Summer Wardrobe Staples Every Woman Needs In Her Closet
It's official, all we need is a whistle. Summer is upon us and after working so hard in the cooler months, we definitely deserve to enjoy everything summer has to offer, including clothes you can only rock in the summer. If you're looking for ideas to add a little spice to summer wardrobe, look no further.
With these ten essentials in your rotation, your summer attire will certainly make the most of this gorgeous weather.
1.Strappy Sandal Heels
A dressy or casual summer outfit is made complete with a pair of strappy sandal heels. If you can go for nude, that would definitely be a bonus. If not, any pair will suffice this summer. The best part about strappy sandal heels is that they can dress up any casual outfit. If you're a jeans and t-shirt kind of girl and think of yourself as a chic tomboy, a pair of these will take your outfit up a notch without question. And of course, a plain pair will work for dressy outfits too.
2.Oversized Denim Jacket
Yes, it's hot outside, and the idea of any kind of jacket might seem crazy. But hear me out. There are so many cute ways to wear this jacket in the summer that you'll be happy you have it in your closet. From letting it drape over your shoulders to tying it around your waist, it's a great addition to your already bomb summer wardrobe. For those moments when you're standing in the mirror thinking your outfit needs an extra pop, this could be your next go-to item. Plus, it won't hurt to have one on hand for those cooler summer nights.
3.A Bathing Suit You Can Slay In
This is kind of self-explanatory when it comes to the summer. Who doesn't love a day on the beach or a night at the pool or in a jacuzzi? For any of these occasions, it's not essential to just have a bathing suit, but one you feel amazing in. It doesn't have to be one that shows a ton of skin, it just has to be one where you feel like you're that chick. Even if you don't actually get in the water, you'll still look cute sitting on the edge.
4.A Go-To Bag
While this needs to be in any woman's closet all year round, the summer is as good a time as any to rock your favorite bag. Some trends for this season include woven totes, beaded bags, net/mesh purses, pouches, and if you haven't heard, fanny packs are making a comeback. While the oversized bags aren't really a "thing" this season, the bag you rock this summer is perfect for carrying daily essentials like a smaller wallet, your cell phone, and your favorite lipstick.
5.Off-The-Shoulder Top
It's safe to say the off-the-shoulder top made a comeback in a major way this summer. From the ones that feature ruffles and frills at the top to the plain ones that let the off-the-shoulder feature speak for itself, it's a must-have for your summer wardrobe. This look stands out even more when paired with Bermuda shorts or high-waisted pants.
6.Unique Slider Sandals
If you have the strappy sandal heels on deck, a pair of unique slider sandals are also a must. Some of my favorites are the floral prints or metallic (the fur sliders are still up for debate), but there are seriously countless of options to choose from. It's also great that you can get a pricey pair from a high-end name brand or a more affordable pair that will still look just as stylish and fashionable. They'll work for your day of running errands or a day at the beach. They might be casual, but they certainly make your summer wardrobe complete.
7.A LBD or LWD
A Little Black Dress and a Little White Dress are also items I think most women know to keep in their closet, especially for the summer. With all-white day parties being all the rave, it's vital to have a white dress in your closet for a day out with the girls. When it comes to the Little Black Dress, this could be a serious contender for a roof party or any outdoor party in the evening. Whether you decide to go the simple or unique route, having an LBD and LWD is essential this summer.
8.Yep In Your White Tee
While it doesn't have to be white, a classic tee is also a must-have piece for your wardrobe. You can rock it for those more casual days and nights like when you go to the state fair, a theme park, or an outdoor concert. It can be paired with a number of items on this list like the strappy heels, slider sandals, and the denim jean jacket.
9.Classic Sundress
There's something about a sundress that can make any woman feel feminine and girly. Sundresses are like the scarves and boots of the summer, considering most of us can't wait for the weather to break so we can pull out our favorite few (because who has just one?). Even the most casual sundress can be dressed up with the right jewelry and heels. And if you're going for a more laid-back look, pull out a pair of flat strappy sandals and call it a day. Either way, your summer wardrobe needs a sundress boo! But you already knew that.
10. Straw Hat
Other than being super cute, the straw hat has a few benefits. It can complete pretty much any summer outfit and protect your face from the sun. And if you're team natural or letting your hair hang low, it can also save the day when your hair refuses to cooperate, thanks to the warmer temperatures and stubborn humidity. You can also choose a smaller fedora-like size or a larger one that makes its own entrance whenever you enter a room. Whatever you choose, rock it like only you can!
Featured image by MesquitaFMS/Getty Images
Charmaine Patterson is a journalist, lifestyle blogger, and a lover of all things pop culture. While she has much experience in covering top entertainment news stories, she aims to share her everyday life experiences, old and new, with other women who can relate, laugh, and love along with her. Follow Char on Twitter @charjpatterson, Instagram @charpatterson, and keep up with her journey at CharJPatterson.com .
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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Rihanna Talks Shedding Expectations And Finding Balance As A Mother
Since becoming a mother in 2022, Rihanna has defined parenthood by her terms and hopes to pass that sense of autonomy on to her children.
For Vogue China’s April cover story, Rihanna shared her perspective on raising her two sons with A$AP Rocky, and how she hopes to preserve her children’s uniqueness, devoid of societal expectations.
"The most beautiful thing...is that [children] come into the world with their own individuality and sincerity, without any logic or conformity,” she told the publication. “Which usually makes you feel that you must fit into a certain group."
The “Work” artist, known for her trendsetting style and captivating persona, expressed her desire to support children in fully embracing their individuality and encouraging them to be whoever they want to be. "It's really beautiful to see and I want to continue to help them navigate that and make sure that they know they can be whoever they want to be,” she says.
She continues, “They should embrace it completely, because it's beautiful, and it's unique. I love them just that way."
From shattering music charts to shaking up the beauty industry, Rihanna has forged a path that has since created the “dream” life we see today. One that she says has made her parents proud of.
“I’m living my dream,” she continued. “My parents were very proud of that because they just wanted me to be happy and successful. So, I think the key thing is to find some kind of balance. Yes, balance is important. Do this and you get the best of both worlds. You can write your own life the way you want, and it will be beautiful. Sometimes, you just need to let go of everyone’s expectations and start living your own story.”
Rihanna, who shares sons, RZA, 23 months, and Riot, 8 months, with rapper A$AP Rocky, recently shared her vision for expanding her family in the future in Interview Magazine.
When stylist Mel Ottenberg asked about the number of additional children she hoped to have, Rihanna replied, "As many as God wants me to have.”
"I don't know what God wants, but I would go for more than two. I would try for my girl,” she adds. “But of course, if it's another boy, it's another boy."
Featured image by Neil MockfordWireImage
