6 Must-Have Items to Update Your Wardrobe for Summer
Although it’s not officially summer yet, I think it’s safe to say the hottest season of the year is in full swing. Now that the warm weather calls for a change in fashion, it’s time to update your summer wardrobe. Of course, this doesn’t mean you have to spend tons of money on a closet full of new clothes. That’s why I found six trendy, yet versatile items that will keep your look stylish all summer long and can easily be paired with the items you already own.
No matter what your clothing budget this summer, rest assured that purchasing even one of the items below will help to freshen up your summer look:
1. A Straw Tote
Product Info: Flower Straw Bag- H&M, Fun in the Sun Beach Bag- PacSun, Foldover Shopper- Debenhams, Straw Crochet Bag- Debenhams, Straw and Sequin Bag- Calypso St. Barth for Target, Poppie Jones Straw Tote- DSW
Is there any bag out there that’s more quintessentially ”summer” than the straw tote? This classic carryall is laid-back, lightweight and earthy, making it perfect for summertime. Use one as your go-to summer bag or as a chic tote to carry your essentials to and from the beach.
2. Something Neon
Product Info: Orange Stripe Bow Back Dress- Dorothy Perkins, Striped Jersey Tank- J. Crew, Bandeau Bikini- Jessica Simpson Collection, Neon Yellow Top- H&M, Platform Sandal- Zara, Neon Belt- Hot Topic, Chain Necklace- Topshop
Add a punch of color to your wardrobe with neon clothes and accessories. Pick a piece in your favorite hue to instantly brighten up any ensemble. Not sure how to incorporate them into your look? Pair neons with neutrals for a trendy and foolproof warm-weather outfit.
3. A Floppy Sun Hat
Product Info: Summer Straw Hat- J. Crew, Stripe Floppy Hat- Tilly’s, Braided Floppy Hat- Jane Norman, Straw Ribbon Floppy Hat- Topshop, Two-Tone Hat with Bow- Zara, Purple Straw Hat- H&M
We’ve been waxing poetic about the oversized sun hat for the last few weeks at CF and rightfully so! This summer’s “it” accessory is not only stylish, but protects you from sun exposure — talk about a win-win. Wear a floppy sun hat with your swimsuit or your favorite sundress for a look that is both stylish and functional.
4. Colorful Shorts
Product Info: Shocking Pink Chino Shorts- J. Crew, Red Self-Tie Shorts- Forever 21, Mint Scallop Hem Tiered Shorts- Topshop, Sunshine Broderie Anglaise Trim Shorts- Topshop, Lilac Shorts- H&M, Rust High Seas Shorts- Forever 21
Give your trusty denim cut-offs a break this season and instead try a pair of brightly colored shorts. Whatever your color preference, you can be sure to find a pair in your favorite hue. Use them to add a pop of color to an outfit or pair these shorts with other bright pieces for a bold color-blocked look.
5. A Maxi Dress
Product Info: Floral Maxi Dress- Forever 21, Ethnic Print Maxi- Delia’s, Gray Halter Dress- Old Navy, Wild City Life Dress- ModCloth, Blue Floral Dress- Dorothy Perkins, Strolling the Sandbar Dress- ModCloth
These long, breezy dresses have been popular for several seasons now, so if you don’t already own one, get on it! Maxis can be easily dressed up or down and can even work as an impromptu beach cover-up. These versatile pieces have a distinct bohemian vibe and are a stylish alternative to the typical summer dress.
6. Espadrilles
Product Info: Espadrille Sun Wedges- Forever 21, Red Canvas Espadrille Flats- Dorothy Perkins, Canvas Espadrille High Wedge- Payless, Slingback Floral Wedge- ASOS, Espadrille Flat Sandal- ASOS, Floral Lace-up Espadrilles- Topshop
Espadrilles are always a popular choice for summertime, but this year they’ve gotten a makeover. They’re now available in countless styles, colors and patterns, so there’s a pair of espadrilles out there for everyone. Whether you like flats, lace-ups or the traditional wedged espadrille, you’re sure to find a pair that’s right for you.
What do you think?
How do you plan on updating your look for summer? What do you think of these items? Do you already own any of them? Be sure to leave a comment and let me know your thoughts!
Posted on on June 5, 2011 / Filed Under: Shopping / Tags: Espadrilles, Featured, Floppy sun hats, Handbags, Maxi Dress, Neon, Shorts, Spring 2011, Summer, Trends
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Lizzy
For some reason I don’t own any of these items.. except for the shorts maybe :)
Time to do some serious shopping! :D
Kaitlin
I can’t wait to get a pair of cute espadrilles, and I may go for a fedora over the floppy hat. But great suggestions! I feel like these posts are great because they kind of consolidate the items and styles that other posts have been written about into a wearable way.
A Little Petite
I definitely want a pair of colorful shorts! and a pair of black espadrilles! cant waitttt!! thanks for the post!
Stephanie
I own at least one of everything BUT the floppy sun hat! I have an afro, so trying to put one one would be difficult.
I tried one on from Icing (of claire’s) and it fit so nice! I think I’ll get it! They go so well with maxi dresses!
Liz
I love espadrille wedges, I think they’re the cutest summer shoe ever.
Slightly off-topic, I think it would be great if CF would do an article about dorm room essentials for the incoming fall freshmen who are clueless like me :P
Jordan
@Liz: Maybe these articles can help you out? :)
http://www.collegefashion.net/dorm-room/dorm-101-must-haves-for-dorm-room-organization/
http://www.collegefashion.net/dorm-room/college-dorm-room-shopping-part-4-decorations/ (4-part series)
Love the neon, shorts, hats and shoes!
Phoenix London
I love espadrilles! Can’t get enough of em.
And Liz: I totally agree! A dorm room essentials article would be so helpful. I have no idea what I need!
Alee
I just bought a pair of black espadrilles!! Can you do a post on how to wear them? :)
(Like different outfits) :) That would be fabb!
Lana
I love the purple floppy sun hat! So cute!
Ashley
Maybe it’s just me but none of these are my style and I would never want neon in my wardrobe? I’ve owned like 4 pairs of espadrilles so I will definitely have those, and I’ve thought about a maxi dress, but yeah nothing on this list is really jumping out at me.
Maya
I like the list, but mine would probably consist of wedges, something in animal print, and a really great fedora
Joanna
I like the list, but can you guys do a list of things to wear during a heatwave? I find myself wearing the same types of tees and shorts but are there cuter options for staying cool during 100 degree weather?
Kells
I love the floppy hats and straw totes but I think I prefer Maxi skirts over Maxi dresses because they are easier to mix and match with different tops. This one is super cute:
http://www.poetrie.com/features/new-arrivals/the-color-maxed-out-skirt.html
Marisa Lucille
Another great reason to wear maxis: they help protect you from burning hot car seats, plastic benches, and other surfaces that tend to scald your thighs in the summer. Great list!
tishag
For me, nothing says summer like a straw hat with a straw purse and a bright maxi dress! I love all of these great ideas and what’s even better is they fit anyone’s budget: From the spending conscienous fashionista to the everyday college student. I will keep an eye out for these hot fashions the next time I’m out shopping :)
Carol Tichie
hey, great ideas on the six items..i would like to add neon nail polish to the neon collection :)
Antoinette Miller
i own all except the bags, they aren’t my style.
maxine
Wow, that is a lot of stuff for me to find when going shopping!
beckysmith
I can’t wait to get a pair of cute espadrilles..I feel like these posts are great because they kind of consolidate the items and the styles that other posts have been written about into a wearable way…
madiesmith
I own at least one of everything BUT the floppy sun hat! I have an afro, so trying to put one one would be difficult.
Jo
Eh… none of these are really my style. I don’t really do bright colors or hats, and I like my dresses knee length. The black flowered sling-back wedges are pretty cute though.