Isn’t summer just the most magical season? This summer will no doubt look a little different than what we’re used to but I still have high hopes for a fun season under the sun. Summer is one of my favorite seasons to dress up for because I love all the summer wardrobe must haves out there including summer dresses, denim jackets, straw hats, woven bags, and more. There’s something about the balmy warm weather of summer that makes me so excited to bring out all my summer staples the minute summer hits.
Over this past weekend, we officially had the first day of summer 2020 and the longest day of the year but summer started in Charleston even before that. Our summer has been delicious so far though as the humidity has really taken its time to settle in (I’m not complaining!). To celebrate the summer solstice, I’m sharing my summer wardrobe must haves with y’all! In the summer, I’m prone to wearing white just as much as I am to wearing bright colors. In fact, the outfit in this post is the perfect example of this… lots of white with pops of bright blue! So, there’s really something (aka wardrobe essentials) for everyone in this post. From neutrals to colors and from casual jean shorts and white tees to dressed up midi dresses and elevated summer bags, the gangs all here!


Top (on sale for under $50!) / Jeans (old – similar, similar) / Purse / Sandals / Hat (old – similar, similar, similar)




Summer Wardrobe Must Haves
White T-Shirts
At the start of every summer season, I like to snag one or two new white t shirts. I wear my white tees so much over swimsuits, with denim shorts, or with white jeans so I go through them pretty quickly. Hence why a fresh white t-shirt can’t be beat in the summer! It is such a timeless look and one that Nancy Meyers puts all her leading ladies in (so you know it’s a summer essential).
Denim Jackets
Denim jackets are just easy! I always find myself dashing around and grabbing my denim jacket on the way out the door. The fact of the matter is that denim jackets go with everything and just look so cute slung over bare shoulders and a sundress.


Neutral Sandals
I definitely love a pop of color on my feet but neutral sandals make up the bulk of my summer footwear. I wear a lot of color in the summertime so neutral sandals help balance out my outfits. Slip on a pair of neutral sandals and you’re ready for a beach day, an al fresco meal on your patio, or date night!
Flowy Blouses
Flowy blouses, like the one I’m wearing in this post, are summer staples! On warm days, they are comfortable because they don’t cling to your skin. I love the voluminous look of a flowy blouse with a tapered jean or a pretty a-line skirt in the summer too.


Natural Purses
Natural purses are almost all I carry in the summer! Everything from straw bags to raffia purses to canvas totes to linen catchalls grab my attention. In the winter, I gravitate toward sleeker purse designs but in the summer, I’m all about natural purses.
Cropped Jeans
I adore a great cropped jean in the summertime. Jeans are still completely practical in the summer but I love the look of showing a little ankle for a fresh summer take on denim. From cropped skinny jeans to cropped jeans with a touch of flare, you can’t go wrong! P.S. Are you ready to wear your summery white jeans on repeat in the coming months? If so, then don’t miss my guide to the best white jeans including the 4 pairs of white jeans I swear by!
Sundresses
Summer fashion and sundresses go hand-in-hand in my book. You can’t have a summer wardrobe without sundresses! I would definitely say the bulk of my summer wardrobe is made up of sundresses because, on a hot day, nothing sounds better to slip on then a pretty flowy dress. I rounded up a few gorgeous options below including mini dresses, midi dresses, and maxi dresses!


Top (on sale for under $50!) / Jeans (old – similar, similar) / Purse / Sandals / Hat (old – similar, similar, similar)
Get my summer wardrobe must haves look:
What are your summer wardrobe must haves? Anything you find yourself wearing non-stop that I didn’t cover? It might depend on the climate where you live but I could easily see adding cute sneakers and lovely lightweight sweaters to this list. I’m also curious, are any of y’all traveling this summer? I am actually going to be flying later this week and I honestly feel alright about it. Part of me feels like an airplane is safer in terms of Covid than a visit to the grocery store as airlines are going above and beyond to protect their travelers and their businesses. I’ll let you know what it’s like! xx
Photography by Edwin Eversole