I cannot help you plan a family vacation and maintain your sanity. I cannot help you coax an unwilling toddler to apply sunscreen. Nor can I help you understand how the child who came home from school all year with an untouched lunch is now dying of starvation an hour after breakfast this week. But what I can help you do is survive summer – in style. Ready or not, the long-awaited summer months are upon us. Here are my “wardrobe musts” that will keep you cool and help you rock some serious style.
At the risk of sounding like my mother, you need a hat. A good one. The older I get, the more my skin reminds me just how close we are to the pesky equator. Skin protection is the name of the game. My favorites include the classic straw fedora, a trusty ball cap, and a fresh take on a visor. There are so many cute, wide-brimmed sun hats debuting right now. But while stitching that reads “Out of Office” in neon pink sequins makes a cute statement by the pool, chances are you won’t want to rock this every day. Opt for a more functional hat with a slightly smaller brim. And do yourself a favor by keeping it neutral. If you are anything like me, you tend to choose form over function, which is not a good idea when it comes to harmful rays. So, take care of your future self (and your future skin) by equipping your closet with a classic, neutral straw hat that will match anything you pair with it.
I also love a neutral baseball cap for running around. And while the invention may have taken as long as electric vehicles, someone finally engineered a way to wear a hat with a ponytail. Look for baseball caps that have criss-cross sections in the back so you can choose the height of your pony. (What a time to be alive, huh?!) Finally, if you have a lot of hair and prefer to wear it in a clip, opt for a straw visor to give you an alternative that still protects your face from the sun.
Unpopular opinion alert: There is not one single thing that can tank a stylish outfit like a rubber flip-flop. (I said what I said.) I totally get that sandals are standard issue when you become a Florida resident. But for the love of all that is good and holy, get a nice leather sandal and leave your dirty, worn, rubber flip-flops for the beach or the pool. Even shorts and T-shirts can look put together with the right shoes. Choose a leather sandal with hardware to add some polish or opt for a neutral leather slide instead. There are plenty of ways to achieve the comfort and ease you are looking for without sacrificing finesse and style.
When it comes to accessories, these small details can pack a big punch. You can take any jeans and tank top combination and make it summer-ready by adding a few, key elements. Choose vacation-inspired colors and materials to summer-fy your wardrobe. For jewelry, lean into bold colors or natural materials like wood or shells. For handbags, try out cork, straw or wicker. Pro tip: Adding accessories with natural elements like this to black pieces will dress it down, helping you wear black tops and dresses year-round.
The last thing you need for style survival is a quality swimsuit. Maybe you are a unicorn and enjoy the process of shopping for a new bathing suit. But for the rest of us – who would rather walk on Legos than participate in the self-esteem-crushing activity of shimmying into and out of lycra in fluorescent lighting – let me save you some time. Here are my current favorite swimsuit brands that fit and flatter and can be exchanged by mail. (You’re welcome.)
- For modest, quality swimwear, check out Albion. They also have an extensive line of activewear as well. If you need a suit for adventuring but still want to feel stylish, give this Utah-based brand a try.
- I am a personal fan of BLEU by Rod Beattie. I love their bright colors and prints and appreciate the purposefully flattering cuts. They carry up to size 22 and can be found at major department stores and online. This is a great brand for you if you are looking for high-impact suits for vacation.
- And if you are looking for the most tummy control, try Miraclesuit. They have cracked the code on slimming swimwear. They have a myriad of styles ranging from sexy one-pieces to tankinis and swim dresses that will turn even the most anti-suit shopper into a confident beach babe in no time.
So lather up, friends, because here comes the sun. Employ these tips to conquer the heat (and summer parenting) in style.
