Summer Style Guide: 5 Staples for Head to Toe

It’s finally the time of year for warm, breezy nights, dinner and drinks on restaurant patios, the smell of sunscreen, family trips, and of course – breaking out the shorts and sandals! Each new season inspires the desire to freshen up the closet with some new wardrobe essentials – out with the old, in with the new and on-trend pieces! Below, you will find several must-have staple pieces that can be worn over and over again and styled in many different ways throughout the summer. You will also notice that in each category, there are two options: one affordable piece and one investment piece. I hope you enjoy this fun summer style roundup!

1. A Straw Tote Bag

Straw tote bags are a sure sign that summer is here! Carrying a straw tote bag is a fun way to add texture to any outfit. The straw material is eye-catching and gives a coastal vibe. These handbags can accompany you to the beach or to a spring or summer wedding. You can dress up a straw tote bag by tying a colorful scarf around one side of the handle! These two bags are perfect for any summer outfit!

Target Straw Tote Handbag – $19.99

Free People Marrakech Straw Basket – $68.00

2. A Graphic Tee

Graphic tees are festive, fun, and often send light hearted messages. Not to mention, graphic tees are comfy and effortlessly stylish. They are perfect for wearing on vacation or to concerts. You can dress down a graphic tee with distressed denim and white Converse or other fashion sneakers, or you can dress up a graphic tee with a maxi skirt and a statement necklace. These two graphic tees will add a pop of color to your outfits! You can also add a touch of femininity to any graphic tank by wearing a bralette underneath! (Learn more about styling bralettes here!)

Nordstrom Vitamin Sea Graphic Tee by Sub_Urban Riot – On sale for $20.42

Evereve No Worries Tank by Sundry – $68.00

3. A Summer Bronzer

Having a go-to summer bronzer is the perfect alternative to baking in the sun! Applying bronzer at the edge of your hairline and your cheekbones will give you a healthy, sun-kissed look. After doing some research, I found a dupe for the dusty rose colored ‘Dallas’ bronzer by Benefit! I own the ‘Dallas’ bronzer by Benefit, and let me just say that I am obsessed! I can’t wait to try the dupe so I can save a little $$$, however, the ‘Dallas’ Bronzer by Benefit won’t necessarily break the bank since it is highly pigmented and will last a long time!

Balm Desert Bronzer/Blush by theBalm – on sale for $17.69

Dallas Box ‘o’ Powder Blush by Benefit – $29.00

4. A Pair of Statement Earrings

Along with a straw tote bag, the only other accessory needed in order to create a head-turning outfit is a pair of statement earrings. You can wear these earrings with jeans or with a summer dress! Statement earrings will instantly dress up any look. These two pairs come in different colors so you can choose which color you would wear most! Colorful statement earrings pair best with a neutral outfit.

BaubleBar Artemis Tassel Earrings – $34

Kate Spade Garden Party Statement Earrings – $128

5. The Hottest Summer ’17 Platform Wedges

If you follow fashion bloggers on social media, you’ve likely seen the sassy, 70s inspired Marc Fisher ‘Adalyn’ espadrille wedges styled in many ways. What makes these wedges a summer staple shoe is not only the chunky platform wedge and ankle strap details that slenderize the legs, but also how comfortable they are! Fashion bloggers love to take these ‘it’ wedges on vacations to foreign countries which means… lots of walking is involved! Thankfully, DSW created an affordable dupe for these investment-worthy Marc Fisher wedges, and I’ve included both options below. Take your pick!

DSW Jaylen Wedge Sandal by Steve Madden – $59.95

‘Adalyn’ Espadrille Wedge Sandal – $159.95

I hope this article inspires you to freshen up your wardrobe by collecting one or a few fashion-forward yet versatile pieces you’ll fall in love with for years to come. If you’re sentimental like me, some of these items could stand out in your memory as pieces you wore while making some amazing memories with loved ones. Happy shopping!