5 Summer Style Staples to Beat The Heat
Breezy dresses and sun-shielding shades are at the top of the season’s must-have list (lots of outfit ideas ahead).
By Natasha Marsh
JEAN SHORTS
Without a doubt, summer’s unofficial uniform features a pair of classic jean shorts. Ultra-versatile, they can be dressed up or dressed down. For example, Caroline wears hers over a bathing suit as an easy beach-to-boardwalk cover-up, but is also known to take them beyond the sand, too: she loves pairing a clean-cut hem with a statement blouse & sandals for a night out. Also having a moment? Colorful denim. Caroline’s tried-and-true sources for jean shorts are BLANKNYC and AGOLDE.
EASY DRESSES
At Shopbop, we love a good dress—so to us, stocking our closets with light-as-air dresses is one of the best parts of summer. Floral maxis, colorful midis, sidewalk-sweeping maxis… the list goes on and on. This season, we’re coveting everything from beachy crochet cover-ups to crisp short-sleeve shirtdresses and slinky date-night slips. Caroline loves how the season’s floaty styles can work for a few occasions on your calendar with just a few accessory swaps. Case in point: the breezy printed options from SEA, or easy, sunny styles from XIRENA.
STRING BIKINI
An iconic swimsuit silhouette for decades—and for good reason. Every summer wardrobe needs a string bikini in the rotation. From paisleys and daisies to plaid and animal print, these easy suits toe the line between sporty surfer and beach babe. The best part? The cheeky, torso-baring style ensures minimum tan lines—and maximum chilled-out vibes. To make a statement, opt for the standout swim from MIKOH or GANNI. Pro tip: Pair yours with a white t-shirt or tank top and cutoffs to play up the laid-back feel.
FLATFORM SANDAL
A modern, casual take on the platform, this summery rendition gives you extra height—without sacrificing comfort. Because these elevated styles are cushioned, they’re great for touring a new city, commuting to the office, or stepping out for casual weekend plans. What’s more, they pair well with pretty much anything—from a breezy pant or easy jumpsuit to a sweet mini dress. Whether you’re going trekky-casual with Teva or eclectic-chic with Ulla Johnson, there’s no better time to strap into the season’s favorite shoe.
STATEMENT SUNNIES
A great pair of sunglasses adds just the right amount of cool factor to any summer outfit. But most importantly, these oversized frames protect your eyes and face from strong UV rays. According to Shopbop Fashion Director Caroline Maguire, both supersized and minimalist-sleek options will reign supreme this summer. Think: round ‘90s-inspired pairs, sporty wraparounds & chic cat-eye silhouettes. Looking for a pop of color? Caroline’s go-to brands for bold, bright pairs include By Far and Bottega Veneta.
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