Style by Joanie

Summer Staples

Madewell

H&M

Ray-Ban

Tkees

J.Crew

J.Crew

Old Navy

Gap

H&M

(a style guide post by my sister Joanie. All links are affiliate. Thanks Joanie!)

What are the 10ish piece that you can reach for over and over again this summer? The simple sandal that’s great for the beach/pool but can be worn with a long dress to a fancy party. The swimsuit that works as a top paired with shorts or a skirt. The stripped button down shirt that is equally as cool as a cover up or half tucked into jeans when the sun goes down. A great pair of sunglasses that will be in style forever. I’m all for heavy hitting pieces, especially this summer when most of us are going to be traveling for the first time in a while.  

Tkees

Gap

J.Crew

To begin: a-go-with-everything sandal. When I travel in the summer I like to pack only two shoes: a running shoe and one sandal that can be worn for every occasion and this one fits the bill. 

Remember when I mentioned that I was on a big Gap kick? I still am. I love their updated basics. This striped shirt is the perfect summer staple, I’d order up one to two sizes. Wear the heck out of it, it’s 100% cotton and can handle it. If you’re looking for a solid color option, I like this one

It’s not all shorts and skirts for summer. An easy breezy pair of pants will get a lot of wear. I like to pair them with a bathing suit or a slim tank top. If I’m wearing it with something oversized you can full or half tuck it in to give the outfit some shape. They shouldn’t be tight so if they are, go up a size. People should look at you and think, “Wow, that girl looks so comfortable.” I love the white, flax, navy and green. 

J.Crew

J.Crew

Old Navy

A lot of summer things can be semi-sheer or you might want to undo a few buttons as the temps increase showing a bit more skin. When something is sheer or showing, our first thought can be to pair it with a flesh colored bra, which is fine but I think that pairing it with a white bra can be really pretty. Especially a lace one like this that can peek out from under your striped shirt. 

I have a big soft spot for J.Crew swim. I’ve been wearing them since high school and they just fit. Their underwire option needs a call out. Swimsuit two pieces can be so tricky to fit in the top but this once goes by bra size and fits so well. This is also great to pair under your clothes if you know it’s going to show a bit. 

A plus of a smocked dress is that I wear them bra-less which is especially nice when it’s hot and sticky in the summer. I like this one in black which might seem like not a summer color but I think it’s very chic paired with a classic sandal or a pair of sneakers. You can also wear this with a button down and tie it at the waist, a very 90’s move that is currently in vogue. This is also another great black dress option

H&M

Madewell

Ray-Ban

If you haven’t embraced summer as the time of the sun hat, it’s time to start now. Not only are they fun and chic to wear but they protect your face and shoulders when you’re running around outside all day. I love that this one is canvas which makes it really durable. I have some beautiful straw ones but they are impossible to pack and therefore don’t end up getting as much use. And this one comes in head sizes which is such a gift for large headed people like myself. I just ordered it! 

I love a lightweight sweatshirt that you can stuff into your bag or leave in the back of your car for those unexpectedly cool evenings. I have one very similar to this and I wear it all the time. It’s slightly oversized and looks cute thrown over a dress, with shorts or pants. I love the grey and the purple. Order your normal size, it is cut to slightly oversized. 

I am a proponent of investing in a pair of sunglasses that you love. They are basically the only accessory of the warmer months. You wear them everyday and having a pair you feel great in feels really good. I’ve had these Ray Bans for 5+ years and they are timeless. Order several pairs from a place with easy returns like Nordstrom and find your pair. If you’re looking for the polarized version you can find those here for only slightly more money. 

Let’s pack in carry ons, throw together beach bags without too much thought, and embrace returning to life that is calling us out from our living rooms! -Joanie

3 Comments

  • Elizabeth

    I love this post and I am excited to pack the carry on bags this summer too! Do you have any recommendations for shorts? I know not everyone wears them but I’m in need of some new pairs and I am having a tough time finding them!

    • Joanie

      Hey Elizabeth, I like a non-denim short that has a bit of space in the leg so it doesn’t get clingy when the temps are high. I’m not against denim shorts but I feel like they strart to stretch in odd ways can aren’t super breathable. The everlane twill shorts are a great option. The reviews are rave and I know people who sware by them. Hope that helps! Xx, Joanie

      https://bit.ly/3zuLWEL

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *