11 Timeless Summer Wardrobe Essentials For Busy Moms

The first day of Summer is June 20, and if you’re anything like me, you’re probably excited to shop for Summer outfits. If you’re looking for Mom friendly Summer wardrobe essentials, you’ve come to the right place!

As a Mom of 5, it can be a little tricky finding pieces that are stylish, comfortable, and offer full coverage (you know, in case you need to bend down to pick up a little one or tie a shoe).

Summer is notorious for shorts up to here and necklines down to there. And those looks definitely have their place; I love a good bombshell moment as much as the next gal. But I can’t constantly be adjusting my outfit or wondering if I’m showing too much cleavage when I’m in Mom mode!

If you can relate, keep reading for 11 timeless Summer wardrobe staples for stylish outfits that are as appropriate for dropping your babies off at camp and running errands as they are for date night with your partner or dinner with the girls.

11 Timeless Wardrobe Essentials For Busy Moms Who Want To Look Cute This Summer

1. A Great Sundress

But not just any sundress! You need one in a machine washable, wrinkle-resistant fabric that you can dress down with sneakers or dress up with heels or cute sandals. Look for figure-flattering silhouettes like this fit & flare and lightweight, low-maintenance fabrics like cotton or certain synthetics like poly-blends, lyocell, or rayon.

If you’re concerned about the quality or an item looking cheap, make sure to shop from brands and stores with generous return policies so you can try at home and send a piece back if it doesn’t work for you. You can also look in person so you can feel the material for yourself before buying.

2. Layering Piece

Honestly, this one depends on where you live. For example, I’m in El Paso, Texas and today, the high was 109! Yes, you read that right. I have no use for layering pieces if I’m spending a lot of time outside for the day.

But I do like an extra layer if I’m going to the movies or I’m going to be spending a lot of time inside a building where I know it will be freezing. Most of the establishments here are, understandably, pretty aggressive with the AC!

Stylish, classic pieces like a denim jacket or linen blazer are great because they give you that extra layer while actually complimenting your outfit instead of overshadowing it. Plus, you can wear them into the Fall and bring them out again next Spring!

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3. Comfortable Sandals

I think we’ve all been there with the adorable pair of sandals that kind of pinch your feet when you walk. But you hang on to them because they’re just so cute and they go with your favorite dress. I say this with love: DITCH THOSE SANDALS!

If you’re a Mom who spends most of the day running behind your children, you NEED comfortable sandals. Consider classic styles in neutral colors that will go with most pieces in your wardrobe and take you through morning camp drop off to afternoon errands, evening dinner, and everything in between.

Keep in mind, quality doesn’t have to mean expensive! Obviously, the $10 pair you found online may not be the most long-lasting, but there are lots of comfortable, well-made options between those and a $200 pair.

Look for sandals that are made of quality materials and offer plenty of support. Also, walk around in your house for a bit to make sure they still feel good before you rip off that tag.

4. Lightweight Denim

I love a good sundress and sandal combo, but nothing beats a cute top and a great pair of jeans. This Summer, tons of brands are bringing out their lighter weight jeans in a variety of colors, washes, and styles (need a high waist cropped pair? There’s a lightweight version of that available!) My favorites this season are these wide leg cargo jeans that I reviewed a few weeks ago.

5. Elevated Basics Tops

Once you have your go-to Summer jeans, you’re going to want a few cute tops to wear with them! If you’re not familiar with the term “elevated basics” this means a basic top that has a specific feature that sets it apart from the others or elevates it. For example, a white tee with an intricate embroidered detail. Basics in quality, luxe fabrics also fall into this category.

The best thing about an elevated basic? You can pair it with a simple pair of jeans, sandals, and boom! You look stylish and put together with minimal effort.

6. Great Pair Of Sunnies

These are probably a no-brainer! The Sun’s shining most days, so OF COURSE, you need an amazing pair of sunglasses. I prefer Black ones with a subtle cat-eye that are ever so slightly oversized. Very specific, I know! If that’s your vibe too, I’ve included some affordable, good-quality pairs that you’ll love in this year’s Mom Summer Wardrobe Essentials Shopping Guide.

7. Soft, Lightweight Two-Piece Set

This is one of the Summer essentials on this list that I don’t have yet! Every year the big (and small) brands come out with adorable matching sets and this is definitely the year I’m snagging one for myself! These sets are great because you basically have three outfits in one: the top and your bottom of choice, the entire set, or the bottom and your top of choice.

Some of the linen-blend versions can even double as an elevated bathing suit coverup. Leaving the beach for a quick lunch and drinks? No need to get fully dressed, just throw on your set for an effortless, polished vibe.

8. A Swimsuit That Doesn’t Make You Want To Hide Under Your Coverup All Day

I wouldn’t say I dread swimsuit season, but it definitely takes me longer to find this essential than some of the other ones on this list. The suit I’ve worn for the last two years finally gave up the ghost 😜so I’m on the hunt again this year for the perfect one.

I prefer bra-sized swimwear because those usually give the girls the support they need. And there are lots of options that give full coverage for plus sized Mamas and are still cute and stylish. I’ve pulled a quite a few for this year’s Mom Summer Wardrobe Essentials Shopping Guide, so make sure to take a look.

9. Tailored Shorts

This is a Summer wardrobe essentials checklist, so, OF COURSE, shorts are going to be on the list! But why tailored? Well, last Summer, I bought my first pair of tailored Black shorts and I never looked back. A great pair of tailored shorts really elevates your Summer outfit so you can stay cool and comfortable, while also looking polished and put together. And they look just as cute with a fun pair of sneakers as they do with a sexy heel for drinks later.

The rise and length are up to you, but I prefer a high-waist pair (more flattering for my hips) with a minimum 4″ length. I’m most comfortable in the longer lengths because I can move the way I need to without them riding up or showing a little booty cheek!

10. Lip Gloss

Okay, so as a busy Mom, this Summer essential is more like a year-round essential for me. I have a few lipsticks that I absolutely love, but I tend to save those for special occasions because I usually don’t have the patience to keep reapplying throughout the day.

I hate that little line of demarcation you get when your lipstick starts to wear off. Plus, it always takes a little extra effort to apply perfectly, you’re checking all day to make sure there’s no lipstick on your teeth, and I just really don’t have the energy!

I guess I’m what you call a lip gloss girlie! A good gloss with just a hint of natural looking color and subtle shine is definitely the way to go! I can usually apply on the fly without a mirror and the worst thing that happens when the gloss wears off is the shine and some of the color disappears. No big deal!

I listed a couple of my favorites (including shade recommendations) in my Mom Summer Wardrobe Essentials Shopping Guide, make sure you check it out!

11. A Good Sunscreen

The final Summer essential, and, perhaps, the most important one of all! This is another essential that’s pretty much year-round, but you DEFINITELY need sunscreen around this time of year, when the rays are at their strongest and we’re all spending more time outside.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends sunscreen with a minimum SPF 30. You need a nickel sized amount for your face and a golf ball or shot glass amount for the rest of your body. I’ve included my go-to mineral and chemical sunscreens for you AND your babies in my Mom Summer Wardrobe Essentials Shopping Guide.

So, those are your top 11 Mom Summer wardrobe essentials that you’ll reach for season after season. Did I miss anything? Tell me in the comments!

And just one more tiny plug: don’t forget to check out my Mom Summer Wardrobe Essentials Shopping Guide for Summer essentials, styling tips for each piece, this year’s Summer trends to look out for, and the best brands and stores to get exactly what you’re looking for no matter what your style is! Happy shopping!

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