Stylists' Top Summer Picks
A lot of good, sunny days left ahead of us.
There’s still plenty of warm summer weather ahead of us. These are our six favorite items to have on hand during August, September, and even into October. Here’s how to head into the next season in style.
Denim jackets
Brands we love: Kut from the Kloth, Two by Vince Camuto, Madewell
Why it’s a favorite: If there’s one piece of clothing worth investing in, it’s a classic denim jacket. They’re so versatile, you’d be hard-pressed to find something that doesn’t look good with it.
Style tips: Wear one with a sundress. Simply toss one on, or bring it with you when it starts to cool down as we head into early fall. Denim jackets are a perfect transition item between seasons.
Or, style yours with black jeans. Contrary to popular belief, we love a little denim-on-denim action. Black denim has an inherently edgy vibe, while blue denim softens up the look.
Cotton tees
Brands we love: Madewell, Treasure & Bond, Gibson
Why it’s a favorite: They can be as simple or embellished as you’d like. We don’t think there’s anything wrong with a plain white tee—in fact, everyone should have at least one. But feel free to branch out into patterns and embellishments that speak to your style.
Style tips: A slouchy cotton tee and jeans is the epitome of cool and casual. Wear them with sandals in late summer or booties in the fall. It’s a minimal look that never goes out of style.
Tuck your tee into a skirt, shorts, wide-leg pants, or whatever you want. Go for a full tuck or try the trendy front tuck (French tuck) if you’re feeling adventurous.
Knit dresses
Brands we love: Leith, Loveappella, Gibson
Why it’s a favorite: A knit dress is the ultimate one-stop outfit (not including accessories, of course). They’re cute, comfortable, and come in so many styles, you’ll never run out of options.
Style tips: Get dolled up. Midi or maxi dresses work perfectly for date nights. Short, flowy dresses have warm weather written all over them while long-sleeve knit dresses say fall. Then, all you have to do is grab a pair of heels and accessorize to your own level of glam.
Try sneakers. We love the juxtaposition of a feminine dress with the sporty vibe of fresh, clean sneakers. It combines two of our favorite worlds.
Cropped jeans
Brands we love: AG Jeans, Kut from the Kloth, Mother
Why it’s a favorite: They show off just enough ankle to be flattering—as well as show off your shoes. If the weather stays mild, a bare ankle can still be comfortable well into October.
Style tips: Go for pumps. If a long legline is what you’re after, a pointed-toe pump and cropped skinny jeans will do the trick.
For petite ladies, premium denim can be hard to find in the right cut, so keep a cropped fit in mind while shopping. The cropped style should land at your ankle where a regular fit would land on a taller woman.
Sandals
Brands we love: Tory Burch, Sam Edelman, Madewell
Why it’s a favorite: Sandals are one of the last items we put away for the season. There’s something about a sweet, strappy pair that makes us want to wear them into the fall months.
Style tips: Block-heel sandals are one of our top recommendations for special events. Not only are they supportive for grass or dirt paths, they’re comfortable enough you can spend the whole night on your feet.
Fall may be upon us soon, but don’t pack all your summer shoes up just yet. The transition months between seasons are the best time to wear long jeans and flat sandals.
White sneakers
Brands we love: Superga, UGG, Common Projects
Why it’s a favorite: It doesn’t matter if you prefer slip-ons or lace-ups, white sneakers will never go out of style.
Style tips: They’re for style and function. Comfort may not always be a priority with fashion, but with white sneakers, you get to look and feel great at the same time. Not to mention they’re a great investment to have in your rotation throughout all of fall.
Keep them clean. The number one rule of keeping them looking crisp and tidy is to take preventative measures to make sure they don’t get dirty in the first place. Look for stain-repelling sprays and conditioners.
Having a seasonal wardrobe means more than just buying brand new clothes four times a year. It’s important to supplement with transitional pieces that won’t leave you hanging between seasons.
