I'm a Florida native and now live in NYC. Since moving here, I've gotten the chance to truly experience all four seasons, which is fun until we hit winter. That's a season I have yet to get used to. However, once the summer rolls around, familiarity begins to hit, and the sweltering heat becomes a blanket of comfort, at least for me. There's not a huge difference between NYC summers and Florida summers, only that more people are crowding around you at all times in the city, so somehow, I feel even hotter. NYC summers are a fun and flirty times to be alive, though. Think Carrie Bradshaw and all her friends gallivanting around the city and taking in all it has to offer.
Dressing for the summer, whether you live in Florida or the city, is genuinely very hard to do. Showcasing your personal style with limited layers is the real test, but the "less is more" approach will always be the best route, which is where essentials come in. No wardrobe is complete without the proper staples to base your outfits on. From scoop-neck tank tops to loose and baggy jeans, these are the must-haves to wear throughout the hottest season.
Loose T-Shirts
I'm a T-shirt connoisseur. From boxy fits to flowy ones, I love them all, especially in the summertime. A solid T-shirt goes a long way when getting dressed throughout the season. It's a reliable piece of clothing that goes with literally anything, and you can dress your T-shirt up and down, depending on the occasion. If you need a refresh or a new T-shirt altogether, these are my top picks.
Scoop-Neck Tank Tops
Tank tops, no matter what fit, will always be summer-friendly, but the style that screams summer is the scoop-neck tank top. It's a tighter fit that shows off curves, so styling one with a pair of baggy pants is a fun contrast to try. Fashion people are into it IRL and online, and I must say I've been thoroughly influenced. Whether you're going to dinner or a grill party with friends, a scoop-neck tank top is the piece you'll want to reach for.
Bermuda Shorts
Once it starts to get uncomfortably hot, I always turn to Bermuda shorts. While I love a lace-trim pair, Bermudas are much more comfortable and functional. When you walk blocks and blocks just to get some errands done, your shorts riding up and your thighs burning from rubbing against each other isn't exactly fun. That's why Bermuda shorts are the superior style to wear this season. Not to mention, they are incredibly chic.
Cami Dresses
Not everyone will agree with me, but a cami dress is the perfect summer essential. When you don't feel like thinking about your look for the day, a cami dress is the best solution. The ease of slipping one on and the fact that it's a one-and-done outfit is the icing on the cake. It's a breathable, stylish way to stay cool, so if you're a laid-back but intentional dresser, try any of these cami dresses.
Flip-Flops
We all know flip-flops have become the shoes of the season. Much to my surprise, I came around, and now, I can't stop wearing them in the heat. Fashion people can't get enough of them either, wearing them with all their outfits, no matter how dressy. They're truly the perfect shoes to dress down an outfit, but they're also a great go-to for daily wear.
Knee-Length Skirts
The knee-length skirt, once deemed dated, is still going strong. It's one of those pieces that get overlooked, but fashion people have embraced it. Similar to the cami dress, if you don't feel like overthinking an outfit, the knee-length skirt is for you. Slipping one on instead of pants or jeans is also a great way to switch up your outfits if you're more of a pant person, like me. Try styling one with a loose T-shirt or tank top for a simple but stylish daily look.
Linen Pants
Linen is one of the most breathable fabrics to wear during the summer, which is why wearing pants won't be a hassle throughout the season if you opt for linen pants. Gone are the days of sweating through your too-thick pants because linen pants are truly the only reasonable and equally stylish option for the season. The flowy fit is perfect for everyday wear, from the office to weekend errands.
Low-Rise, Baggy Jeans
Jeans may sound counterintuitive to wear during the summer. Don't get me wrong—there are some pairs that you should absolutely not wear to avoid overheating. Low-rise, baggy jeans are the only denim style that matters this season. Tuck away the rest of your pairs because low-rise, baggy jeans are relatively breathable and very versatile when it comes to styling. You can dress a pair up for a night out or down for a day at the park. The options are pretty endless.
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