Spring & Summer Wardrobe Staples To Wear Every Year
Trends come and go, but finding your staples to see you through the spring and summer will make your life easier and give your outfits a more cohesive feel.
Every good wardrobe has certain staples that can be relied on each season to make up the foundations of any outfit. They might vary slightly depending on your personal style and lifestyle but these are the items that are above the trends, that you reach for time and again. And if you know how to take care of them, could last you years.
New trends are everywhere at the start of the season, and while it’s fun to embrace a handful, the place it’s really worth spending a bit more time and money are the things you’ll reach for every year. Need some ideas on where to start? Here are my staples if you prefer a minimal and classic style. And, because none of us are ready to go back to tight and restrictive clothing, all of these are items that will give you the work-from-home level of comfort even when you’re back in the office.
White Jeans
The quickest way to brighten up any outfit and give it a warmer weather vibe. They can literally go with anything, from cream knitwear to colourful cardigans and black t-shirts. They instantly look cool and once you find a cut and style that suits you they’ll be your best friend. Off-white is slightly more flattering than bright white and go for a thicker, straight cut denim to avoid them appearing see-through.
A Good T-Shirt
My picks are black, white and navy, but any colour that can mix and match with the rest of your wardrobe works. Find ones that are thick enough to hold their shape, have a flattering neckline, whether that’s a deep V or a high crew, and aren’t totally see-through. Buy a few in each colour, wash the right colours together and always steam or iron before wearing for a more polished look.
Oversized Shirts
Throw on an oversized blue or white shirt and you’ll instantly look pulled together. Roll up the sleeves, half-tuck the bottom, layer on your favourite necklaces and show a little of favourite bra underneath to make them look that bit cooler. White is your classic option, of course, but a light blue chambray style can also quickly become a spring staple.
Cardigans
Cardigans are more of a trend this year, but they’re something that can always be handy to have. They’re the perfect layering piece for those chillier days or cool evenings but are versatile enough to wear when the trend is over. Spin your cardigan round for a jumper with interesting back details, layer over pretty camis on cooler days. They’re the perfect way to bridge that gap between WFH comfort and office-appropriate outfits.
Linen Trousers
Don’t be scared of linen, sure it creases but that’s part of the charm. Go for a style that’s a linen blend and it won’t crease quite as much either. I’d wear linen everything if I could (and will come high summer) but the trousers are the item I get the most wear out of. They’re basically the office-appropriate version of sweatpants and can easily be dressed up for everyday or dressed down if you’re by a pool (a girl can dream).
Sunglasses
Once you find a style that suits you they’ll be your best friend. They’re useful but also effortlessly stylish. They’re your ally on the days you can’t quite face the world but still want to look pulled together plus they protect your eyes - win-win. Try a few styles that work for your face shape, play around with colours and how dark the lenses are and make sure you always have a pair with you. Also very handy if you’re someone who always blinks the second a photo is taken. Guilty as charged.