The Summer Fashion Essentials Your Closet Needs
Summer must haves 2023 seem cuter and more colorful than ever this year, probably because we finally have places to go and get dressed up for again. Summer fashion is my favorite season as it tends to be the most feminine, flattering and colorful. As much as I live in black in Winter, color always makes me happy and the bright color trends are giving life to our looks. Stocking up on summer wardrobe essentials for 2023 makes it easy to update your wardrobe with a few pieces rather than a complete closet overhaul. Move over winter wardrobe, here are the accessories, shoes and dresses to update any summer outfit this season.
This summer essentials 2023 post contains affiliate links that do not affect the prices in anyway.
Along with the other summer essentials 2023 I did also purchase this Lady Dior bag for Spring/Summer but didn’t add it to this list as it’s more of a splurge than a staple.
What are Summer must haves for 2023?
Summer must haves are the fashion essentials that make everything more summery and in style for Summer fashion 2023. Perfect for updating what you already have or if you’re curating a Summer capsule wardrobe.
This Summer fashion essentials for 2023 guide of feminine and flattering summer staples works for all occasions and budgets.
1. White Double Breasted Blazer
This Summer wardrobe essential is top of my summer must haves not just for 2023 but any year. A blazer’s a more stylish option than a cardigan for staying warm when they crank up the AC when you’re wearing your cutest summer dress.
It’s such a versatile layering piece for all seasons that makes any outfit look more polished. Even better if it’s a co-ord blazer and shorts or skirt set you can mix and match with. As much as oversized blazers are in style for 2023, you can never go wrong with a classic gold button double breasted blazer.
I have both a gold button double breasted version and slouchier version with no buttons so there’s one for both more dressy and more casual looks.
I love it with denim shorts and a cami, bodysuit or basic tee, some oversized sunglasses and either white sneakers if I’m running around or barely there strappy sandals for lunch with the girls.
2. Classic Summer Must Haves | Little White Dress
A white dress is always a fresh summer look and summer wardrobe essential. It’s one of those dress trends that never goes out of style. For 2023 look for bubble hems and sheer fabrics you can work into your Summer looks. There’s something youthful and playful with floaty styles that I love.
Cap sleeves and halternecks are super flattering, while the thinner straps are great for hotter days. Add some statement jewelry or different summer accessories to change the look up to get more than one wear from it.
I struggled to choose just 2 white dresses but ended up with these. One’s actually off white but I had to share it as the puff sleeves and skirt are so romantic and gorgeous and the other is more breezy for hot and humid holiday destinations and summer days.
3. Summer Must Have Shoes | Stylish Slides
Flats are a summer must have for running errands, vacation and effortless chic. More stylish than flip flops and kinder on your feet. Slides look more stylish than rubber slides and are one the comfier fashions I’m glad have stayed in style for Summer 2023. If this styles not for you, check out these flat slide sandals trending now.
Bottega Veneta
Quilted White Slides | Mules
Braided summer sandals are still in style and a Summer must have for 2023. White is a classic that will go with everything but don’t be afraid of color for 2023.
Budget Woven Slides
Sold Out | Similar square toe slides. I recommend sizing down 1/2 a size if you have narrow feet.
4. Nude Strappy Sandals
Nude strappy sandals are another summer must haves for 2023 (and every year). Slide heels and mules are still in but strappy sandals are easier to run around in as they won’t fall off.
Neutrals are perfect for Summer as they don’t look as heavy as black with Summer outfits, plus they go with everything. Another things I love about nude and white sandals is that they make your legs look longer.
Nude Strappy Sandals
Sold out | Similar nude sandals
5. Summer Must Haves 2023 | Statement Sunglasses
Sunglasses aren’t just a summer wardrobe essential but a personal style statement and a great way to update your look. They’re something I’ll always invest in to protect my eyes and because I wear them year round they get great CPW.
Sunglasses are pretty personal and a way to show your personality and fashion sense, there’s no right or wrong. I personally tend to go for more classic shapes, glam vibes, tortoiseshell or dark colors and if they have some sparkle even better.
Jimmy Choo
Statement Sunglasses
These sunglasses have the prettiest crystals inset in the frames. They look stunning when the sun catches them and the aviator shape is a style you can wear year after year. Making them a summer essential.
6. Floaty floral dress
A floral dress is always a Summer wardrobe essential. It’s just the style of it that changes each year. For Summer 2023 think floaty, fit and flare, cut out dresses. This years all about volume and color.
7. Swim Summer Must Haves 2023 | Flattering swimsuits
I used to only wear bikinis, now I’m pretty much the complete opposite and one-piece swimsuits are my go-to. They’re so flattering, classic and also totally on trend for Summer 2023.
If you’re on a budget, get more use out of it by choosing one that you can also wear as a bodysuit. If you want to splurge these are the best designer swimsuits and bikinis to wear this season.
Moschino
Black cut out swimsuit
Moschino M Logo cut-out swimsuit
12 most flattering black swimsuits
Best designer swimwear trending now
8. Summer Essentials 2023 | Oversized Sun Hat
For when you want something that gives you more sun protection and shade than your cute wide brimmed structured hats an oversized sun hat is perfect. Some of the major hat trends for 2023 to update your beach looks are straw hats, wide brim beach hats and bucket hats. I remember when they were popular back in the 90’s and they’re back! You’ll see these styles popping up everywhere in 2023.
The 2 hats below also roll up which makes them perfect for throwing in your luggage or carryon for vacation without worrying about damaging them.
The more structured shaped beach hats are more on trend but the giant floppy ones give more sun protection. So I’m wearing the smaller for everyday and the large for the beach and pool.
It’s a bit ‘extra’ but that’s what I love about it. Plus the amount of shade it gives as I try and stay out of the sun as much as possible and it keeps my wine cool.
Summer hat haul
Whatever style of Summer hat you’re looking for, it’s probably here. These are my must have summer hats for every occasion and why.
9. Carryall Tote
The Chanel Deauville tote bag is probably the most classic of them all for a Summer bag. While the Fendi sunshine tote and Saint Laurent Rive Gauche tote bags are still in style, it’s Chanel that’s the most iconic and a Summer must have if you want to splurge.
This tote from Saint Laurent is slightly beachy and perfect for the city as much as it is poolside or on vacation. As much as I love small bags, totes make the Summer must haves list for being able to carry your entire life around. Check out the 25 Best Beach Totes to find the perfect bag for you.
10. Summer Must Haves 2023 | Gold & Pearl Jewelry
The gold layering jewelry trend is still going in 2023 and makes dressing up outfits easy. Pearlcore is another Summer fashion for 2023 so grab some gold and pearl jewelry to complete your summer look.
Whether you prefer chunky gold chain necklaces and bracelets or more delicate pieces, gold and pearls add a luxe touch.
Summer Must Haves 2023 | What should I wear for Summer 2023
These 10 summer must haves are easy ways to update your Summer wardrobe and looks for Summer fashion 2023.
Another few summer wardrobe essentials that are versatile for the Summer season and great if you’re creating a summer capsule wardrobe are a:
- Neutral bag
- White shirt
- Satin slip dress
- Simple white tank top
- Neutral bodysuit that you can style with your favorite jeans, jean shorts and skirts.
- Denim jackets to layer with on cooler evenings
- Maxi dresses
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