Earlier this week we talked about the latest in beauty trends for spring and summer—now, it’s time to switch gears to…what else? Our favorite fashion essentials—perfect for warm weather that can’t seem to get here fast enough! It’s one thing to admire what we see on the runway, but it’s another thing entirely to make those trends work for everyday. Here are 10 of our must-haves that are perfect for, you know, real life.
Shirt dresses:
image via
Preppy gals rejoice. Seeing this recurring theme on the spring runways makes us happier than a Sunday night Sex & The City marathon. Go for the classic button-down or popover. Sure, trends might come and go, but this is a staple you’ll have for years to come. While we saw them in a variety of styles, there’s something about a chambray shirt dress that makes us a little giddy.
Shop our picks: Budget // Splurge
Kimono jackets:
image via
Once reserved solely for festivals, this trend has gone mainstream! This year, we love maxi kimono jackets in particular, which add a layer of warmth in unpredictable spring weather. Functional and bold is always a winner in our book!
Shop our picks: Budget // Splurge
70’s inspired wedges:
image via
Platforms are back with a vengeance, especially in the form of wedges. Bonus: They’re much more comfortable and easier to walk in than stilettos.
Shop our picks: Budget // Splurge
A little bit sporty:
image via
Tomboy meets city chic, even the girliest of girls can get on board with this trend. Think minimalist silhouettes, with a slight hint of sporty edge. Rugby stripes, track pants, and yes, of course, your favorite trainers. Fun fact: this trend has actually been given it’s own term–athleisure. And we like it.
Shop our picks: Budget // Splurge
Denim mini skirts:
image via
(Yes, they’re back!) We don’t mean the overpriced, Abercrombie & Fitch strip of dental floss variety of yesteryear, but a much classier version (not quite as short, thankfully!) has made its way from the catwalk to the shelves of our favorite retailers.
Shop our picks: Budget // Splurge
70’s inspired flares:
image via
(Yep, those are also back—big year for our favorite decades, don’t you think?) For the most flattering silhouette, look for a mid to high-rise tailored pair that is fitted through the thigh and flares out below the knee. We can’t get enough of them in white!
Shop our picks: Budget // Splurge
Polka dots:
image via
This cheerful print is hitting hard this year. Although we’ve never met a polka dot we didn’t like, we’ve found the oversized, mod variety especially charming this season.
Shop our picks: Budget // Splurge
Minimalistic slides:
image via
If we could only wear one pair of shoes the entire summer, we’d choose these ultra-simple, slightly Grecian sandals. Sleek, comfortable, and perfect for everything from the beach to an alfresco date night.
Shop our picks: Budget // Splurge
Bold, retro florals: (GROUNDBREAKING!)
image via
Florals (shockingly!) are getting a bit of a twist this season. Aside from the usual soft, feminine variety, expect to see quite a few bold, retro, almost kaleidoscopic floral prints cropping up throughout the spring and summer. Try one with Birkenstocks for a hippie-chic vibe, or with your favorite wedges for a look that even Megan Draper would be proud of.
Shop our picks: Budget // Splurge
Saddle bag:
image via
The crowd pleasing cross-body of the season? We’ve got to hand it to the saddle bag. Choose one in a classic, neutral tone that you’ll wear from festivals, to concerts, to drinks with the girls. Or for a spring alternative, look for a bright version to add a pop of color to your ensemble. (Like the above, in powder blue!)
Shop our picks: Budget // Splurge