One of the things that I like about the changing seasons is that I also get to change my wardrobe. Bringing my clothes out of storage each season is like Christmas morning for me, even with items that I have had a few years. What I don’t like, however, is not having things in my wardrobe that I need when I have a special occasion to attend. To combat that, I have done a lot of research over the years about what I should have in my closet so that I am always prepared.
You may be wondering what building a wardrobe has anything to do with being a Proverbs 31 woman. Well, she dressed in pure and fine linen, that’s what! What we wear says a lot about us, so we have to be careful that the image that we present of ourselves is the image that we want to present and that it is lined up with what God says about us as women.
Related: Attributes of the Proverbs 31 Woman
When I am shopping, I try to keep these things in mind; I want to make sure that I honor God with my body by dressing appropriately. That does not mean that we cannot be fashionable in the process! On the contrary, your wardrobe is an excellent way to say a lot about yourself without saying a word.
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Wardrobe Basics
What I have learned is that most of what everyone should have in their wardrobe is divided into three main categories, as well as a few other minor ones. The main three are basics, staples, and statement pieces. Basics are the foundation of your wardrobe, and where you should start building. The basics to include in your wardrobe this summer are as follows:
A white button-down shirt should be in your wardrobe for all seasons and summer is no exception. This piece is very versatile: You can wear it on interviews, to the office, with jeans, etc.
Tees are a must. A basic white tee is also very versatile. Get more than one in several styles. You may also want to get a Breton, or a blue and white, striped tee for the summer. While you are getting your white tees, get a white ribbed tank for the same reason; it will go well with everything.
A lightweight cardigan. It gets chilly in air-conditioned buildings, so you will want at least one.
A maxi dress is a good summer alternative to the basic jersey wrap dress.
A pair of white jeans. Jeans should be in your wardrobe all year. I like to wear them to the movie theater. For the summer, I take out my white jeans.
- A crewneck sweater. A summer sweater, that is! Wear it with shorts, or on the plane, or at the movie theater with a pair of white jeans.
- A denim jacket. It is perfect for warding off the chill at the beach after sunset.
- Shorts. There are several styles you can go with: long denim shorts or cut-offs; khaki shorts or a pair of fashion or trouser shorts. Or all of the above!
- A swimsuit. The consensus from my research is that a maillot, a one-piece swimsuit, that transitions well from the beach to a restaurant is a convenient. For a more modest look, try this compression swimsuit.
- A cover-up. One that can double as a dress is a good option.
Wardrobe Staples
Staples are similar to basics; they are the items in your wardrobe that go with everything else. Some staples for your wardrobe with summer alternatives:
A dressy top. An eyelet top is the perfect dressy summer top.
Fitted jacket or lace blazer. A lightweight, bright colored blazer is a good option for summer.
Trade the little black dress for a little white dress for the summer. A shirtdress is classic.
All-season office skirt. Swap this out for a midi skirt in a pretty print to wear with your white tee or tank.
Instead of a black suit, wear a pair of shorts or a skirt with a matching neutral blazer or one in a bright color for summer.
A camisole. Try a lace trimmed camisole to layer under your cardigan or blazer.
A basic tee dress. Pick one in your favorite color and style.
Lightweight pants. Examples include white cropped, linen pants or silk, or wide-legged trousers.
Statement Pieces
Statement pieces are the items that people notice and that show your personality. This is where you can bring in some trendy pieces.
- A printed dress. Try a tropical print shirtdress or a jungle print wrap dress for summer.
- A bold blouse. The consensus for a bold summer blouse is the puff-sleeved top. There are many styles and colors to choose from.
- You might also want to try a cardigan with a bold print here.
Shoes
White sneakers. Plain white sneakers are the most versatile. Another option is a pair of Converse or a pair of canvas slip-ons. Wear these with your t-shirt dress or your midi skirt.
A pair of flat sandals in a neutral color. These can be slides or flip flops. Wear them with your maxi dress.
A pair of strappy sandals for dressy occasions. Try them with your fashion shorts.
A pair of espadrilles or wedges. Wear them with your printed dresses.
Accessories
- A small handbag. Try a crossbody bag in raffia or a bright color.
- A straw bag or straw tote for all of your beach essentials.
- A hat. The most recommended is a straw hat or visor, but you can also try a bucket hat in denim or madras print for an alternative summer look.
- Sunglasses. This goes without saying. What’s a summer without them?
These are just a few of the items you can include in your summer wardrobe. What would you add? Please comment below. And for more modest fashion inspiration, please be sure to check out my LTK Shop.
Until next time, stay beautiful! 💖
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I love your reference to Proverbs 31, I Just cleaned out my closet and once this stay at home order is lifted I will be going shopping for sure. Thanks for sharing your great ideas
Thank you, I am glad you were inspired!😊
I am all about the maxi dresses and the swimsuit cover dresses in the summer. Such great tips. Looks like I need to go shopping!
I have been staying away from maxi dresses thinking that they would all be too long for me, but now that I know that they are not, I would like to go shopping now, too. I’m so glad you are inspired! Thank you 😊
I did have lovely outfits planned for this summer after cleaning out my wardrobe, will probably have to wait for next summer now🥺
Oh no, I hope not. 🙏🏾
I’m actually trying to redo my wardrobe for the summer. I want staple pieces like you mentioned.
Great, I hope this guide is helpful to you!
I def need a white button down! Hopefully we get to go outside this summer to actually wear cute outfits haha thanks for the advice!
You know what’s funny? So do I! It has been on my list for years. 😄 And you are welcome. 😊
Love your compilation here! I will make a note of these items as we move forward towards warmer months. (Maxi dresses are my new fav, along with jumpsuits!) Thanks for sharing!
Thank you! 😊 I am going to do another compilation for each new season. I haven’t tried jumpsuits yet. I am not sure they are worth the inconvenience, but there are so many cute ones, so I just may….
I loved this article. It’s fun and gives me great ideas for cute and simple summer outfits! Can’t wait for warmer weather!
Thanks so much! I’m glad you enjoyed it. 😊
I love these suggestions! I always struggle with choosing accessories so this helps me A LOT!
Thank you, Marie! I am so glad my article is helpful. 😊
Great minds think alike! I am actually giving a freebie away with very similar items!
Really? That sounds like it’s going to be an amazing giveaway! 👏🏽
Hi it’s Brenda from BrendaMarie.RubyHemMinistries.com A lot of great ideas here but you can’t forget the jewelry because you’re never fully dressed without it 😉
I know, right?! I thought about that later. I will have to do an update piece… 😁
Love your post. My staple t-shirt is grey and black. But I love a good white tank.
Me, too. I have several white tanks! Thank you 😊
Lots of great pieces for summer! You mentioned a lot of white pieces and I think white can be so stunning in summer, especially bottoms and sandals. So ready for summer weather!
Yes, white pieces are a must for summer. I am looking forward to adding the little white dress to my wardrobe! Thank you 😊
I’ve been working on an extremely simplified summer wardrobe. You hit all the key points without going overboard! I have all I thought I needed, but something seemed missing – you pointed it out – printed dress and bold cardigan! Thanks!
That’s great that you only need a couple of finishing touches for your summer wardrobe. I’m glad I was able to inspire you a couple more pieces! 😊
Thanks for the ideas. Fashion is not my gift, so I can definitely appreciate when those around me have it!! lol. Also, I love the shoes in the first picture!
You are welcome, and I know, I want those sandals! 😊
Great post! 100% agree with a white button down shirt as being essential piece, especially white linen! I always have a fitted one and a more loose fitting/oversized one in my wardrobe!
That is smart to get two white button down shirts. The loose fitting one would make a perfect beach coverup! Thank you! 😊
you have a great site! A little bit of everything- love the new look for summer!
Thanks, Kathy! I hope you will visit again! 😊
This is such a great list! I’ll def be saving it and referring to it when I pack 🙂 Thanks girl!
Xx.
Kristie
agirlinla.com
Thank you! I am so glad you will be using my list as a reference. 😊
thanks for the idea of summer outfits. I need to pull out all my summer clothes now.
You are welcome. I hope you have fun going through your summer clothes like I do! 😊
I’m a little overweight but trying to lose. I look awful in white. I love your ideas but would not look good in them.
I know what you mean; white is not the most flattering color! It is totally fine to stick with prints. 👍🏽
I love this list. I need to do a closet purge and see what I have to work with and what I need to buy.
Thank you and yes, take stock! You probably already have some great pieces to work with. 😊
Hey Robyn.
Lol. You and I are on opposite sides of the fashion scene! Lol.
You’re all about classic, neutrals, and conventional, which is fine for those who love that! I’m all about different, unique, very colorful, and unconventional! 🙂
Your writing style is fun and airy! This is a very enjoyable post.
I, too, am a Christian. Even though my style is “funky, fabulous, and frugal,” while being extravagant, it is also decent.
I wish you the best!
Blessings,
Cindy
“Create Your Own Style! be FUNKY, be FABULOUS, be FRUGAL!”
diybohemian.com
Hi Cindy, thanks for stopping by sister! 🤗💕🌸 I will have to check out your site and your style. Right now, I am focusing on building wardrobe basics, but absolutely everyone should show their personality. That is what I like about fashion. Thanks for the compliment on my writing style. 😊
Great post! I love having white tops and dresses in the summer. They’re like the LBD you can pull them off for any occasion!
Exactly, very versatile! Thank you 😊
Love this and will definitely use it as a guide when I finally get around to organizing my closet 😊 thanks for the great tips!
Thank you, and you are welcome! 😊
This was so helpful, we’re moving and I’m really wanting to inventory my closet with a short list of adds for the upcoming season! It was nice to see this all in one place with great ideas 🙂
Lexi
Thank you, Lexi! I’m so glad this was helpful for you! 😊
I love how detailed your items and descriptions are – perfect for a summer wardrobe! Oh, and it’s so refreshing to know that there are still women who are conscious of modesty!
Thanks, Jillian! I appreciate the feedback and the compliment. 😊
ugh this is getting me way too excited for summer and for stay at home orders to be over!
I know, me too!!! I know exactly how you feel. 😩🙂
It would have been cool to see pictures of example outfits! Great post
Hi Alexis, I thought of that after I published it. I hope to be able to update it later with affiliate links. Thank you. 😊
I love lightweight pants during the summer!
Me, too. A have a pair of white linen pants. 😊
I usually get inspiration from people when I see them, it’s a pity
you don’t have some photos. Nice pin photo..
Thanks for the feedback. I will definitely update this article with photos in the near future.
I love the all white in the summer! Admittedly I wear a lot of black during the winter and so during the summer months I try to swap some of those pieces out for lighter colours!
Yes, being able to change up colors with the change of seasons is so refreshing. 😊
The very core of your writing whilst sounding reasonable at first, did not really sit well with me after some time. Someplace throughout the sentences you managed to make me a believer but just for a while. I still have got a problem with your jumps in logic and you would do well to help fill in those breaks. When you can accomplish that, I will undoubtedly be fascinated.
These are just opinions for summer wardrobe pieces, not arguments based on logic, that you can take or leave.
Loved this article!! I am always buying new clothing items and everyday still seem to say I have nothing to wear! I need to buy more basic items for everyday wear especially with this quarantine it seems harder to find something to wear to just do nothing lol!
Thank you, Adrianna! I agree, it is important to have a focus when shopping so we are not wasting are money buying random things!
Wonderful, what a blog it is!
Thank you! 😊
After I initially commented I appear to have clicked on the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now every time a comment is added I get four emails with the exact same comment. Perhaps there is a way you are able to remove me from that service? Thanks!
I am sorry to hear that happened, Shelby. Check the bottom of the email notifications for a link to unsubscribe. That should end the notifications.
Like!! I blog quite often and I genuinely thank you for your information. The article has truly peaked my interest.
Thank you 😊
Summer is almost over now 🙁 but great article! Truly loved this! Thank you sharing
Thank you! 😊
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