Trends come and go, but some classics never go out of style. These timeless pieces have been popular for decades and are still relevant today. Here are five summer wardrobe essentials for women — each can be purchased inexpensively or at designer prices.
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1. The Little Black Dress (LBD)
This is a staple every woman should have in her wardrobe. The LBD is versatile and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. It’s perfect for a night out, a dinner date, or even a formal event. And, if you hate black, go for navy. Navy is the new black!
This summer dress makes getting ready extra easy. Just change your accessories to make it casual or more formal. Find it for $148 at Tuckernuck. | Image: Tuckernuck
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For a navy LBD (LND!), consider this one by Staud. Do you know this designer? Really quality clothing and wonderful staple pieces. I often wear this dress with this cream, short-sleeve denim jacket from Veronica Beard that I have gotten so much use from (this jacket is kind of pricey — but wow, lots of use). I’ve also worn this dress with a pashmina, cardigan, button-down shirt tied at the waist, a denim jacket, and on its own. It’s a workhorse item, and you can find it here for $285. Image: NordstromThis crochet dress adds a slightly boho vibe to a classic silhouette. Find it for $348 at J. McLaughlin Image: J. McLaughlin
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There’s a reason this dress comes in over 20 colors and has become go-to for many — it dresses up, it dresses down, and it travels well. Wear it with a belt and sandals, or add a cardigan and boots in the cooler months. You can also wear it with heels and some big earrings for a more formal occasion. Grab it here from Brochu Walker for $348. Image: Brochu WalkerLastly, for the gal who really loves a t-shirt but knows she sometimes needs to throw on a dress, this asymmetrical tiered black dress is just what you need. Throw it on and be “t-shirt fancy!” Find it here for $298. (Available in white, too!) Image: FRAME
2. White Button-Up Shirt
A white button-up is a classic piece that can be worn with almost anything. It’s perfect for a professional setting but can easily be dressed down or glammed up for a variety of other occasions. Pair it with denim, tailored trousers, a colorful statement skirt, or even throw it on at the beach as a cover-up.
My absolute favorite warm-weather white button-up is this linen shirt from J. McLaughlin. I have it in three other colors as well — and it’s washable. Find it here for $188. Image: J. McLaughlinFor a cotton option, consider this premium cotton washable shirt from Spanx — find it here for $128. Image: Spanx
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Frank & Eileen is a woman-owned company known for amazing button-ups. While this image features their tailored fit, they also have oversized and shorter shirts — five different fits with multiple fabric choices for each. Choose this style in luxe cotton, white linen, or a frayed white denim option. No matter your choice, you’re going to wear this shirt over and over again. And that’s the point! Find it here for $278. Image: Frank & Eileen
3. High-Waisted Jeans
High-waisted jeans are a classic piece that flatters every body type. These are perfect for creating a vintage-inspired look and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. And, as it’s summer, we’re including a white pick, of course!
These high-waisted white jeans will take you through summer and beyond. Available in both regular and petite lengths, this jean is also available in sizes 24 to 35. Currently on sale for $27! Image: Banana RepublicUpgrade your jeans to a wide-leg pair by MOTHER for an on-trend yet classic look. Find them here for $258. Image: TuckernuckThese “secret sauce” jeans by AYR are super comfortable and flattering. They come in several different washes and two inseam lengths for $245. Available here! Image: AYRAnd for those who can’t give up a skinny jean (my hand is also raised), these are also from AYR and are ever so slightly more straight-legged than a true skinny jean. I have them, and they are super comfy and flattering. Find them in three inseam lengths here for $225. Image: AYR
4. Blazer
A blazer is a classic piece that adds structure to any outfit. Your mind might immediately go to professional settings, but it can be dressed up or down for social occasions, too. Pair it with jeans or a skirt, or even wear it over a dress. Also, vests are back BIG time. Consider the vest a cousin to the blazer — a versatile addition to your wardrobe, especially in summer.
Since we love denim around here, and it’s summer, I’m also adding a couple of options for a short-sleeve denim jacket for this category.
This long black blazer is lightweight, has a single button, and will come in handy on a number of occasions. It’s on sale for just $50. Image: Banana RepublicIt’s impossible to bring up blazers and not list one by Veronica Beard, our blazer queen! Not only are these the most flattering blazers, this one can pair with one of VB’s famous dickeys for an easy, layered look. It’s available for $695 in sizes 00 to 24. Image: Veronica BeardAvailable in this off-white and also a camel color, this vest has a classic adjustable back clasp that will cinch your waist just a bit. With tailored seams, this vest says “polished” all over. Find it here for $128. Image: TuckernuckThis is the denim jacket I mentioned wearing with the Staud dress. It’s a great staple. I hesitated at the price point, but the price per wear has definitely made this a worthwhile purchase. It’s from Veronica Beard and pairs well with skirts, high-waisted jeans, and dresses. It can be found here for $398. Image: Veronica BeardThis faded blue denim short-sleeved jacket has a wider banded waist and will be a bit more casual than the one above, but it will offset dresses and white denim nicely. It can even help make some more formal outfits a bit less formal, which is nice. Find it here for $229. Image: Paige
5. Beige Heels
While many would place black heels here, I prefer a beige heel as the classic pick that can be worn with almost any outfit. They add elegance to any look and are perfect for a night out, a formal event, or even a professional setting. Over time, invest in a few heel heights and shapes, and you’ll be set.
Sarah Flint makes a variety of classic shapes in multiple heel heights. Her shoes are on the pricier side, but they are super comfortable and made well. All shoes are $550 and can be found here. Image: Sarah FlintThese heels by Dolce Vita come in various colors — in both suede and patent leather — for $135 and can be found here. Image: NordstromFor a comfortable three-inch wedge heel that will modernize your outfits but go with everything from jeans to shorts to dresses, this sandal by VINCE. may be just what you are looking for! Find them here for $295. Image: VINCE.We can’t mention summer beige shoes without throwing in a pair of espadrilles! These have a peep toe for ventilation, a 2.8-inch heel height, and come in three shades of beige/brown. Find them here for $139.50. Image: Amazon
These five classic wardrobe staples are timeless pieces every woman should have in her closet to maximize versatility for everything else she owns. With these anchor pieces in your wardrobe, you’ll be able to create sophisticated looks that never go out of style — and still take advantage of trends!
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