Now that I’ve hit my mid-20s, I think I’ve perfected my summer wardrobe. It’s not to say that I didn’t know what I was doing for all the years leading up to now, but looking back I definitely spent much of my early 20s chasing after short-lived trends. I would spend a lot of my clothing budget on cheaper, inexpensive items that never really made it past a single summer but there’s something about hitting the latter half this decade that’s made me think more critically about my wardrobe and I’ve realized that despite whatever trendy items I will inevitably want to try, I always come back to the same few staple pieces that only seem to get better with time.
Now that summer is more or less here, I’ve been taking my warm-weather wardrobe out of storage and it’s make me realize me that the following 10 pieces really are in it for the long haul. Of course, everyone’s staples wil look differnt depending on your personal style and other factors, but if you need a bit of inspiration to refresh yours, then look no futher. My style and budget may have evolved since I turned 20, but I’d say that the below summer staples haven’t and I’d even venture to say that they’ll remain relevant into my 30s, too.
It just doesn’t get any more timeless than classic denim cutoffs. I always go with a style that hits slightly higher on the waist and at mid-thigh.
The wardrobe basic to end them all, if you ask me.
As much as I love a good swimsuit trend, there will always be a place in my collection for a few classic triangle bikinis.
I call these my “throw on” dresses because they’re so easy to toss on with sneakers, sandals, or flats.
Whether going on a run or running errands, lightweight athletic shorts have become a constant in my summer rotation.
Easy, walkable, and cute—what more could you ask for?
The least boring wardrobe staple imaginable.
The styling possibilities are basically endless, from wearing one as a bandana or typing it as a tube top.
Summer is when my style gets the most experimental and a pair of trendy sunglasses makes any outfit that much cooler.
Once a trend, now a full-blown staple.
While I don’t abide by the rule that you can’t wear white after Labor Day, I definitely wear white denim a lot more in the summer months.
Up next: Summer Sets: The Easy, Comfy, and Cool Trend Everyone’s Vibing With RN