When summer arrives, there are a slew of must-haves I swear by. I make quite a few swaps and updates for the warmer weather to ensure I stay cool, comfortable, and stylish. Summer is such a fun season as it’s full of time outside, beach days, pool days, and usually a little summer vacation.
Preparing for the summer months may include a few essential swaps and updates. Getting ready for the warm weather not only includes planning your summer travel and activities, but also updating your essentials. So today I want to share with you my essential summer must-haves from beauty, to fashion and accessories to ensure you have a fun, memorable, and fabulous summer. These are the summer essentials every woman needs to have on hand before the season kicks off
29 Summer Must-Haves
Must-Have Beauty Products For Summer
An SPF You’ll Use
SPF should be worn all year round, so finding one you’ll use that works with your skin is key. But come summer when you start spending more time outside and in the sun, it’s important to take your SPF more seriously. That means SPF for your body and your face.
Powder SPF
When I’m on the go, I like to have a powder SPF like the Supergoop! setting SPF powder. You just reapply this powder over your face and it protects your skin from the sun. This SPF beauty product has saved me many many times and in a pinch I also add it to my shoulders and arms.
SPF Chapstick
Protecting your lips is crucial in the summer time. You can easily get burned on your lips when out and about during the day in the sun. So be sure to pack an SPF chapstick to keep in your bag at all times.
Waterproof Setting Spray
A setting spray is always required when doing my makeup. But for summer and the extra sweat and humidity, a waterproof setting spray is the key here. One of my go-to for setting my makeup is the Urban Decay’s All Nighter setting spray. It’s an essential summer beauty product to have in your makeup bag.
Megababe Thigh Rescue
Chafing be gone thanks to Katie Sturino’s brilliant invention, Megababe Thigh Rescue. This is one of those summer necessities to protect your inner thighs from the dreaded chafing.
Tinted Moisturizer
When I’m thinking about the things you need for summer, a lighter makeup routine is key. Having a tinted moisturizer to use instead of a heavy foundation is the makeup swap summer needs. I like to also find one that has SPF in it for a little extra sun protection.
Exfoliating Cleanser
When summer comes around, so does all the sweat. And it’s important to update your skincare routine if you do get more sweaty and oily in the warmer months. A summer skincare routine will look a little different than your winter skincare routine. I usually combat my even oilier skin in the heat by swapping out my gentle cleanser for an exfoliating cleanser. This helps to remove excess oil and bacteria to prevent breakouts.
Exfoliating Toner
Another summer skincare essential I add to my summer skincare routine is an exfoliating toner. As an oily person, I sometimes use this year-round, but sparingly. However, come summer with my excess oil production and skin tone, I up the number of times per week I am using an exfoliating toner. You can read more about the best skincare routine fo oily skin here.
Must-Have Outfits For Summer For Women
When dreaming up summer outfit ideas, I am almost always focusing on fabric! Whether I’m heading to the beach, or a walk with friends, or date night on a patio, cotton and linen are king this time of year. Here are a few must have outfit for summer I love to have on rotation andwo are the summer wardrobe must-haves I come back to every year
A Go To Beach Outfit
Summer time means beach time. Or pool time, which I prefer! But easy beach outfits are a must. Try cotton, linen or openwork dresses or oversized shirts paired with linen or denim shorts. Another favorite beach coverup is just a skirt thrown on over your suit.
Hot Girl Walk Outfits
I’m all for a good hot girl walk either with a friend to catch up, or a solo walk to get caught up on an audiobook. And my go-to hot girl walk outfit in the summer months is always a workout dress. They’re so comfortable, cute and are one and done. Biker shorts and a long line bra are a great option too for those really hot days.
Matching Sets For Summer
In the summer months, I find myself really leaning into matching sets. They’re just a really easy way to get dressed when it’s too hot to think and you instantly looked pulled together. I have a few sets from linen and cotton button downs with shorts, to more elevated options. Matching sets are just a favorite for the summer months and there’s so many options for women to choose from that fit your style.
Casual Mini Dress For Summer
I’m a denim girl all year round, but for summer, I also turn into a dress person. It’s just a comfortable way to stay cool. And summer I think lends itself to the cutest summer dress options. So many to choose from but I always look at the fabric composition to ensure I stay comfortable and cool in the heat. I look for cotton and linen only. These fabrics are breathable and comfortable.
A casual mini dress is one of my go-to pieces for summer. Whether you go for a classic cotton tank mini dress, or an a-line dress that’s more relaxed and breathable, it’s a must have for summer.
Summer Maxi Dress
When you want to look pulled together with minimal effort, I love a long flowy linen maxi dress. They’re so chich and cool. And they also feel really effortless. Just add a simple flat sandal and woven bag.
Date Night Summer Outfits
I love getting dressed up for summer for dinners out whether it’s date night or a girls night. As the night cools off a bit, you can wear a few more things in your closet like your jeans, or linen blazers and so on. Pull out those strappy heels, or platform summer shoes.
Crochet Pieces
Another favorite fabric for summer are all things crochet. Try a crochet or open-work style top paired with denim shorts, or try a crochet dress or skirt. It gives serious vacation vibes, and feels really special too.
Linen Pants
Linen pants are summer wardrobe must-haves in my book. Both for the weekend, and also to the office. You’ll get so much use out of these from dressing them up or down, and bonus points for them being breathable and comfortable. And if you’re wondering how to style linen pants, it’s really super simple. Fitted cotton tank and a strappy heel is always my go-to.
Shorts You Love
I love a good pair of summer shorts, but it’s imperative to find a pair you really love. Ones you feel good in and can wear with all your favorite things. I have been loving Madewell’s perfect vintage shorts, Everlane’s a-line short and linen trouser style shorts. Here are some cute summer outfits with shorts to get you out of your outfit rut.
Must-Have Shoes For Summer
Strappy Sandals
Give me all the strappy sandals for summer. The trend is leaning strappy with toe loops and interesting colors and details. But a simple lace up sandal or thong sandal, flip flop, you name it, is a perfect option too. And this goes for heeled sandals as well. The caged sandal look is very in at the moment and is a perfect summer shoe choice.
Espadrilles
A summer must-have is always a great pair of espadrilles. They’re are truly a timeless shoe choice and will stand the test of time. And be sure you’re tying your espadrilles the right way for ultimate support!
Summer Sneaker
Having a comfortable, and breathable, summer sneaker is key for those hot days you want to get in a lot of steps. I love a good pair of Converse, my high top and platform ones are my personal favorites. Canvas is a great option since they are more breathable and lightweight.
Summer Platforms
I love a platform shoe for any season. So come summer, I love to bring out my platform heels like the above See By Chloe ones, or woven or rattan platforms. It’s a fun way to update your everyday heels for summer.
Must-Have Summer Accessories
Cute Claw Clips
Summer calls for getting that hair up and off your neck when it’s hot. Cute claw clips are necessary this time of year and can help make your look more fun and colorful. I love a bold claw clip to make throwing up my hair a little more exciting than just putting it in a ponytail holder when the warm weather strikes.
Straw Bags
A must have fashion accessory for summer is a great straw bag. The styles change from year to year, but find one that fits your personal style and needs. Look at the style of bags you tend to gravitate towards the most, and find something in that silhouette with some straw detail.
Whether it’s a small crossbody, or a large tote, or maybe a cool shoulder bag, there are so many options. One of the best straw bags I’ve ever owned is just a simple large jute tote with leather handles. It can work as a beach tote, or an everyday bag. I also love to have a great evening bag that’s in a straw or woven material to spruce up your going out looks.
Summer Bags
While woven bags are a go-to, there are other summer bag styles for women to choose from. Try lightweight woven leather, smaller crossbodies in soft colors, and the popular East West handbag style. I usually leave the suede and heavy leather stored for summer, and reach for lighter pieces.
Summer Belts
Swapping out your brown leather belt, for one that’s woven can make all the difference in the vibe of your outfit. But also right now we are seeing a trend for heavier metals on belts. Lots of interesting buckles and metallic detailing. A simple swap to your everyday belt can make a whole difference in a simple tee and shorts outfit. Here are some tips on how to style a belt.
Sunglasses
Sunglass trends come and go, and that’s honestly something that’s kind of fun about them. I like to grab a few affordable pairs that feel more trendy for the moment, while still relying on my nicer ones that feel classic like my Karen Walkers or Ray Ban aviators. Sunnies are a must to complete your outfit and also protect your eyes from the harsh UV rays and bright sun.
Summer Hats
Protect your skin by adding a summer hat to your look. It’s also a really fun accessory and can make your summer outfit feel more complete and intentional. But if you want to protect your skin from the sun, this is a fashionable way to do that.
TopTote Hat Clip
I love this little invention so much. The TopTote hat clip secures your hat to your bag with a simple clip and magnet. I am never without this if I plan to wear a hat. Instead of carrying it around if you want to take it off, you simply clip it and you’re hands are free!
Summer Undergarments
Summer dresses and tops may require special undergarments so you can confidently wear your closet. I am a firm believer in having the right undergarments for the things you already own so you can reach for things in your closet and wear them with ease.
Every closet may be different, but generally speaking, I like to have the right bras, lightweight shapewear and other essential undergarments for the summer months. Lightweight shapewear will help with smoothing and also coverage with short dresses and skirts. I like having boob tape or nipple covers on hand for backless or low cut pieces. You can learn more about my favorite undergarments to wear under summer dresses here.
Don’t head into summer unprepared for the heat, sun and sweat. These are my summer necessities from beauty products, summer accessories and essential summer wardrobe capsule items to have. Year after year, these are the pieces and products I swear by. Sure, the trends may change slightly over time, but the categories themselves are always a must-have for summer.
