Summer weather has arrived here in Nashville! With the heat comes some necessary wardrobe changes and additions. I believe that high-quality, seasonal, wardrobe essentials are foundational in making wearable outfits that work well with the weather. Having versatile, staple pieces that fit you perfectly gives you the confidence and desire to reach for them over and over, styling them in new ways throughout the season.

Today I’m sharing my summer wardrobe essentials for 2022! These are the most versatile, core pieces I use when making my summer outfits. Some of them cross over from one season to another (like a white tee and white sneakers), and others are on my list for summer only (oh hey, rib knit tank!). Sometimes I wear them all together and other times I mix them with statement pieces.

If you missed it last week, I shared my process for building your summer wardrobe. The process is just five easy steps!

Tank Top | Shorts | Sunglasses | Bag (old from Madewell – similar) | Sandals

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Summer Wardrobe Essential Clothing 2022

White Denim Shorts | Denim Shorts | Black Tailored Shorts | Tan Tailored Shorts (sold out from AF – similar, similar) | Black Tank Top | White Dress (gifted) | Floral Dress (I have this one – gifted) | Denim Jacket (tts, medium) | White Tee (I got my smaller size, small) | Stripe Tee (another option) | Puff Sleeve Blouse (sold out from Old Navy – similar, similar) | Button Up Shirt (another option)

DRESSES— flowy dresses are such a nice throw-on-and-go piece in the hot weather. If they’re not your thing, I’d swap for a flowy skirt or jumpsuit. Solid color dresses, especially in neutrals, are super classic and versatile. When it comes to prints, my favorite for the summer is florals.

JACKETS— a denim jacket is all that I normally reach for in the summer, and only if I’ll be somewhere that means being in the air conditioning (it’s so hot and humid here). However, I also just got this cropped, flowy jacket (gifted) that I’ll be wearing this summer too.

TOPS— the main things I go for are rib-knit tanks (alone or as a base layer), classic tees (in solids or a stripe), feminine blouses (usually with a ruffle or puff sleeve and paired with denim), and airy button up shirts (in cotton or linen fabrics).

BOTTOMS— this summer is comes down to two styles for me, denim shorts (classic and go with everything) and tailored shorts (look chic and put together).

Summer Wardrobe Essential Shoes & Accessories 2022

Everyday Necklaces | Linen Cap | Small Gold Hoops | Small Silver Hoops | Black Sandals (whole sizes only so I sized up 1/2) | White Sneakers | Cognac Slide Sandals | Bandana | Belt | Straw Hat | Cuff Bracelet | Straw Bag (old from Madewell – similar) | Medium Gold Hoops | Sunglasses | Bone Crossbody Bag (gifted) | White Sandals

HATS— my two go-to’s for summer are a straw hat and a linen baseball cap. Both keep the sun off of your face and can easily be added it any outfit since they’re neutrals.

JEWELRY— I prefer dainty, minimalist jewelry for everyday wear. I wear small or medium hoops and coin necklace daily. Sometimes I add additional layers of necklace and a cuff bracelet.

SHOES— for me it’s white sneakers (so versatile and I wear them in every season) and sandals. I really love the minimalist feel of TKEES sandals and I’ve also been loving slide sandals.

BAGS— in the summer I reach for my small, straw tote bag the majority of the time— it’s super versatile. I also recently got a bone crossbody that I know I’ll wear often as well. The lighter toned bags are my favorite this time of year. I’m considering getting a canvas tote bag as well.

OTHER ACCESSORIES— other items that add interest to my summer outfits are belts (a great third piece instead of a top layer for hot days), bandanas (a fun summer accent piece), and sunglasses (they make every outfit feel more chic).

Where I Shop for My Summer Wardrobe

• ABLE: This is one of my favorite brands that I love supporting— ethical/sustainable, local to Nashville, approachable prices, a mix of basics/staples and trend pieces.
• Abercrombie: I got a handful of tailored shorts and pants from here this spring and summer. Their denim shorts are good Agolde dupes if you are looking for something more affordable.
• AGOLDE: My favorite brand for denim, both shorts and jeans.
• Everlane: They have great quality basics that are affordable and made ethically/sustainably.
• Grayson: They have the best button-down shirts in great fabrics (my personal favorite is the tumbled linen). This is a female founded company. Use code: MICHELLETOMCAK for $25 off of your order.
• Madewell: I love all of their categories of clothing and accessories.
• Nisolo: A footwear favorite brand of mine, local to Nashville, ethical/sustainable and extremely transparent. Their shoes are high-quality and classic. I have lots of their shoes and this is company that I love to support.
• Old Navy: Great for affordable fashion. I’m adding this one because I got two pieces that I really love from them recently— a feminine blouse that is 100% cotton, and a romper. I don’t get a lot from here, but I try to scope out the winning piece or two each season.
• Revolve: This is an online go-to for me for some of my favorite branded items because they have free shipping and returns. Here I look for: Veja Sneakers, Anine Bing Tees & Sweatshirts, Agolde Shorts and Jeans, Tkees sandals, etc.
• Sézane: A Parisian brand that is a certified b corp and making so many high-quality pieces with the best details and fabrics. I love literally everything from them!
• Shopbop: Like Revolve, this is an online go-to for some of my favorite branded items because they have free shipping and returns. Here I look for: Veja Sneakers, Anine Bing Tees & Sweatshirts, Agolde Shorts and Jeans, Tkees sandals, etc.
• Target: Great for affordable fashion. Most of my rib-knit tanks are from here and some of my sandals but I’m trying to be minimal with what I get from here as I want to focus on adding higher quality items to my wardrobe.
• TKEES: I got a couple of pairs of sandals from here and I’m hooked— I love the minimalistic feeling of their sandals. They’re simple yet interesting and high quality.

Things I’m Gravitating Towards this Summer

tailored shorts, rib-knit tanks, lace up sandals, fisherman sandals, feminine tops, midi and maxi dresses, rompers, matching sets, linen pieces, one shoulder tank tops, cut out details, interesting sunglasses, straw bags

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Thanks so much for checking out my summer wardrobe essentials for summer 2022. What are you gravitating towards this season? I would love to hear from you in the comments below! In my next post, I’ll be sharing my go-to summer outfit combos for summer 2022!