Almost fifty percent of Americans surveyed in 2024 planned to buy new clothing this summer.
If you’re one of them, you might be struggling with what specifically you should be purchasing. There are so many different stores and options out there!
Luckily, we’ve got the information you need. Let’s go through what you should be looking for when it comes to summer clothing you should invest in this year.
Choose Breathable Fabrics
Look for summer clothes that are made from lightweight and breathable fabrics. These materials allow air to circulate. That helps to keep you cool when you’re out in the summer heat.
Cotton is another great option. It allows for better air circulation and moisture absorption, keeping you cool and dry. Look for 100% cotton or cotton blends for tops, dresses, shorts, and skirts.
Linen is another natural fabric that is highly breathable and perfect for summer. It has excellent moisture-wicking properties and allows airflow, making it ideal for hot and damp climates. Linen dresses, shirts, and pants are popular choices for their breezy and relaxed feel.
Think About Your Lifestyle
Consider what activities you’ll be doing during the summer and choose clothing that suits your lifestyle. If you’ll be spending a lot of time at the beach, prioritize swimwear and cover-ups. If you have outdoor events or parties to attend, look for dressier options.
You should also think about your everyday routine. If your work involves certain dress codes or specific requirements, ensure that the clothing you buy complies with those guidelines. This is particularly important if you have professional or formal engagements during the summer.
Choose Versatile Items
Opt for clothing pieces that can be mixed up to create different outfits. This will allow you to maximize your wardrobe and create various looks without buying too many items.
A classic pair of denim shorts can be coordinated depending on the occasion. They can be worn with a cute tank top or shirt for a relaxed look, or polished up with a nicer top and sandals for a more put-together outfit.
Maxi dresses are nice and comfy for any occasion. They can be worn on its own for a casual look or dressed up with accessories and heels for a more formal event. Choose a solid color or a timeless print to maximize its versatility.
You should also pick up a white t-shirt. It’s a staple in any wardrobe and can be paired with almost anything. It can be worn with jeans, shorts, skirts, or layered under dresses and jumpsuits.
Buy Good Shoes
When choosing shoes for summer, it’s important to prioritize comfort, breathability, and versatility.
Sandals are a popular choice for summer as they allow your feet to breathe and keep you cool. Look for sandals with supportive soles and adjustable straps for a comfortable fit. Options like flip-flops, slides, gladiator sandals, or espadrille sandals can complement various outfits.
If you’d like something fancier, look at espadrilles. They typically have a jute-wrapped sole and can come in flat or wedge styles. Espadrilles can be paired with sundresses, shorts, or cropped pants for a relaxed and fashionable look.
Consider wedges as well. Wedges offer the height that comes with heels while providing more stability and comfort. Look for wedges with cork or woven heels for a summery vibe. They can be paired with lots of different outfits for a dressier look.
For something more casual, buy a pair of boat shoes. They’re typically made of canvas or leather and have a rubber sole for good grip. Boat shoes are great for casual summer outings, especially near water.
Have The Right Accessories
You’ll need a big variety of accessories to get through the summer months.
If you’re heading to the beach or pool, a spacious and stylish beach bag is essential. Look for a bag that is large enough to hold your towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and other beach essentials.
Once you have a beach bag, you want to make sure you fill it up right. Learn how to start packing your beach bag optimally.
Opt for lightweight and colorful jewelry that complements your summer outfits. Beaded bracelets, shell necklaces, hoop earrings, or stackable rings can add a playful and beachy vibe to your look.
Hats serve a dual purpose in the summer by shielding your face from the sun and adding a fashionable touch to your outfit. Wide-brimmed hats, straw hats, floppy hats, or caps can provide both style and sun protection.
A must-have accessory for summer, sunglasses not only protect your eyes from the sun but also add a stylish element to your look. Choose a pair that suits your face shape and provides UV protection.
Don’t Forget Sun Protection
You should never neglect UV protection when you’re going to be out in the sun.
Hats serve a dual purpose in the summer by shielding your face from the sun and adding a fashionable touch to your outfit. Wide-brimmed hats, straw hats, floppy hats, or caps can provide both style and sun protection.
You can purchase protective sun clothes, too. Look for clothing labeled with UPF ratings, which indicate the level of sun protection the fabric provides. UPF clothing blocks both UVA and UVB rays, offering superior protection compared to regular clothing. Ideally, you should aim for UPF 50+ sun-protective clothing.
Start Shopping for Summer Clothing This Year
The amount of summer clothing you really need can feel like a lot. Hopefully, with this list, you’ll have some idea of where to start.
Do you need more help making sure you’re properly prepared for summer? We can help. Scroll through a few of our posts on fashion, lifestyle, and so much more.
