Timeless Summer Wardrobe Essentials

For many people, one of the best things about summer is fashion. Sure, fall and winter allow you to layer multiple pieces on top of each other, wear leather and look forward to dressing up for all the winter holidays, but summer brings its joys too. In the summer months, we get to show off our figures a little more, play with more color, and, not to mention, basically live in our favorite airy dresses. If you still haven't nailed down your summer look and aren't sure which core pieces to start with, keep reading for the timeless summer wardrobe that never goes out of style.  

Sun Hats 

Spending time outdoors is a staple of the summer months, but all that time outdoors can make you feel great and wear you out too. Keep things "made in the shade" by ensuring you wear a hat to protect yourself from the sun's intense rays. Not only can the sun beaming down on your head make you exhausted, but it can also seriously damage your skin. The skin on our faces is much more delicate than the skin on the rest of our bodies. Not protecting your facial skin from UV rays can result in sunburns but premature fine lines and wrinkles, melasma, unwanted freckles, or even skin cancer. If an oversized hat isn't your vibe, a regular baseball cap or visor can take its place. You definitely want protection outdoors in peak sun hours (between noon and three). 

Smart Shoes 

While designer heels and flip-flops have their places in our lives respectively, summer sometimes calls for a different type of shoe. Summer months are filled with fabulous events - garden parties, weddings, sports games, and BBQs - so what are you to do when you want a more elevated look but still require comfort? Get smart about your footwear. If you'd typically wear heels to the event you're invited to but need a little more security, neutral wedges are a great substitute. Say you're invited somewhere that calls for more protection but still want to look chic, opt for a bright or pastel-colored slip-on sneaker instead of a "dad" style tennis shoe. And, you can never go wrong with a pair of low-top white Converse, whether you're wearing a dress, shorts, or anything in between. 

Oversized Sunnies 

In the same way, you want to protect your facial skin with a hat at the beach or poolside, designer sunnies (especially oversized) are a must-have in summer and year-round. The skin around our eyes is much thinner and more delicate than the rest of our faces. You're making crow's feet at the corner of your eyes and elevens in between your eyes a problem after squinting in the sun. Ensure you're protecting your skin and vision in style by investing in oversized, luxury sunglasses.

Midi Dresses 

Maxi dresses are arguably one of the most versatile pieces in any woman's wardrobe, but this year it's all about the midi. Midi dresses hit mid-calf, so you can show off chic sandals or wedges and be dressed up or down the same way the maxi can. They have a bit of a more classic and timeless feel than a long maxi dress, making them worth the investment to go high-end. Make sure you purchase your midi dresses in a breathable, natural fabric like 100% cotton or linen offered in sondeflor.com. Natural fibers will keep you more comfortable in the hot summer weather and more sustainable, making them a win/win for you and the environment. Easily transition your casual midi daytime look to evening with a switch of shoes and jewelry.

Crispy Tees 

Aside from a pair of well-worn denim jeans, name a more iconic piece of fashion that has stood the test of time, like the white or black t-shirt. We'll wait. A fresh white tee looks phenomenal with anything, from a black leather mini skirt to under a suit. Investing in luxurious Supima cotton tees for the summer that will easily transition into your fall wardrobe is a must for anyone, regardless of age or gender—feeling lazy? Pair an expensive tee with a pair of chinos, and throw on gold jewelry and red lipstick - a three-minute outfit. Keep your tees fitting perfectly by foregoing the harsh dryer and line or rack dry them to keep them looking fresh and flattering. 

Light Layers 

While this summer essential is up for interpretation based on your style, having light layers at the ready is essential for everyone. For you, it may look like your dad's old denim jacket, and for others, it may be a preppy cardigan, but they're essential to not leave home without. Unless you're in parts of the country where it's always scorching during the summer months, the weather fluctuates a lot during the season. Make sure you're comfortable no matter what you're doing by having a layer in your Louis Neverfull or at least in your car. Luck favors the prepared!

Carry-All 

Speaking of the Louis Neverfull, a tote or carry-all that can fit your needs for your long summer days is critical this time of year. Whether you're a mom who needs snacks and sunscreens every day while you're making memories with your kiddos, or you need your iPad or laptop with you for work, a stylish carry-all is key. Make sure you buy one that still matches your aesthetic and doesn't feel you need to be bound by outdated rules about less leather during summer. Ideally, you'd find a tote that's beautiful and durable enough to be used year-round and for myriad uses. 

Lastly, an essential piece for your summer style is a positive attitude. The great thing about fashion is you can express who you are and how you feel to the rest of the world without words. Please wear clothing that you feel confident in and makes you happy, so it's easier to spread that positivity that the world desperately needs right now.