The Essentials. Including a few expected and a few unexpected items.

It’s almost that time of year again. Time to analyze our summer clothing and accessories. Time to weed out those dingy last-season trends and check to make sure we’re well equipped with essentials for the new season. No wardrobe is complete without the essentials, and lucky for you I’ve compiled a list of my favorites.

Denim Jacket
Levi’s Women’s Boyfriend Trucker, Sunshine Indigo, Medium

A denim jacket is the perfect early morning, late afternoon or evening jacket. This is a classic, timeless piece that you could wear every single day. It’s the perfect jacket to wear over your sundress, or with your white jeans. Maybe even with regular jeans if you’re feeling the Canadian tuxedo look (which I secretly love). Wear it to a BBQ, to a casual restaurant or to the beach on a chilly day. Above all, denim jackets come in so many different lengths and cuts. So many options! There’s a denim jacket for everyone. Essential!

Boyfriend Jeans
Levi’s Women’s New Boyfriend Jean, Adventure Blues, 31 (US 12)
I absolutely love boyfriend jeans. They’re fun, they’re comfortable and they go with everything. They’re so versatile and if you find the right pair they can actually be flattering. Many people fear the unflattering, slouchy, baggy boyfriend-jean look. This is a very real fear that should 100% be addressed when shopping for boyfriend jeans. Find a pair that suits your style. A slouchier pair, a slimmer pair, or maybe a pair that you can cuff and un-cuff. Boyfriend jeans are a great summer staple because they’re a little looser, a little more comfortable and they go with almost every summer tee or tank. Wear them with platforms and a dressier shirt for a night out, or a graphic tee and sandals for a day at the beach.

Water Bottle
S’well Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle, Double Wall, 25 oz, White Marble

I carry a water bottle all year round, but during the hot summer months it is especially important to stay hydrated. There are so many cool new water bottles on the market. Some work better, some are safer. So what should you look for in a reusable bottle? First things first, it’s important to know that inexpensive plastic is low-quality plastic. Not good! Low quality plastic usually contains BPA and has been linked to fertility and other issues. So if you’re looking for a reusable bottle make sure it is BPA and phthalate free. I prefer stainless steel to plastic. Stainless steel bottles are usually better at insulation and in my opinion they’re more attractive. I LOVE the S’Well water bottle – designed to keep a drink cold for 24 hours, or hot for 12 hours. So cool! Non-toxic, BPA free, all that good stuff. Definitely a summer essential.

Sunscreen
La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Body and Face Sunscreen Melt-In Milk Lotion, SPF 60 with Antioxidants, 5 Fl. Oz.

The importance of sunscreen is enormous. It will help slow down-skin aging, and prevent winkles. Need I say more? Okay, but on a serious note sunscreen helps to prevent skin cancer by protecting us from the sun’s super harmful ultraviolet rays. A broad-spectrum product will protect against UVA and UVB rays, which is fabulous. This particular product is perfect for face and body, so get on that! Skin cancer is on the rise and sunscreen is an absolutely proven way to avoid skin cancer development. And hey, the less wrinkles the better, am I right or am I right? It’s a no brainer! It’s essential!

Crossbody bag
Circus by Sam Edelman Wayne, Black/White

The summer is hot and sticky. The last thing you’ll want to carry is a large shoulder bag. If you don’t need it, don’t carry it. A crossbody bag allows for hands-free fun. This Circus by Sam Edelman crossbody is right on trend this summer! Accessorize and convenience yourself at the same time. The less you worry about carrying a bag the more you enjoy summer fun! Essential, duh.

Sunglasses
Ray-Ban Women’s Oversized Polarized Aviator Sunglasses

For fashion, yes. For your health, WAY yes!!! Sunglasses will protect your beautiful eyes from harmful UV rays that could otherwise damage your eyes. Cataracts, macular degeneration, the list goes on… just get some cute sunglasses and wear ‘em. Sound good? There are so many cute sunglasses out there, but I love the classic, oversized, Ray Ban aviators. Timeless, flattering and effective. Essential for sure, and so cute too.

Flossers
Gum Eez-Thru Flossers Mint, 90 count (Pack of 3)

Yep, you read that right. Flossers! Like floss! Summertime means lots of finger foods and lots of fruits with lots of seeds. It means corn, and kebobs (yum). It means lots of picture taking, lots of laughing and lots of opportunities for other people to see food in your teeth. Get yourself some floss. Maybe I’m a little neurotic, but it’s for good reason! Flossers are a great item to throw in your bag. Small, easy to use and SO convenient. How often do we ask one another, “do I have something in my teeth?” I know I’m consistently asking and checking. You all know that feeling of having corn stuck in your teeth…I mean come on it’s the absolute worst. Flossers are the perfect solution and they won’t break the bank. But a smile filled with kiwi seeds and blueberry bits might shatter the camera. Flossers, they’re essential!

Headphones
SENSO Bluetooth Headphones Wireless Sports Earphones – w/ Mic, IPX7 Waterproof, HD Stereo Sweatproof Earbuds, for Gym Running Workout, 8 Hour Battery, Noise Cancelling Headsets

Summer is the perfect time to run outside (well not when it’s too hot), to take long walks, to explore, to lay on the beach or by the pool. These are all perfect opportunities to pop your headphones in and take your summer fun to the next level. Carry your Bluetooth headphones with you if you find yourself in these types of situations. Best part about these headphones is the elimination of that annoying dangling wire. I LOVE music and I know I turn the tunes up any chance I get. Essential!

Mattifying Translucent Powder
Maybelline New York Facestudio Master Fix Setting Plus Perfecting Powder, Translucent, 0.21 Ounce

Summer sun means summer sweat. Need I say more? Throw this bad boy in your bag for quick touch ups throughout the day. This is an easy trick that you can use to avoid that sweaty, oily look. Press it in right on top of your makeup! Sometimes I use this product without any makeup at all if I’m looking extra shiny. You can always find this product in my bag during the summer months. T-zone shininess be gone! Absolute beauty essential.

Well, those are all of the essentials I have for now. I hope this list serves you well and inspires you to revisit your makeup, your wardrobe and your summer accessories. Get rid of the items you’ll never ever use, and shouldn’t ever wear (yes, that means your stained white jeans). Be sure to pick up the essentials your missing out on to maximize summer fun!