Five Summer Wardrobe Staples for Women

Photography by Tiffani Jones • Hair by Joshua Vasquez • Makeup by Melissa Colondres Kinsey

Whether your summer plans include weekends by the lake or playing at the beach, you’ll likely encounter a bathing-suit conundrum this season. The solution to this fashion puzzler may be already hanging in your closet.
For your bathing-suit and boating looks this summer, think outside the box. Think unconventional. To achieve cool, unique, waterside looks, opt for classic staples paired with trendier pieces. It’s all about the styling.
Inspired by festival-chic looks similar to that of Coachella — the annual Indio, California, spring music festival that has gained as much global recognition for its fashion influence as it has for its musical lineup — our Lakelander style team put together some looks that will take you from the desert to the docks, from the sand to the streets.
Here are a few tips to keep you in style this summer, wherever your plans may take you.

Denim Cutoffs

From lace-trim to 1980s’ whitewash, you’ll find denim shorts in an abundance of styles and colors this season. While high rise is the current rage, be conscious of your body type and what works for you before donning these dramatic, flirty cutoffs. Invest first in a standard cut, style, and color/wash that will work for a variety of occasions.

White or Chambray Button-Down

These easy-to-come-by, classic wardrobe staples make great swimsuit cover-ups. Grab your significant other’s white button-down for an oversized style, or tie-up a tailored denim version for a chic poolside look. For a classic summer look, pair denim cutoffs with a white button-down. To add some punch, throw on a head scarf and turn the look into boho chic.

Kimono-Style Wraps and Jackets

This festival-inspired option makes a great suit cover-up for the beach, lake, or pool. For a casual look, pair a kimono wrap with your bikini and cutoffs. Or, drape one over a maxi dress for a more resort-inspired look. There’s much to love about kimono wraps, including their versatility and staying power. They’re virtually seasonless. Both a knit scarf and a cream kimono-style wrap [pictured] would easily transition this look into fall. The Lakelander’s style team suggests investing first in a neutral color to complement the more vibrant prints in your wardrobe.

Scarves

This summer staple ranks at the top of The Lakelander’s style team’s list for its multifunctional use. Tied sarong style, a scarf quickly becomes a swimsuit cover-up. Wrapped around the bust, a scarf transforms into a top, creating a trendsetting look when worn over a suit and denim cutoffs. Add style to any summer look by fashioning a scarf into a head wrap or a turban. Invest in two sizes: one large sarong style size for suit cover-ups, wraps, and top options, and one square style for head and neck options.

Bold, Graphic, Florals and Exotic Tropical Prints

Give a little nod to the ’60s by picking up one of this summer’s hottest trends — graphic florals and tropical prints. While there are many dress and suit options to give you an instant head-to-toe look, we recommend choosing separates as they offer the most opportunity to wear bold prints for a variety of occasions. Our model wears a chambray floral crop top paired with high-rise denim shorts for a lakeside, boating look. To turn this into a dressy summer party option, pair this top with white pants or a high-waisted midi skirt and a jacket.