July 20, 2021
NewsSummer is right around the corner. If there’s one thing that we’ve learnt, it’s that heatwaves come at the least expected moment. It’ll be raining one moment, and the next you’ve got record breaking temperatures. This summer, we’re committed to being prepared for whatever heatwave comes our way. While we love a chance to sit outside with a cocktail and sunbath (with SPF on!), it can make getting dressed a little tricky. No one wants to wear layers upon layers of clothes during a heatwave but finding weather-appropriate clothing can be difficult.
This guide shows you everything that you need in your summer closet to be heatwave ready. Don’t forget to buy a few extra bottles of SPF (and reapply!), along with keeping a sun hat or bucket hat nearby to protect your face from the sun. We’re rounding up twenty of our must-have summer buys to see you through the season and help you survive the heat.
We’re covering everything from the oversized sunglasses that you can’t afford to sleep on, along with swimsuits and the dresses that everyone will be wearing this season. With sunshine on our doorstep, it’s time to treat yourself and click ‘add to basket’. Trust us. You’re worth it!
If there’s one thing you should be thinking about during the summer, it’s how to protect yourself from the sun. The heat and humidity can dehydrate your hair and leave frizz behind. Wearing a bucket hat not only protects your scalp, but it serves as an extra layer of protection for your skin against the UV rays.
Is it even summer if you don’t buy a new swimsuit? Splurge on a one-shoulder swimsuit that you can post all over your Instagram feed. If you’re only planning to make one splurge purchase this summer, let it be a new swimsuit. We’re obsessed with this Maygel Coronel ruffled one-shoulder swimsuit – it’s a classic that you can wear for years on end.
If you haven’t already bought yourself a pair of Birkenstocks, then now is the time. These shoes are everywhere you look on social media, with celebrities and influencers alike rocking the style. These shoes can go with you everywhere this summer, whether you’re having brunch with your girlfriends or sipping cocktails at the pool bar.
One of the biggest trends of 2021 is cut-out or cutaway dresses. Whatever your style preference is, you’re guaranteed to find a silhouette that works for you. While back cut-outs are a conventional choice, you can find this style with more innovative cutaways elsewhere on the garment. This cut-out dress by H&M is top of our wishlist. This dress is one of the most versatile style that you can choose and will see you through any event this summer.
The basket bag is a trend that comes back in style every summer. If you don’t already own a basket bag, now is the time. This silhouette and style are perfect for day trips to the beach or to carry your essentials to a friend’s garden party or engagement shower. You can hold everything you’ll need for a summer BBQ or cocktail party. We’re fans of this budget-friendly version from H&M.
Summer is a time of special occasions like birthdays, graduations, and weddings. Whatever events you have on your social calendar, you want to have a midi dress in your closet that you can rely on to see you through it all. A midi-dress works for any occasion and has a universally flattering silhouette. You can wear it to brunch one day, and a friend’s birthday bash the next. You can splurge on a midi-dress from The Vampire’s Wife or keep it simple with this voluminous tube top midi dress from & Other Stories.
Along with a swimsuit, a summer essential will always be oversized sunglasses. One trend that we’re loving this season is coloured framed. You can pick up a budget-friendly style from ASOS or splurge on classic Gucci frames. You can even think outside the box and choose a style with a coloured lenses for a dramatic look.
Most of us spend summer sitting outside sunbathing and trying to get a natural tan. Terry cotton shorts are one of our staples for the season. They’ll keep you looking cool and stylish all summer long, whether or not you’re heading to the gym. You can pick up an affordable style from NA-KD or go all out with STAUD shorts.
Speaking of clothes that will keep you cool; every woman needs a linen top in their closet. Once the temperatures start to rise, you’ll be glad to have it to keep you cool. You can keep it classic with a front tie linen blouse or choose a more structured peplum style silhouette.
If you’re looking to make a splurge purchase this summer, look no further than the classic Hermes leather sandals. These summer shoes will never go out of style. We’ve added the Camelia sandals to this list as a less common version of the Oran sandals that are amongst the brand’s best-selling items.
When you’re planning to sit at the poolside instead of getting into the water, you want a two-piece bikini to help you get an even tan. Nothing looks chicer than a matching bikini set during the summer. If you want a feminine look, we recommend the Loveshackfancy floral rigley bikini.
Along with your midi-dress, you want to have a midi-skirt in your close that you can wear on days when you don’t want a dress. You’re spoilt for choice with hundreds of styles to choose from. We love this frilled midi skirt from & Other Stories, along with the midi pleated skirt from NA-KD.
For a classic and Jackie Kennedy inspired look, you want to invest in a pair of tortoiseshell sunglasses. You can choose a round lens style (like these classic Mint Velvet lenses) or go for an affordable cat eye silhouette. Whatever your budget is, you’re guaranteed to be able to find tortoiseshell sunglasses that will work for you.
Bring back the roaring twenties into a new age with a beaded shoulder bag. It’s the perfect way to bring a vintage feel to your outfit while still keeping it contemporary. You can make a statement with this Tulipa Multi Beaded Bag by Not Impressed.
Don’t think that you have to stick to monochrome shorts. Sometimes, you can let your shorts do the talking. We love these cotton printed shorts by Story MFG, which you can style with a linen blouse or a t-shirt to finish off your look.
One accessory that every woman should wear at least once in their life is an oversized straw hat. This accessory is a staple within the preppy fashion scene and adds a hint of romanticism to any outfit. You can channel your inner Bridgeton character with this Eliurpi straw hat.
Summer is the perfect time to indulge in a pedicure. It’s time to bring back the classic leather flip flops. While rubber flip flops might be a more affordable choice and easy to throw into your bag, they’re more harmful for the environment. Don’t forget to add an extra coat of polish to your nails before stepping out in these shoes.
One thing we love about cotton is how breathable it is. It’s the perfect fabric to turn to when you’re not sure how high the temperatures will get. If you’re heading off on vacation or indulging in a staycation, you want to pack a cotton dress with you for when the temperatures start to rise.
When it comes to staying cool during the summer, you want to have a silk-twill bandana on hand to wrap up your hair. When your hair comes into contact with UV rays, it can become dehydrated and brittle. Tying your hair back with a bandana can offer an extra layer of protection. It’s perfect for a music festival look or a tropical vacation.
During the summer, you want to be able to show off your fresh tan and glowing skin. A halter neck is the perfect blend of a timeless silhouette with a sultry look. Whether you’re heading out on the town with friends or going on a date, a halter neck is one style of top you want to have in your closet. A silk-satin halter neck top is a classic choice that works for any occasion, while cotton gives you added wearability.
What purchases are you planning to add to your summer closet? Are you going to click ‘add to cart’ on any of the items on this list? Let us know in the comments below!
If you’re plus sized, then summer might be a time of year that you dread. Between the fear of thigh chub and anxiety about wearing a swimsuit, it’s easy to see why body confidence can become an issue during the summer months. We’re here to tell you that your dress size is only a number. This summer, we want you to look and feel amazing in your body.
Spring and summer are the perfect time to refresh your closet. With the world starting to open up again after the pandemic, it’s a great opportunity to try out some new trends and treat yourself to new pieces. The trends are still pointing towards a comfort-first approach, with athleisure and minimalism sticking around the biggest influences on the season. At the same time, there’s a little rebellion against loungewear, with over-the-top dresses and sparkles.
Once the temperatures start to rise and we get the first taste of spring, we all head straight to the back of our closets to grab our favourite dresses. After the last year of living through a global pandemic and wearing nothing but loungewear, we’re all ready to get back into some spring dresses. We think it’s time we all treated ourselves to a few new dresses to celebrate the spring and the light at the end of the pandemic tunnel.
Summer is right around the corner. It’s time to dig into the back of your closet and find the sandals that have been gathering dust since last September. You can wave goodbye to your ankle boots and pre-pandemic heels. This summer is all about sandals. With the popularity of athleisure and activewear, its no surprise that sandals have become the ‘it’ shoe of the season for 2021. They’re the perfect alternative to sneakers if you want to shake up your summer closet. These shoes are the easiest to style during the summer and deserve a spot at the front of your closet.