I love the laid-back, easiness of Summer…but even though it’s more of a minimalist season for me, I still rely on a few necessities to stay comfortable and chic. These key pieces are essential to a stylish Summer.
one // flip-flops
What’s Summer without flip-flops?! I pretty much live in them…with everything from swimsuits to shorts, sundresses and skirts. These are my favorite brand, not only for their vibrant colors and patterns, but the squishy footbed that’s comfortable all-day and holds up well for years.
two // wide-brim hat
We spend a lot of time outdoors, but my face is one thing that rarely sees the sun! Hats not only shield my face, but conceal whack pool/beach hair! #bonus This colorful striped cutie has a wide brim and is so chic…I’d love it with a black one-piece!
three // oversized sunglasses
Another styling piece that plays double-duty…oversized sunglasses protect your eyes (and keep you from squinting!), but also make your whole look more stylish. Seriously, throw on a hat, sunglasses, and some bright lipstick, and no one knows you just climbed out of the pool (or bed!).
four // CC Cream with SPF
My make-up routine is always pretty basic, but even more so in the Summer. But this CC Cream is the one product I wear daily, regardless of the season or occasion. Of course the SPF50 is great, but I honestly love it for the ability to transform the appearance of my skin. It smooths, lightly covers, and stays put all day. I don’t wear any other foundation or powder…just this, plus bronzer and blush!
five // scarf
Cotton bandanas can be used as headbands, tied around your neck, or even on the handle of your bag…and this bright lemon print is so on-trend this season!
six // straw tote
If you have kids, then you aren’t traveling lightly to the pool or beach! Towels, sunscreen, goggles, snacks, toys…the list goes on! Big bags are essential for lugging it all, and why not look cute doing it? This bag had me at pom-poms! I even carry a smaller straw bag as my daily handbag during the Summer months.
seven // embroidered top
Lightweight and colorful, this embroidered tank is darling for Summer.
eight // two-piece swimsuit
I’m often asked how to know if you’re ‘too old’ to wear a bikini. My motto in pretty much all things fashion, whether you’re 25 or 75, is to wear what makes you comfortable. So if there comes a time when you feel uncomfortable in a bikini (or shorts, or rompers, etc), then stop wearing them. Forget ‘rules’ and expectations…how do you feel wearing these things? If you feel good and comfortable, then wear it! No one dies wishing they’d worn the one-piece swimsuit! #amiright?! As I get older though, I lean more towards classic and chic shapes in bikinis…like solid colors, scallops, fuller-coverage, etc…this two-piece fits the bill, and is chic for all ages.
nine // swimshirt
Swimshirts (or rash guards) have come a lot way, in both construction and perception, and are now stylish additions to your beach-side outfit. There are so many fun prints to coordinate your swimsuit, and provide essential sun protection.
ten // lightweight dresses
Breezy dresses are my go-to for hot days, even more so than shorts. I dress them up with wedges, or pair them with sandals or sneakers for errands. They even make great cover-ups! In fact, the majority of my cover-ups are actually dresses (I love this tank dress for the pool, too).
eleven // shorts
I have a weakness for bright shorts…they’re so fun and stylish paired with fun tops, or even a basic tee. These are favorites, and I love the different lengths available.
twelve // one-piece swimsuit
Even though I wear two-pieces, sometimes a mom needs more support and coverage! I think we’ve all suffered a wardrobe-malfunction jumping in the pool or waves #amIright?! I recently fell for this chic one-piece, but I love this high-neck option, too.
thirteen // outdoor games
The two most-dreaded words of Summer?! ‘I’m bored!’ This croquet set is not only a fun game, but so cute as decor on your porch!
fourteen // outdoor blanket
Oversized towels or blankets are great for spreading out on the sand or hot pavement, and even picnics in the park. I love the print and light weight of this one.
fifteen // sunscreen
Stylish accessories aside, the #1 Summer essential is sunscreen! We keep bottles with us every time we head-out, but this giant jug of Supergoop sits on our porch for everyone to load-up before getting in the sun! I discovered this brand a couple of years ago, and I’m a total convert…plus, it’s the only brand my kids don’t squirm and complain about!
sixteen // pool float
Give a kid a float, and you’ve got hours of peaceful, poolside reading time! And all the colorful shapes available now actually add to your backyard decor.
What’s in your Summer arsenal? Anything you can’t live without, or swear by for a Summer of Fun?
That flamingo floatie is everywhere. I didn’t want one at first because it seemed like everyone had one, but it’s growing on me. A donut one would be top for summer!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Um, so I need all of this! Such good stuff!
Now THAT’S a great round up!!!!
Omg I love IT’s cc cream! It’s the bomb. I use the bronze color in the summer. It’s flawless and gives me a little more color than the tan. Your fab list ins only missing one thing…some workout clothes?? lol #abercrombiefitnessapproved http://www.abercrombieandfitness.com
I just started using super goop sunscreen and love it. It smells great and doesn’t feel like sunscreen. I love that round towel-cute!
Wear a bikini every chance you get while you still look good in them. There will come a time when no matter how much you work out, it won’t look good on you. Wear them 24/7 if you can. You’ll know when to hang up the strings and head for the tankini and one piece.
Same goes for short shorts.
I have seen the super goop sunscreen but never tried it. But I think I will now.
Thanks for sharing.
That one-piece is so stikin’ cute on but I am short waisted and it was just a tad weird around the neck for me. I was so sad!