12 Summer Style Staples You Need in Your Closet

Summertime and the weather is fine, but your closet might need a bit of an update after a few summers of being cooped up inside. Fortunately, certain summer-style staples never go out of style.

Here are the 12 summer-style staples you need in your closet for a refreshed and classic look.

Long summer dress

The long summer dress is an absolute must-have summer style staple you need in your closet. These dresses, now called the “coastal granny” look, helps to keep you cool on hot days without sticking to seats in the heat. Long dresses look great on everyone from petite to plus size and come in all sorts of patterns. When you choose the right one, this can be a flawless day-to-night look for those summer soirees or semi-formal weddings. All you need to carry your long summer dress to any occasion is to switch out the shoes, add some makeup, and accessorize with the right jewelry.

Flowing short dress

The short dress that flows is one style you cannot go without. Since it doesn’t hug your body and show too much of your shape off, it has a flirtatious look without being revealing. This look pairs well with white sneakers for walks or more of a tennis style. And remember, just because the dress is short doesn’t mean you can’t make it into an innocent look. You can put short spandex underneath to go casual. Or, on the opposite end, bring a pair of wedges with you and twirl your way into a romantic evening.

Denim shorts

No summer wardrobe is ever complete without denim shorts. It’s a classic staple essential to any closet, and it’s not going out of style anytime soon. Denim shorts go well with loose-fitted tops, wedges, tight-fitted tops, and cute flats. They’re perfect for that casual, just left the house look or worn over a bathing suit. 

Casual t-shirt

The casual t-shirt can transform your closet and quickly become your most worn and favorite item. Summer becomes sticky, and the casual t-shirt is a quick fix for any occasion. Wear a band shirt with your bathing suit and a casual white with those denim shorts. You can even throw a nice t-shirt over a long or short summer dress for added flair and a trendy style, just synch it at the waist and tie it.

Comfortable walking shoes

When the weather hits that ideal balance of warm air and cool breeze, you’ll be glad to have added comfortable walking shoes to your closet as a summer staple. These comfortable walking shoes won’t just get you from point A to point B but will keep your feet comfortable and allow you to enjoy more of the outdoors. Take advantage of the beautiful weather and get a pair of neutral color or white, flat, comfortable shoes. Sneakers double great as this option with the right outfit. Or try a pair of boat shoes or orthopedic flats.

Dressy wedges

In summer, we tend to spend a lot of our time in grassy, or outdoor areas. And heels have a terrible reputation for sinking in and getting ruined quickly. Add dressy wedges to your summer closet to avoid that sinking feeling but still gain some height. They go well with a nice pair of shorts or any dress, and you won’t get that all-too-familiar discomfort from being in them all day.

Day-to-night sandals

Nothing can compare to sandals that are so comfortable and versatile that you can just wear them all day long. Day-to-night sandals can be platform wedges or dressier flats, dependent on your taste. This look will transform your jeans, long, and short dress. The best part is that you can easily pack them away in your summer or oversized tote bag.

Versatile tote bag

A tote bag might be made for the beach but it’s meant to be taken everywhere. Buy a tote that you can carry your beach towel and magazines in, but also doubles as a trendy oversized bag for your late nights. Because tote bags are made for movement, they’re sturdy and can be thrown around a lot. They go great with all summer occasions, all-weather, and all hours.

Matching linen top and bottom

Linen is a breathable fabric and is perhaps the most apparent summer style staple you need in your closet. But why settle for one item when you can get a matching linen top and bottom that you can either wear together or mix and match.

White shirt

The white shirt is a must-have for your summer wardrobe. It can be linen, denim, a t-shirt, or a button-down. Whatever style you choose, the white shirt makes summer feel lighter and airier. Plus, white is a color that can be paired with any other color on any occasion.

White jeans

Now that you have a white shirt, you need white jeans. White jeans can be casual or dressy because you can accessorize them with any things. Grab the right belt or shoes, and those white jeans can be worn anywhere except for a formal wedding. 

All-wear sunglasses

What is summertime without all-wear sunglasses? Pick a pair that can take you from bar-b-que to an outdoor bar or beach anytime.

Let your wardrobe do all the talking with these summer-style staples in your closet. Once you check these off, you’ll quickly realize that the other things in your closet are merely extras.