10 Summer Wardrobe Essentials for Women


The summer season brings with it limitless possibilities—road trips, picnics on the beach, tropical getaways, backyard barbecues and summer Fridays. Our team of expert stylists are here to help fill your closet with bright tanks and strappy sandals for all of those carefree summer days (and plenty of versatile ideas for layering on those slightly chilly summer evenings, too).  Here are our top 10 women’s summer wardrobe essentials  for everything you have going on as the temps go up and the sun comes  out.

Two women stand in summer outfits: bright floral tops and denim bottoms.                                                  

                                                   

 

Tanks with a twist

Colorful tank tops are like a burst of confetti: they add a pop of vibrancy to any outfit. Have fun with them! Pair the women’s summer staple with light-wash denim jeans or a flowy linen skirt. Incredibly versatile, tank tops make the perfect transition piece from a hot summer day to laid-back summer evenings. 

                                          

Top view of summer clothes: white knit top, floral feminine top, denim jeans and strappy platform sandals

Lighten up with light-wash denim

A comfy, go-to pair of light-wash denim jeans are indispensable for warmer weather. From daytime adventures to casual date nights, they serve as a canvas for everything from T-shirts to blazers. Complement them with a bright tank or a flowy floral top, and finish off the look with some strappy slide-on sandals or white sneakers. Fresh.

Woman posing in an emerald green dress, white button shirt and white sneakers.

 

Easy daytime dresses

Your ultimate one-and-done outfit. Instantly stylish. We’d argue that “daytime dress” doesn’t totally cover the full breadth of options, either. Sure, you can create an easy day look with a sun hat and woven bag, but switch those out for a light sweater and kitten heels and you’re ready for a dinner out. This is the season for bright and bold colors like emerald green, sunshine yellow and clementine orange—we have plenty of dresses that fall everywhere on the ROYGBIV spectrum. Put a couple of fabulous summer dresses at the top of your list—you’ll find yourself wearing them all the time.

Back view of a woman’s legs in light wash denim jeans and colorful slip-on sandals.

                          

Slip-on sandals

Fresh summer pedi? Show it off! Slip-on, platform and strappy sandals put the finishing touch on any look. It’s just about the easiest footwear imaginable with opportunities to dress ‘em up or down. Heading to the beach? Slip on a flat sandal with your bathing suit and cover-up. Taking the kids to a movie? Pair your platforms with chino shorts or denim. Dinner al fresco? A dress and strappy, heeled sandals will always look chic. 

White, red, coral, melon and peach colored women’s summer tops hanging in a closet.

Feminine tops

Flowy, lacy, ruched or printed, it’s all about the details in summer tops. A peasant top, silk button-up or gingham tank will not only keep you cool in the warmer temps, but add a bit of elegance and femininity to your whole look. Wear them to work under a blazer or to top off denim shorts for a sunny day beachside. 

Top view of summer clothing: a light blue feminine top, chino shorts, slip-on sandals and a woven bag

                                                   

Chino shorts 

Putting a look together is all about balance. Fun, bright or printed tops call for neutral pairings to let them really shine. That’s where classic chino shorts come in. We treat them like a supporting character—they’re neutral by design, so that top or shoe or jewelry you’re really excited to break out can be the star. Accessorize them with a gold necklace, tortoise shell sunglasses and a woven bag for a timeless summer look that will never go out of style. 

Women dancing in brightly colored summer clothes.

 

Easy pants

Effortless dressing at its best. Capris, cropped-bottom and wide-leg linen pants with stretchy waists fit so comfortably that you’ll forget you’re even wearing them. Yes, they can still look polished and put-together, especially when you pair them with a fitted neutral color tank or a white button down blouse. Add an earring or slip-on sandal. Easy-to-wear summer pants can be the solution to quick outfit transitions, too. Take them from lounging on the weekend to last-minute summer get-togethers. 

                                              

Top view of summer clothing: natural fabric top, a colorful woven handbag, brown slip-on sandals and brown elastic-waist pants.

 

Natural fabrics

Not only are natural fabrics the best choice for a summer-appropriate relaxed look, they also happen to be the airiest. They flow and breathe. Natural textiles such as linen, gauze and hemp are the ideal materials for the warmer weather months. Accessorize them with a bold pop of color, gold jewelry, a printed clutch or metallic summer mules. We’re constantly looking for fabrics that will keep us cool in the summer, why not look great in them, too?

A woman sitting and smiling wearing a light sweater, colorful tank top and black pants.

Lightweight sweaters

Well that evening chill was unexpected. A lightweight sweater lets you stay cozy and stylish on a date night or as the backyard barbecue goes past sundown. A wrap or light sweater is an easy way to add to your look—and regulate your temperature—without committing to a bulky jacket. Our Stylists think of it as a versatile accessory. Plus, these lightweight sweaters can easily be worn all year round as an extra layer, so it’s worth the investment in finding a few you love.

A woman sitting and looking into the camera wearing a natural feminine top, colorful shorts and holding a woven handbag.

 

Woven bags

Let’s talk about a summer bag wardrobe. Yes, that means having a few go-to bags to pair with each summer outfit, including a quality woven handbag. Inherently more casual than a leather or nylon tote, summer is the moment for a woven handbag. Natural-hued straw or raffia often come to mind, but there are so many brightly colored options now. Don’t put it away when the sun sets, either—woven bags are fab for summer nights, too.

Get styled by Stitch Fix this summer

Let our Stylists help you get your wardrobe ready for the summer. Take your style quiz, schedule a Fix, and get ready to receive an array of summer styles that fit your unique taste. While you wait, why not hit the waves or enjoy a piña colada by the pool? Try on your new outfits in the comfort of your own home. Only pay for what you love and send the rest back. Shipping and returns are always free, and there’s no subscription required. 

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