Summer Essentials Shopping Guide
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Summer Essentials + Styling tips
Best Stores & Brands To Shop (Depending On What You’re Looking For)
SUMMER ESSENTIALS
*THE PERFECT* SUNDRESS
Styling Tips
Pair with sandals or heels for date night.
Add sneakers and a crossbody bag for more casual days.
Accessories: Keep it simple with classic hoops or dress it up with something fun and feminine like bow earrings
You’re looking at the Summer Essentials Shopping Guide, but did you know there’s a blog post too? I go over each essential in detail, so make sure to check it out.
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COMFORTABLE SUMMER SANDALS
Styling Tips
Wear this Summer essential with every other essential on this list! Look for sandals made with quality materials that offer plenty of support.
Accessories: Now is a great time for a pedicure! Ready to DIY? Find your new favorite shade from one of these Black owned Vegan nail polish brands.
LAYERING PIECE
Styling Tips
Pair with a cute elevated basic top and the bottoms from your matching set.
Looking at blazers? Consider a linen blend (perfect for Summer) with an oversized, more modern fit.
Accessories: Add a bright belt, simple bracelets, and/ or a cute headband
LIGHTWEIGHT DENIM
Styling Tips
To dress up: pair with wedges, fun bag, statement belt, and your most flattering top
Dress down: add sneakers, elevated basic top, and a fun hair ribbon
Accessories: Whatever you want! Everything goes with jeans(;
ELEVATED BASIC TOPS
Styling Tips
Wear alone or layered under one of your layering pieces. Pair with your tailored shorts and favorite pair of sneakers for an understated, casual vibe.
Accessories: Go simple and elegant or bright and bold on the jewelry. Either works. If you’re going colorful, look for colors that compliment your top. Try mixing colors that are opposite or right next to each other on the color wheel.
CLASSIC SUNNIES
Styling Tips
Another Summer essential that goes with everything. To protect from scratches and breaks, make sure to store in a good protective case when you’re not wearing them.
MATCHING SET
Styling Tips
Look for lightweight sets that can double as an elevated swimsuit coverup to take you from the beach to lunch.
Accessories: If you go for a bold pattern or color, keep jewelry and other accessories simple so they don’t compete. Great time to wear those neutral sandals from above!
FLATTERING SWIMSUIT
*I also really love Swimsuits For All for supportive, full coverage swimwear that’s still super cute*
Styling Tips
Have a friend or your partner take pics so you can double-check that your suit is flattering from all angles.
Pair with a lightweight, oversized button down or the top from the matching set above for a cute, effortless coverup moment.
Accessories: It depends. If you’re going to an actual beach or pool event, I would definitely add cute earrings, maybe a ring or two. If you’re just spending a relaxing day at the beach, I wouldn’t bother with accessories except a basket bag.
TAILORED SHORTS
Styling Tips
Pair with a classic neutral or statement belt and oversized blazer on cool nights.
Going to be outside all day (say, at an amusement park or volunteering at camp)? Pair with a lightweight elevated basic top from above and your favorite sneakers.
Accessories: A great belt and gorgeous, glowy legs.
LIPGLOSS
Styling Tips
I recommend Ginger Snap & Rocky Road from NYX. And Dewy Iris from Well People.
Look for glosses with hydrating ingredients that won’t dry out your lips. Bonus points if they contain SPF!
SUNSCREEN
Can’t decide between mineral and chemical sunscreens? Here’s a great article that breaks down the difference. Use at least SPF 30 and don’t forget to reapply every 60-120 minutes, depending on what kind of sunscreen you’re using, whether you’re sweating a lot, and whether you get in the water.
**Need styling tips for a specific outfit? DM me on Instagram! I’m serious, send me a pic of your outfit and I can help you put together a super cute fit (for free, by the way) 😉
2024 Summer Trends
ELEVATED ATHLEISURE
More than just leggings and a cute graphic tee. Figure-flattering tennis dresses, skorts, and biker shorts (yes, they’re still here!) that look cute both inside and out of the gym.
DENIM, DENIM, DENIM
With a wide range of cuts, rises, washes, and even denim weight, jeans are definitely having a moment this Summer.
CUT IT OUT
This year’s cutouts range from dramatic and daring to simple, and almost modest. Whether you want to show the tiniest bit of skin, or take a walk on the wild side, there’s a cutout for you.
CHOCOLATEY BROWN
One of my favorite trends on this list! If you play your cards right, say with a great pair of chocolate pants, or a simple top, you can wear this trend into Fall and Winter as well.
CROCHET, SHANTE!
The 70s called, and they want their crochet back! I love this look paired with wide-leg jeans, but I could also see it working as a dress for date night.
3D FLORALS
Start small with hair accessories or a fun bag. Or, go big with a cool embellished top.
NATURAL MATERIALS
Think, rattan belts, basket bags, and the quintessential Summer essential: espadrilles. Not exactly groundbreaking, but this trend is the easiest way to “Summer-ize” an outfit!
GO WITH THE FLOW
Think: flowy, breezy tops and dresses in soft lightweight fabrics. Comfortable, stylish, and very flattering!
STRUCTURED LINEN
We see it every year, but this season’s linen gets an upgrade with more structure for a polished “put together look” vibe.
Best Places To Shop (depending on what you’re looking for)
Best Plus Size Selection: Sante Grace *ALLDAY to save 15% (S-4X) Old Navy (0-30 & XS-4X) Target (XXS-4X & 12W-32W) Eloquii (14-32)
Need a dress for date night? Try: J. Brooks Boutique (S-3X) Eloquii (14-32) Old Navy (XS-4X)
Need to update your denim? Try: Madewell (23-33 & 14W-28W) Old Navy (0-30) Abercrombie (23-37) American Eagle (000-22)
Want to check out the latest trends? Try: Mango (0-20) Target (0-30, XXS-4X, 12W-32W) H&M (0-26 & XS-4X) ASOS
Need Summer jewelry & accessories? Try: Taylor Shaye Designs & House of Charlotte Boutique
Love tribal print in modern silhouettes? Try: D’Iyanu *BRITNEY10 to save 10% (XS-3X) Grass Fields (2-20)
Looking for elevated basics? Try: Able (XS-3X) Old Navy (S-4X) Quince (XS-XL & 1X-3X) J. Crew Factory (00-24 & XXS-3X)
Looking for on-trend maternity wear? Try: Old Navy (XS-XXL) Target (XS-XXL) H&M (XS-XXL) ASOS (XS-2X) YOURS Queen of Curves (4-28)
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