At the first sign of warm weather in Amsterdam, I immediately pull all my summer wardrobe staples out from under the bed and hang them in the closet. It feels so good to be able to see all my dresses and skirts again. Around this time of year, I find myself spending more time online window shopping because I find summer fashion so fun. But before buying anything new for the season, it helps to take an inventory of what I’ve already got. Assessing what staples I already have let’s me be smart about my summer shopping and updating my wardrobe for the year.
When it comes to those summer wardrobe staples for 2021, a lot of them will remain the same from last year. I’m a firm believer in getting multiples seasons of wear out of my clothes, and classic staples make that easy. But with every year there are new trends that pop up that I like to include under summer staples. Plus, I’ll admit I’ve replaced some of my summer wardrobe staples that have seen better days.
Keep reading for all the best summer wardrobe staples for 2021. And if you’re looking for summer trends, I’m writing a full post soon. Sign up for my email list on the right hand side of this page to get notified when that post goes live.
Xx, Kelsey
- Classic white dress (EU) – If you know me, you know I cannot pass up a good white dress. In fact, my closet is half full of white dresses. But you really just need one style to mix and match with a variety of accessories as part of your summer wardrobe staples for 2021.
- Canvas bag (EU) – Of course, straw bags will never go out of style. But for 2021, consider a mix of canvas and leather for an on-trend, yet classic look. There are a variety of options available to suit your style – from crossbody (EU) to tote and everything in between.
- Cutout dress (EU) – This is one of my favorite trends for summer 2021, and will easily carry over into future summer seasons. In order to keep this item from being too trendy, stick to classic neutrals like white, black or beige. One of the great things about this trend is that you can choose whichever cutout style fits your body best. I particularly love side cutouts because they’re slimming.
- Quality sandals (EU) – One of my new year’s resolutions this year was to spend my money on more quality pieces instead of a million fast-fashion items. Classic sandals are a great way to do that. Look for a real leather style that will shape to your foot for wear across multiple seasons. I recently purchased the Hèrmes Oran sandals, which are an investment but totally worth it.
- Midi skirt (EU) – One of my most worn summer outfit combinations is a midi skirt and fitted tank. It’s easy for super hot days and still looks very classy.
- Ribbed tank (EU) – Ribbed tanks are popping up everywhere this season. While trendy, they make my list of summer wardrobe staples for 2021 because of how versatile they are. Pair it with the aforementioned midi skirt or a great pair of denim shorts.
- Cutout swimsuit (EU) – Cutouts reign supreme for 2021, and you can’t go wrong with a cutout swimsuit. Stick to a classic color like black or white to get extra wear out of it. Bonus points if you also get in some puff sleeves (another 2021 swimwear trend) like this suit.
- Straw hat (EU) – No lie, I have been wearing this straw hat for years. It’s a very classic style that pairs just as well with a swimsuit as with a white dress.
- Striped top (EU) – Breton stripes are a classic part of French girl style and scream “summer in the South of France” to me. Based on your wardrobe, you can consider a long sleeve version for chilly nights or a short sleeve option to pair with shorts.
- Denim skirt (EU) – I’m not too big on all the returning trends from the 90s and 00s, but I can definitely get behind a denim skirt. I picked one up on our trip to the US a few weeks ago and will be pairing it with a striped top asap.
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Photography by Consuelo Edeling Photography
