TOP 15 'UP TO DATE' SUMMER ESSENTIALS

beatriceezdakova
Jul 13, 2023
6 min read

We always want to look our best, all year round, but especially at summer when everyone is going out more than ever and let's be honest, it's the one time of the year where you're leaving your house the most. So it's important to have the right things in your wardrobe and the most stylish pieces. This article will give you all the information on having a fun, classy, stylish but most importantly, re-wearable wardrobe for the summer season.

For me, what makes summer really feel like summer, is the transition from woolly jumpers, thick scarves and heavy coats to light linen shirts, denim shorts and exotic patterned dresses. The change in clothing makes you feel excited for all the new versatile and cool outfits you can make this season to enjoy the hot temperatures and fun summer activities there are to do. For this article, I've done research on whats hot (no pun intended) and trending this summer through latest runways, my favourite style influencers and even going into shops like: Ferggamo, Mui Mui, Chanel and more, to see for myself the summer collections to get a good idea of what summer is giving this year. I did this because I want to give the most accurate summer essentials checklist but making it a mix of trendy but also timeless pieces which you can wear for years and years. Through my research, the vibe for this summer is really laid back, colourful (sunset ombre, Santorini colours, bright green), detail in lace/boudoir and lots of flowers, hearts and star motifs.

So now you have a good image of the trends for this summer, it's time to get into how to achieve the ultimate summer closet which for many years, will make you the IT girl by no means. It is important to have the best summer along with an unforgettable wardrobe.

1. LAID BACK BUTTON UP SHIRTS

The best thing about shirts in the summer is that its really an androgynous item really depending on the design. Shirts are one of my favourites because they look incredibly classy when paired with some tailored trousers and light jewellery. They're relaxed, never out of style and easy to style.

1. Striped Linen Blend Shirt £29.99 Zara.co.uk

2. Rustic Oversized Shirt £25.99 Pullandbear.com

3. Linen Boyfriend Shirt £29 Gap.com

2. MONOCHROMATIC SWIMWEAR

With swimwear less is more. It's time to ditch all the tacky designs and go for the items which flatter the silhouette and give a more mature look with crisp colours like black, white or even red for a sexy and daring feel. Wearing the right swimsuit by the water is a must for every summer.

1. One Shoulder Swimsuit £60 Calvinklein.com

2. Plain V-neck Swimsuit £49.95 massimodutti.com

3. Skims Dipped Tie Bottoms + Top £74 (for both) Skims.com

3. DETAILED/ SIMPLE GOLD JEWELLERY

When picking the right pieces, a gold bracelet, necklace, earrings and rings really add that lavish, distinguished look to an outfit. At WORC, it's all about looking expensive 24/7 in a chic way. This year, we've seen a lot of detailed jewellery with carvings of mosaics being popular but unblemished jewellery also adds a sophisticated and smart touch to your look.

1. Holibanna Vintage Snake Choker Necklace £16.99 Amazon.co.uk

2. Luxe Multi Row Chain Necklace £60 Orelia.co.uk

3. Petite Orb Bracelet £95 Viviennewestwood.com

4. STRAW SUMMER BAG

The texture, the style and the timelessness of this bag is everything, a summer bag top pick perfect for any hot day occasion. Seeing this bag everywhere from Chloe , Fendi, Loewe but Jacquemus being a personal favourite with its sizing and designs. Its smart, resourceful and beautiful.

1. Sophie leather-trim basket bag £168 matchesfashion.com

2. Circle Straw Bag £75 thewhitecompany.com

3. Meduim Triomphe Celine Classic Panier £520 celine.com

5. SIMPLE TANKS

For all year round a white/ black/ grey perfect fitting tank top is needed, the simplicity but stylishness of it, makes it a wardrobe staple. It elevates the look with a fresh feel to any outfit, being able to wear it with nearly anything. It's for the easy, no stress summer looks!

1. Ribbed Tank Top £15 cos.com

2. Clean Fitted Tank Top £12 Weekday.com

3. Anagram Tank Top £295 Loewe.com (a personal favourite)

6. WHITE JEANS/ TROUSERS

The best clothing item for diner dates, strolling around town or even the beach, a pair of white trousers make an outfit look tasteful and put together. From wide leg tailored trousers, to flared bell bottoms, owning a pair of these really are a must.

Wide Trousers £29.99 h&m.co.uk
Tailored Pleated Mid Waist Pants £44.95 na-kd.com
Loose Straight Jeans £15 cottonon.com

7. BERMUDA SHORTS

Are they shorts or cropped trousers? You could say both, either way they're super trendy right now, with the light fabric and soft colours, they're perfect for a breezy summer feel. Best styled with an oversized blazer, a simple tank top and some black heeled mules, these shorts are suitable for any summer occasion.

Louis Shorts £52.38 Zeffon.eu
Light Before Dark Linen Longline Shorts £21 Urbanoutfitters.com
Shorts In Stretch Cotton £19.95 gb.benetton.com

8. BALLET FLATS

They've been chic for centuries; they're simple, cute and able to look good with any outfit. If you want to add an adorable feminine touch to an outfit, ballet flats are the way to go, whether they have a slight heel or just flat bottom, they are a necessity for the on-the-go look. A favourite of mine being the Miu Miu ballet flats or the newest collection of the Chanel patent calfskin black and white flats which i'm crazily obsessed with.

Ballet Flat Pressia Black £55 minelliparis.com
Amelie Quilted Two-Tone Leather Ballet Flats £78 theoutnet.com
Square Flats With Buckled Straps £99.95 Massimodutti.com

9. MAXI SKIRTS

Not everyone wants to wear tight fitting clothes like tight jeans or mini skirts in the summer so for a more breathable and relaxed feel for the body, flowy maxi skirts are the best for this season. These style of skirts, when styled with the right items, they can be eye-catching and super chic, but also can be an informal and formal piece. Denim to cotton maxi skirts, we don't care, we love them all!

Sweet Tragedy Denim Patchwork Maxi Skirt £43.40 hereecticnine.com
In Full Swing Midi Skirt £88 freepeople.com
Silk Habotai Sully Skirt £237 joseph-fashion.com

10. MINI WHITE SUMMER DRESS

As seen before, wearing white really is a summer staple to have in your wardrobe, it signifies innocence, cleanliness and happiness. However, it also is the go-to for a comfy but chic summer item whether it be a baby doll dress, a puff-sleeved or a shirt dress. With so many options, picking the right white dress for you this season will be easier than you ever thought it would,

White Tiffani Square Neck Lace Trim £149 Houseofcb.com
Maeve Cutout Bubble-Hem £48 anthropologie.com
Voluminous Broderie Anglaise £75 &otherstories.com

11. BIG BUCKLE BELTS

To add that finishing touch to an outfit, a smart and stylish belt is the way to go, it can be a simple belt or a fun eccentric type. Either way, adding a belt to your look promises a pulled-together feel to your outfit which makes you look polished and sharp.

Beline Belt £54 ba-sh.com
Collagerie Stitch £36 jigsaw-online.com
Harness Buckle Reversible £150 uk.coach.com

12. CHIC SANDALS

When else would you wear sandals, summer of course! Nearly everyone has a pair of sandals, they really are an essential as they're comfortable, timeless in trend and super easy to style. In the summer, sandals can be a formal and informal footwear, they are your perfect item for an elegant but casual look.

Beige Leather And Canvas £161.40 uk.claudiepierlot.com
Loupe Leather £95 Dunelondon.com
Carlene £80 Stevemadden.co.uk

13. THE EVERYDAY SUNGLASSES

It's inevitable that you will need a pair of sunglasses in the summer, so why not own a pair which are modish but versatile? Wearing the right sunglasses adds the seamless finishing touch to any ideal summer outfit. With Elisa Johnson recently coming out with the sexiest and stylish Sunglasses called Jane In Brown, it's a reminder that owning a pair of voguish sunglasses for every summertime is a must!

09 Brown £60 chimi-online.com
Rectangle tortoiseshell-acetate £290 loewe.com
Heartbreaker £129 uk.burga.com

14. THE SOPHISTICATED LONG (MAXI) DRESS

When it gets to the point in summer where the heat is too much and humidity is high, owning clothing where material is light and won't stick to your skin making you uncomfortable is important. That's why a maxi dress is a key for summer, it's ageless in fashion and perfect for any summer occasion whether it's strolling through a market or even attending a wedding.

Viscose Linen Halterneck Tiered £83.40 karenmiller.com
Turtle halterneck jersey normakamili.com £66
Assisi £185 ratandboa.com

FLORAL PATTERNED SKIRT

It gets a bit boring when everything is just one simple colour, that's why it's essential to make your wardrobe fun and to play with vibrant patterns. I mean how else will it feel like summer without wearing exotic designs? It's a perfect way to finish this article by adding a classic staple for a diverse wardrobe.