Summer Fashion Essentials
Hello, my little fashionBstas, long time no see! Far too long for me if I’m being honest. This article is going to be all about my Summer fashion must-haves, as here in Chicago, Summer has begun, and oh, begun it certainly has. How am I surviving the heat, you ask? By serving up fresh, cool lewks, duh! Let’s break it down now.
Clothing
Basic Tanks
I am notorious for the basic top, fun bottom pairing, always, but especially in the Summer. A basic tank that you feel confident in is a great way to kick off an outfit. After that, the possibilities are endless. Mini skirt? Sure! Maxi skirt? Sure! Denim? Sure! Linen? Why not! I recommend starting with black, grey, and white. However, I love a fun-colored tank with some denim. My personal favorite tank is Abercrombie’s “Essential Scoopneck Tank” in a size down from my usual size.
Maxi Skirts
Another thing I’m notorious for, the “pilgrim skirt,” as coined by my friends and me. I have one black maxi skirt with a drawstring (from Target last Summer) that I love wearing with a basic or graphic t-shirt and sandals or even sneakers. I also have a flowy white maxi skirt that goes perfectly with a basic or cutesy tank and pretty much requires a belly chain. They are my favorite bottoms to wear to dinner or drinks with my girls, they make any outfit instantly more Summery.
FUN Linen Pants
Linen pants for the Summer are an absolute must for me. From work, to running errands, to drinks with the girls- linen pants are there for you, any occasion. They’ve been trending for a few Summers now, but I’m begging you, this Summer let’s take it to the next level. I want to see fun patterns and colors, give me stripes, give me florals, give me jewel tones. Let’s spice it up a little bit! I have a pair of bright blue cargo linens and a pair of wide leg patterned black and white linens (featured on @bits.and.beths on Instagram- link below) that take what could’ve been a boring outfit to the next level. 10/10 would recommend.
Shoes
Comfy Sandals
It’s Summer, obviously you need a good pair of sandals. That fresh pedi has got to be shown off somehow! There are so many options for this category. You could go with a name brand like Birkenstock or Teva, personal favorites of mine, or you could literally walk into any store that sells shoes and find something different. Actually, I found my favorite pair of sandals for $7 at Forever 21 two Summers ago. The most important thing when you buy sandals is actually not how they look (crazy, I know), but how comfortable they feel on your feet, because the thing about sandals is you never know where you’re going to end up when you’re wearing them. You go to dinner with your friends, and all of a sudden, you’re bar hopping after. You go to the beach, and all of a sudden, you’re walking to happy hour after. (Hm… why can I only think of drinking examples?) Your shoes had better be comfortable.
Versatile Sneakers
To me, versatile sneakers are arguably more important than a good pair of sandals in the Summer. Why? Because in the Summer, I am OUTSIDE and I am WALKING in a CITY! I need a good pair of shoes that can stand the test of a puddle and a six-mile walk. This Summer (and this entire year), my go-to sneakers have been two pairs of Target Sambas dupes, one Leopard print and the other metallic silver. MIND YOU! I got both of these shoes, with memory foam insoles, for $60 total. I’ve worn them on walks, to work, to the bars, to dinner, you name it. The thing about patterned or colorful shoes is that you have to buy ones that you already know could match multiple pieces in your closet; otherwise, you will not wear them. If you find a pair that matches a lot in your closet, I promise you’ll wear them so much and you’ll get so many compliments because everyone loves a fun sneaker.
Accessories
Belly Chains
Oh my gosh, you guys, the power of a belly chain. The low waist belly chain combo is UNMATCHED! There is nothing like me in Cancer season, maxi skirt in low waist mode, with a belly chain draped right above the waistband, below the belly button. If you’re not into the low waist look, a belly chain can still amp up any mid to high waisted look, it looks just as good draped over a skirt or linen pants as it does above (also shown on Insta!) I have thin ones and thick ones, I just can’t get enough!
Maximalist Jewelry
It might be too hot to layer your clothes to elevate a look, but we can make up for that by wearing an excessive amount of jewelry. Name something better than a tan paired with a good necklace and/or bracelet stack. Right, right, that’s what I thought. Give me three chunky necklaces, bangles galore, and an anklet right now. Summer is also the absolute perfect time for funky earrings. Show me flowers, show me fruits, show me shells, show me animals, I want it ALL! Did you forget you were that girl this morning? Do you need the reminder? Put on some fun earrings, and I guarantee everyone around you will remind you.
Funky Hair Accessories
I am a long-haired in the Summer survivor. I actually run the support group here in Chicago. However, I would not be a survivor if it were not for funky hair accessories, specifically claw clips. There are so many fun claw clips on the market right now. I have a gold one for when I want to dress up a little more, and I’ve got a whole pack of flower girlies for more casual days. Beyond “clawps,” there are fun-shaped barettes, there are headbands, there are scarves, there are hair bands with cute little charms on them, the possibilities are truly endless.
Summer fashion is my favorite fashion, and I’m so glad I got to share a bit about it this week. I hope to see all of y’all in some colorful, funky outfits in the foreseeable future!
Write you soon!
Beth
