless in a way that is always on-trend. The waistline is perfectly high for a tailored look that pairs just as effortlessly with a cropped top hemline as a loose fitting blouse tucked in. Versatile is an understatement for these beauties. We love that they are truly shorts but they do not show too much skin, and the higher waist makes them flattering while pulling any look together. This is the type of piece we mean when we talk about building blocks for your wardrobe - it is an updated basic that you will love in its own right, that will work as a starting place for many outfits. You will find yourself re-styling them again and again in fresh and new ways.

The Effortless Top

We all need a simple, go-to top to pair with all the fun skirts, shorts, and pants we want to wear this summer. I am reaching again and again for my Bone Stretch Amabella Bodysuit by Show Me Your Mumu. 

This beauty is an update to a tank and every woman needs her in their wardrobe - because she's a bodysuit, she will always stay in place and is perfect for a tucked in look with high waisted bottoms. My favorite detail is the straight, squared neckline - so chic! I love her with breezy high waisted trousers or a flouncy skirt, but she will also dress up your favorite pair of denim when paired with your favorite knit and dainty jewels. 

I completely understand that bodysuits are not in everyone's comfort zone, and you can replace this easily in your wardrobe with a silk top like our Canvas Pretty Top if that is more your speed.

I love the classic look of this feminine piece. She's also a neutral, which means she will pair back to so many bottoms in your wardrobe, but her dainty buttons, elastic wrists, and rouching details make her stand apart. She works with a lot of the same looks as the Amabella, but gives these outfits a completely different vibe with an air of easy sophistication. 

These essentials play very well together (we love the idea of The Good Gets Better Sweatshirt pulled over the Summer Line Annette Dress, or the White Linen Valentina Shorts with the Canvas Pretty Top), but you will find they style with so many different types of looks.