Barb’s Summer Style Guide

With the sun setting later and the days getting warmer, it's time to prepare your wardrobe for summer. Whether you like to rock timeless linen dresses or classic jean shorts, there are simple ways to elevate your summer outfits. So put your sweaters into storage, grab a cold glass of lemonade, and join me for a sneak peek of the accessories I can't wait to wear this season.

Summer-Inspired Looks

If you're looking for inspiration for your summer style, look no further than the world around you. With trees getting greener and flowers budding, summer is filled with vibrant colors and beautiful florals—and your wardrobe can be the same! To match the blossoming season around you, find accessories and outfits that feature flowery patterns or earthy materials, such as leather or gemstones. 

Another important step in creating the perfect summer style is considering your plans and favorite summertime activities. Everything from a destination vacation to a love of hiking can influence your outfit choices. Do you want to dress in elegant skirts and dresses all summer? Do you need exercise shorts and beachwear? What kind of styles will make you feel most like yourself during summer activities? Asking all these questions and more is important as you decide on the pieces in your summer wardrobe.

How to Dress Cute and Comfortable in the Summer

Even if summer is your favorite season, it comes with one downside—the heat! If you're already dreading sweating in the sun and looking forward to blasting the AC, it's time to think about the best ways to stay comfortable and cute in your summery looks. Lucky for you, I think I’ve cracked the code.

Wearing lighter colors is one easy way to stay cool in the summer as they reflect sun rays rather than absorbing. You can also wear loose clothing, such as dresses or flowy tops and skirts, to welcome a breeze. But the most important tip that will have you feeling confident in every outfit is finding simple accessories you can wear all season long! Take it from me—dust off your favorite bags and stick to elegant, simple jewelry for a timeless summer style, no matter the occasion.

3 Head-to-Toe Summer Accessories

The secret to feeling confident all summer long? Accessories!

Don't miss these three must-have accessories as you build your seasonal wardrobe:

1.  Hats and bandanas
2. Bags
3. Jewelry

Find the Perfect Hats and Bandanas for Summer

Hats and bandanas are stylish and functional—you can keep the sun out of your eyes and the hair out of your face while elevating your outfit. Hats are known to help protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays and keep you cool and regulated. If you're someone (like me!) who can't stand having hair in their face all day long, there are endless ways to use a bandana to keep your hair back. While both have helpful benefits, I love them because they're a quick accessory to any outfit in your summer wardrobe.

This summer, I'm going to be wearing my hats and bandanas as much as possible. The Best Trucker Hat is the perfect addition to any of my on-the-go outfits, whether I'm on a hike or running to the grocery store. And what screams summer more than a rainbow pattern? On days when I want to add a feminine touch to my style, I'll wear the Hemlock Bandana. With beautiful, nature-inspired designs, this bandana can bring some summertime spirit to every outfit. 

All the Ways I Use Bandanas

Bandanas are versatile and stylish accessories that we recommend everyone have in their closet! Here are just some of the ways I plan on rocking my bandana all summer long:

• Keep hair back while gardening
• Store in the pocket for hikes
• Tie around my dog's neck
• Accessorize my handbag
• Experiment with summery hairstyles

What Makes the Best Summer Bag?

Finding the right bag for summer is easy. Look at your summer outfits and determine what color and style of bag will complement them. Take a second to think about all your summer plans and favorite activities, and consider if your bag can rise to the occasion. Whether buying a new bag or bringing an old one out of the closet, it's important to have a bag that will work for you.

This summer, I can't wait to wear the Lilly Crossbody bag whenever and wherever possible. This crossbody is versatile, lightweight, and has plenty of pockets to help me stay organized and enjoy summer hands-free. Whether I'm at a tailgate, the farmer's market, or a concert, you'll see me toting this beautiful bag!

Choose the Perfect Summer Jewelry

Even on days when it's too hot to dress up, beautiful, easy summer jewelry will help you feel stylish and cute. If you have everyday jewelry pieces in your jewelry box, dressing yourself to the nines every morning requires low effort—with a high reward! Find jewelry that makes you feel like the most empowered version of yourself and wear it throughout the season. 

I can't wait to wear these two pieces on heavy rotation for summer. The White Neutrals Wrap Bracelet is the perfect accessory for making a subtle statement, featuring different metals and stones. For an effortlessly elegant way to make every outfit feel special, I'll wear the free-formed Organic Hoop Earrings. Whether I'm dressing up for dinner on the patio or want to feel bold going to work, these jewelry pieces will do the job this summer.

Accessorize for These Summertime Occasions:

Cleanse your space, don your favorite summer accessories, and dress up for these memorable summertime activities:

• Fourth of July
• Pool parties
• Family get-togethers
• Drinks on the patio
• Picnics
• Farmer's markets
• Vacation