Someone asked me for a list of good summer investment pieces, and that got me to thinking about my most worn summer wardrobe items and which ones are worth investing in, so I came up with this list!
outfit details
We all probably know the major fall/winter investment pieces: a great-fitting pair of jeans, quality sweaters, leather boots, maybe a versatile blazer or leather jacket…
But summertime tends to be more casual, and for many areas of the continent, it’s a much shorter season. For those reasons, most of us probably don’t spend as much on our spring/summer clothing as we do on fall/winter clothing, but that doesn’t mean there are no summer wardrobe items worth investing in. With that in mind, these are the 7 summer wardrobe items I recommend spending a little bit more of your budget on, if they fit your life and style.
You may also like: When to Splurge & When to Save When Building Your Wardrobe
My Favorite Summer Investment Pieces
#1. White Denim
PAIGE Anessa (29) // bobi utility tee (M) // raffia slides (8) // woven tote // Tom Ford sunnies
Even in the warm summer months, I find myself reaching for my jeans quite several times a week. Usually, it’s white denim for more elevated church or date night looks, but I wear them casually, as well.
Denim is one of those clothing categories that I can really see and feel the difference in a quality garment, so it’s worth it to me to invest in premium denim brands such as MOTHER, PAIGE, and FRAME. I’ve also been very happy with my Good American white denim for premium denim under $200; it’s very thick and stretchy, and it holds everything in.
While premium denim is spendy, you can often find good deals at stores like Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, Saks, Shopbop, and others. In fact, Saks is currently offering $50 off a $200 purchase on select denim brands. I rounded up all of my white denim favorites and some other recommendations below.
#2. Neutral Handbag
Dragon Diffusion Santa Croce large woven-leather basket bag (also at Farfetch)
A quality bag has a way of elevating even the most budget-friendly outfit, so I think it’s worth investing in, especially if you’re one to carry your handbag every day. Because I carry mine so often and for so many years, the cost per wear works itself out in the long run.
In the summertime, I love a woven tote such as the one shown above, or a raffia bag with leather trim. I linked up more of my personal favorites along with some other recommendations below.
#3. White T-Shirt
Frame Le Mid Rise V-Neck Tee (XS) // MOTHER The Dazzler (29) // P448 John (39) // Think Rolyn Bum Bag
I know, I know… but hear me out. A good quality white tee is so versatile and works as a stand-alone top or as a base layer under all types of cardigans and jackets.
Yes, white t-shirts get pit stains and wear out faster than say, a sweater. But even if I have to replace it when the next season rolls around, I will still get a decent cost per wear out of a higher end tee, and they just look and feel so much better than their cheaper counterparts.
That’s not to say I don’t think there’s a purpose for cheaper t-shirts. In fact, I keep a few of those around as well, but if I’m going to make a list of investment-worthy summer wardrobe items, this Frame Le Mid Rise V-Neck Tee and the ATM Schoolboy V-Neck are definitely on the list. Splendid also makes some nice options under $50.
#4. Leather Sandals
STAUD Dante Leather Flip Flops (38) // linen pants (6) // black jacket (S) // raffia bag // YSL sunnies
My friend Jen at Everyday Style School is fond of saying, “Shoes define your style,” and that got me to thinking… Especially in the summertime, when we are wearing fewer layers and clothing is simpler, I feel like quality sandals are key to keeping our summer looks polished and put-together.
Think about it like this: It takes little to no effort to swap out your plastic Old Navy flip flops for a pair of quality leather sandals, but it goes such a long way towards elevating your summer style.
I rounded up some of my current favorites below, and while some are not leather, these are all good quality sandals that I think are worth the investment.
#5. Classy Swimsuit
Miraclesuit Rock Solid Aphrodite One-Piece Swimsuit (size 8) // Fendi sunnies
I’ve always invested in quality swimwear because the materials are thicker and more supportive than their cheaper counterparts, which means the swimsuit is more flattering and holds up better over time. Plus, it allows you to keep and wear them for several years, which means less swimsuit shopping. Bonus!
Some of my favorite brands that I believe are worth the investment are Bleu Rod Beattie, Tommy Bahama, La Blanca, and Sea Level. I did a whole Swimsuit Guide just a few weeks ago, so I won’t reinvent the wheel with a shopping widget in this post.
Also, don’t neglect your cover-up. I love how a stylish cover-up levels up a poolside look and keeps it classy.
#6. Statement Sunglasses
Tom Ford Selby 55mm Sunglasses
Speaking of keeping it classy, a pair of good quality statement sunglasses elevates all your outfits, dressy or casual. I definitely consider them a summer wardrobe item worth investing in, although of course you can wear sunglasses all year ’round. Here are a few of my favorites.
#7. Polished White Sneakers
Paul Green Hadley sneakers (8) // LOFT chambray dress // Naghedi tote
White leather sneakers are timeless and go with pretty much any outfit, plus they allow you to go about your daily activities in comfort and style.
The Paul Green Hadley is my go-to pair for ultimate comfort, and they are so versatile. I also still love my VEJAs and P448s. I linked those and some others below.
I realize we are all different and have different priorities when it comes to this type of list, so I’d love to hear yours!
