10 Cute Summer Outfits With Must Have Wardrobe Essentials
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As the temperatures begin to rise, it’s time for some cute summer fashion. We’re helping you build a summer essentials list for comfortable and casual summer fits while still staying on a budget. We are big fans of keeping our summer clothes minimalistic, with comfortable, casual attire that you can build a summer capsule wardrobe with. That means that these summer must-haves can transition with you into the other seasons, leaving you with an endless array of cute outfit ideas.
We’ve compiled this summer outfit list from some of our favorite affordable retailers (like Amazon & Nordstrom!), while also mixing and matching more expensive, classic pieces to give your wardrobe a cool, lived-in look.
Here are our summer clothing favorites for cute outfit ideas in 2023 (and beyond!).
10 Wardrobe Essentials for Summer Outfits
Neutral Sandals
The neutral sandal, usually in a beige or tan color, is the perfect footwear to add into your summer wardrobe. Not only is a low heel or flat sandal comfortable to wear with a summer casual outfit, it transitions well into fall or spring outfits, too. A simple neutral leather sandal can be both comfortable for everyday looks or dressed up with a summer dress or mini skirt. Plus, the neutral coloring will work with a variety of cute outfits and is a staple in any capsule wardrobe.
Shop:
STRAW HAT | WHITE DRESS | GOLD EARRINGS | BASKET CLUTCH | SUNGLASSES | WHITE SANDALS
Maxi Dress
A white or multi-colored maxi dress is an easy way to dress up a casual summer outfit. Long summer dresses create an effortless boho look or beach dress, but can also be dressed up to look chic for a wedding. An added benefit is that maxi dresses are lightweight and breathable, making them the perfect choice for the summer heat or vacation.
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STRAW HAT | WHITE COVERUP | GOLD EARRINGS | SWIMSUIT | BASKET CLUTCH | SUNGLASSES | NEUTRAL SANDALS
Straw Hat
A straw panama hat or fedora is quintessential summer style. The neutral colors allow you to pair it with endless outfit combinations, which being able to provide sun protection and a cover for day three dirty hair. Plus, straw hats have the benefit of being easily packable and vacation-friendly. The best fit for summer!
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BODYSUIT | COVERUP | LAYERED NECKLACE | GOLD EARRINGS | DISTRESSED SHORTS | SUNGLASSES | WHITE SNEAKERS
Coverup/Wrap
When creating a summer wardrobe, we love a piece that can do double duty. Consider these wraps your summer cardigan! Plus, it can be the perfect jacket fo a crop top and shorts or easily double as a coverup for pool parties over your swimsuit. Traditional summer shawls are often lightweight and breathable, but we love white lacy boho options as well!
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GOLD EARRINGS | WHITE BLOUSE | LAYERED NECKLACE | DISTRESSED SHORTS | SUNGLASSES | WHITE SNEAKERS
High Rise Jean Shorts
Nothing says summer quite like a pair of denim jean shorts! Whether you’re into the high waisted mom jeans style, or you prefer a more distressed and ripped jean short, there are plenty of options for you. For us, denim shorts are classically American and fit perfectly into a summer wardrobe. Dress up denim with a pair of neutral sandals and a white button up or mix and match your style with a simple tank top and flats for a cool summer outfit.
Want true summer fashion? Try a pair of plain white denim shorts (with a denim jacket!) to keep the entire light, bright, and the perfect summer ‘fit.
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GOLD EARRINGS | WHITE SHIRT | LAYERED NECKLACE | DISTRESSED JEANS | SUNGLASSES | NEUTRAL SANDALS
White Shirt
The classic white shirt blouse is an absolute must have for any wardrobe. Perfect for a business casual outfit for the office or a casual, relaxed day running errands, the white blouse is an absolute staple piece.
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BODYSUIT | CROSSBODY BAG | GOLD EARRINGS | DISTRESSED JEANS | SUNGLASSES | WHITE SNEAKERS
White Sneakers
Much like a white blouse, a classic pair of white sneakers is a must-have piece in a capsule wardrobe. While white shoes give off a spring and summer vibe, they can easily be repurposed for all seasons and will be a timeless edition to your wardrobe. We recommend keeping the white shoes simple and without design or embellishment so that they can the most versatile piece in your collection.
Shop:
BODYSUIT | LAYERED NECKLACE | GOLD EARRINGS | DISTRESSED SHORTS | STRAW HAT | WHITE SANDALS
Gold Jewelry
Gold jewelry has always been popular, but has recently been making a comeback. We prefer simple, minimalistic and dainty gold chains and pendants, but if you are looking for more of a statement piece, we love a layered gold necklace look. If you are unsure of where to begin, we recommend layering necklaces of different lengths and thickness to achieve the look that you desire!
Shop: HALTER DRESS | GOLD EARRINGS | BASKET BAG | BASKET CLUTCH | NEUTRAL SANDALS
Basket Bag
A basket bag is often made of straw, bamboo, or rattan, and gives a very summer vibe to any outfit idea. While this may feel like a more seasonal addition to your wardrobe, these bags can be worn with a variety of styles and looks. Add in their neutral color palette and you have an easy way to add a pop of excitement into your wardrobe.
Shop:
GOLD EARRINGS | WHITE BLOUSE | BASKET CLUTCH | RELAXED JEANS | SUNGLASSES | NEUTRAL SANDALS
Relaxed Jeans
Just like denim shorts, jeans are inherently a classic trend. Whether you’re interested in created a capsule collection or simply adding to your summer wardrobe, a comfortable pair of relaxed denim jeans will be an item you will carry with you in your closet for years. We recommend avoiding over distressed denim options or other trendy outfits and pick a quality pair of denim to add in your wardrobe.