Summertime Essentials: Three Must-Have Accessories

Waited for the entire year, the Summer season brings sunshine, excuses for cocktails, and cute outfits. But with temperatures that aren't always bearable and conditions that are less than ideal, it is important for a Summer outfit to STAY cute even amidst sweat, ocean breezes, humidity, and the great outdoors. Below I have comprised a list of 3 essential items that will keep you cute and composed in any Summer setting...

1. A pair of sandals that you're confident you could run a 5k in.   

Jack Rogers are my #1 recommendation for a comfortable, versatile sandal.

    Whether flats, wedges, strappy, or simple, a trusty pair of sandals will take you far in the Summer months. Easy to throw on or throw in a tote bag, the best part about sandals is that you can wear them to the beach and then dress them up for a more formal occasion later that night. The key to a versatile pair of sandals is color: anything too bright or patterned makes it obvious that you are wearing these shoes, well, all the time. Bright colors also severely limit outfit options. Dark, neutral, or even a muted metallic shade is your best bet for shoes that will go with anything, and won't be too noticeable that you are repeating footwear. Material and quality are also key components to the perfect summer sandal. Style aside, comfort and durability are mandatory...it's okay to justify splurging on a nice pair of sandals if you wear them virtually everyday.  A simple, classic sandal of good quality ( I recommend leather) and a versatile color will keep you comfortable and cute all season.
*photo courtesy of shopbody.com
  

2. A hat that says "I'm not having a bad hair day I just threw this on to be adorable."     

      When humidity, wind, and sweat come into the equation, a trusty hat will quickly become a staple during the hot months. A floppy sun hat, straw hat, or even a baseball hat can be  great options for skipping a wash or taming wind-blown hair. Again, simple is better for hat options and its important to keep in mind your own personal style. If you're a jean cutoffs type of style, opt for the baseball hat. I personally love a girl that can rock a baseball hat. Whatever you choose, pair the hat with minimal accessories so as not to overwhelm your "I just threw this on" look. 
*photos courtesy of Etsy and J. Crew

 

3. A pair of sunglasses that actually look good on your face.
     'Actually' is the operative word in this sentence because unfortunately many people believe that sunglasses are sunglasses and shape and style aren't exceedingly important. Ha! One should not buy a dress that does not compliment your body type so why wouldn't you pay attention that your shades compliment your facial structure?! The first step to sunglasses shopping is to define your face shape. Common shapes are round, oval, heart shaped, V, and square. If your shape isn't apparent to you, a simple way to decide is to look in the mirror and trace with your finger the outline of your face. For round shapes, something more angular and straight-lined will help define your eyes. For heart shapes, something with a slight curve (but not downright round) will compliment your bone structure. Aviators work very well for heart-shaped faces. If you have a defined jawline in a V or a more rectangular shape, something soft and round will balance and compliment. I love a subtle cat-eye because it is a great unexpected take on a 'round' lense. Last but not least, please take note of the size of your face in proportion to the size of your glasses. It may sound silly, but a miniature OR bug-eyed size quickly ruins a whole look.
 
 *photos courtesy of Ray Ban and Polyvore



Stay Chic!