Swear on my life, every season I live for staple pieces that are going to get me through the weather changes. This year, especially this summer, I'm living by the barest of minimums. It has been super hot these days so I figured I'd give you my 8 summer essentials that are keeping me cozy, cute, and cool all season long!
I was asked recently "how do you stay cute when we're in the middle of the heatwave?" -- easy. Because I grew up in Florida, keeping a good outfit routine or rotation that is light, fun and doesn't show you're breaking a sweat is definitely essential for those heatwaves that Mother Nature might throw you this year.
First, it's summer and I know there's so many fun colors in shoes out there for women right now, but a simple or even chunky all white sneaker pairs with a lot more and that's important. Having something that you can pair with a skirt, shorts, fun jeans or even a slip dress is so cute for summer and super easy to pull off. I loved my M2K Tekno's so much that when they were available in all white, my sweet baby angel "mom" sent me the link to cop. Easy peasy! Secondly, it's summer and finally your toes can breathe and get out those chunky boots they've been wearing for like 6 months. These scrappy sandals from nike are cute, comfortable and go with any cute little sundress
Now, I would love to wear silkier dresses but my butt and my luck have it that when I'm hot, it just won't work. So to combat looking like a sweaty mess, I lean towards shorts, cotton dresses that won't hug me too tight, and loose, but breathable pants. Biker shorts have been my latest obsession and shoutouts to Cardi B because that Fashion Nova does fit especially curvy types like me! PLUS, $17.99 is a steal and they're thick enough where nobody will see what's underneath, but not too heavy for this heat.
1. White Sneakers
2. Biker Shorts
3. Moisturizer with SPF
4. Glossier lip gloss
5. Kiehl's lip balm in Mango flavor
6. Strappy sandals
7. Loose Hawaiian shirt
8. Small shoulder bag
For my beauty routine during summer, it's even simpler. I don't like wearing too much makeup already, so when it's super hot outside I keep it to a moisturizer with SPF, lip balm and lip gloss. And of course, water! Stay hydrated, rest and repeat -- H20 keeps you from dying out there and it does wonders for your skin while you're out there baking.
As far as tops go, I abide by the Code: flowy, light, and fun! I switch it up between oversized tees and loose button downs that I can open up and just have a sports bra underneath. My go-to button down is this Hawaiian shirt (literally my parents bought this one for me in Hawaii while on vacay). Unfortunately, because they bought it for me a year or so ago, it isn't available anymore but linked is one I like a lot from Ted Baker and I'm sure there's a local thrift shop where you can find one even cheaper and more fun.
Another unfortunate situation is the availability of my small shoulder bag -- it's old and has been sold out for at least 3 seasons. Nordstrom has this really similar Nike one that I like too. I hateeee carrying big bags in the summer so keeping it small and simple and light definitely makes this type of bag a summer essential.