Summer Wardrobe Essentials

1. Jean Jacket

I've had my Levi's Trucker Jean Jacket for literally eight years, and it has held up through many washes. I wear it through all four seasons and take it on vacation with me. It is the perfect casual jacket to throw on with a maxi dress, T-shirt, or really any outfit. Jean jackets have been super trendy over the last few years, but this one is classic.

2. Sunglasses

Sunglasses are a must for the summer sun! I have several pairs of sunnies depending on the occasion. Sunglasses can complete an entire outfit, so it's essential to have some not only for UV protection but fashion. 🙂

Some of my favorite sunglass brands are Ray-Ban, Chanel, and Prada. I've found that Ray-Ban has some very versatile glasses that can be dressed up or down. My hubby even steals a few of my pairs since they are unisex. Chanel has lovely classic shades, as well as some more fashionable pairs. Prada has a lot of really fun unique styles like the famous baroque.

Here are a few of my favorites:

3. Matte Lip

Even though I have fair skin, light pink lipstick has always been a favorite of mine for the warmer weather. Pastel colors, in general, are really what spring/summer is about right?

My friend Diana aka The Browpreneur (check out her beauty and lifestyle blog) recently introduced me to YSL's matte lip stain, and I'm in love. My favorite color is "dusty rose." It goes perfect with my light skin, but also excellent with her medium complexion. It's hard for us fair ladies to find a light pink that doesn't wash us out. This one has blue and pink undertones and doesn't over dry lips. It goes on smooth, without caking like some other matte lip stains. The lasting power is excellent, I wore this throughout our trip to Montreal and didn't have to apply often. Perfect summer color!

4. Shawl

Living in the Midwest, our summers can get pretty chilly, especially at night. I always have a shawl with me. I love Louis Vuitton's monogram shawls and have about 5 different colors.

Whats nice about these shawls is that you can wear them as is-- a shawl, or you can wrap them around as a big scarf. I also keep one of these in my bag when I fly and use it like a blanket. Super chic and stylish.

5. Maxi Dress

Maxi dresses are a summer staple. I wait for warmer weather each year so that I can bust out all of my maxis. Dare I say they are more comfortable than leggings? I probably have over 20 maxi dresses, and I get most of them at either Target or Amazon! I don't like spending more than $20-$30 on a dress since fashion changes so quickly.

A maxi dress can be dressed up or down. You can wear one to the office,  date night, or just out running errands. I usually throw my Levi's Jean Jacket over my dress, adding a scarf or some fun jewelry to complete the look.

Here are a few of my favorite maxis: