I’m a fashion expert and these are the 10 items you’ll be wearing all summer
SUMMER is upon us, and if you are stressing over what to wear this season and what to pack for a summer holiday, we're here to help.
Of course, British weather can be temperamental, but when we have hot days, crikey are they hot.
If you are heading on a staycation or further afield this summer, then these are the only items you need to buy to ensure you have a capsule wardrobe you simply cannot fly without.
Whether you are flying with a full 23kg or small hand luggage, we have narrowed down the summer essentials you need.
From linen shirts and co-ords, to swimwear and stunning summer dresses to see you from day to night, there's only one thing left to do - enjoy the summer.
Stock up on single pieces you can dress up or down, and multifunctional garments you can style in various ways to take you from day to night, poolside to a local taverna, picnics in the park to pool parties.
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1. Denim shorts
A pair of denim shorts never go amiss in the summer months, as they can be dressed up and down, with trainers, sandals or heels should you wish.
This design is based on Lee's Carol jeans, as they boast a high waist, straight leg, but a slightly wider hem for extra comfort.
Pair with a t-shirt or cropped tank, even wear your swimwear underneath, the styling options are endless.
- Carol short, £55 from Lee -
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2. Mini Dress
A mini dress is all we crave to wear all winter when we layered in thermals and covered every inch of flesh.
So when the sun comes out, it's time for mini dresses, vibrant colourways, and the return of the puff sleeves we love every year.
Some may prefer a midi dress, or sleeveless design, but we think this warm yellow hue mini dress with puff sleeves is a winner you can wear day to night.
- Puffed sleeves short dress, £35.99 from Mango -
3. Hunza G Swimsuit
Everywhere we look someone is in a Hunza G swimsuit, and we can't help but feel a little left out. The solution - we invest in our summer wardrobe.
Hunza G has catered to everyone's needs with this one size fits all swimsuit, which is super flattering for all wearers, and stretches to fit your body through every life stage and any body changes.
Not only is it super flattering, but also versatile and multifunctional, as you could wear it as a body with denim shorts, linen trousers or a wrap skirt in the day and night.
- HUNZA G Seersucker swimsuit, £155 from Selfridges -
4. Linen co-ord
A linen shirt, trousers, skirt and shorts are firm favourites when the weather heats up.
Worn with a linen shirt thrown over a swimsuit for a pool day, or over a tank top and shorts - the options are endless.
We have seen this stunning linen set on ASOS, which you can wear for any occasion (almost), and you could even pair the shirt with the matching trousers, or with other bottoms.
- ASOS DESIGN pull on trouser in mixed linen stripe co-ord, £60 from ASOS -
5. Crochet dress
Spring and summer calls for crochet everything, as it's a lightweight fabric you can wear in the heat and still be the perfect temperature.
One crochet garment we have seen numerous influencers wear over the last few weeks is a crochet dress.
Whether it is a short mini, or long length maxi, both are equally as stylish.
NA-KD's creation is giving us major '70s vibes with the fluted sleeves and backless detail.
- Deep Back Striped Maxi Dress, £74.95 from NA-KD -
6. Flat sandals
Flat sandals are a game-changer when it comes to summer dressing. They can be worn with everything, and are practical, breathable and durable.
Many influencers have been wearing Chanel's Dad sandals or the Hermes Chypre sandals.
However, our budget doesn't quite stretch that far, so we are searching for affordable dupes, and Dune's Lockstockk have sold out time and time again over the years.
They come in a variety of colours, are super comfortable, and perfect to wear with jeans, shorts, skirts and dresses.
- Lockstockk, £95 from Dune -
7. White dress
Summer is all about bright colours, light hues, fresh whites, and often we see many people showing off their sunkissed glow in a white summer dress.
Some people may prefer an all-white dress, or opt for a ditsy floral print, and it is entirely up to you.
You can wear this number off the shoulder or with the puff sleeves on full display, wear for day or night, for a wedding or picnic in the park.
- White Ditsy Floral Puff Sleeve Midi Dress, £35.99 from New Look -
8. Cream blazer
We know it's summer and we no longer need layers and layers as we did in the winter, but a lightweight soft blazer is always a winner.
It may not necessarily be linen, but any lightweight fabric will suffice, as long as the blazer is a relaxed fit.
The reason they are a must is because on holiday, or even in the UK, the evenings can be a little chilly.
You can drape loosely over your shoulders over a dress, when attending a wedding or christening, or wear with a white tank and satin slip skirt for extra coverage.
- Relaxed Single Breasted Linen Blazer, £135 from & Other Stories -
9. Satin slip skirt
Skirts are making a comeback, in particular satin slip skirts, as well as midi denim skirts and linen wrap skirts.
We particularly like a satin slip skirt as they are super easy to style, can be worn with sandals or trainers for a classy but effortless everyday look, or dressed up for an evening out.
Why not be a little more playful with the go-to style and opt for a bold print you wouldn't get to wear in the winter?
- Sunflower Crochet Print Mila Satin Slip Midi Skirt, £49 from Nobody's Child -
10. Tank top
You can never go wrong when you stock up on basics, which includes classic white t-shirts and tank tops all year round.
Lately we have seen influencers and celebrities head to Loewe for a white tank top, but you don't need to spend a fortune on the staple, even though you will wear it endlessly.
We often recommend styling jeans, shorts, or a skirt, with a white top because it can make any colour pop, and it is also super chic, clean and aesthetically pleasing.
A crisp white t-shirt or vest will go with everything, so stock up.
- Cotton Rich Ribbed Racer Back Vest Top, £9.50 from M&S -
Need some accessories to complete your capsule wardrobe? Check out these designer dupes.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
On the hunt for summer dresses to see you through the warmer months? We have you covered.
Going on holiday? Here are 17 stylish swimwear pieces to buy now for summer.
Looking for more stylish savings at your favourite fashion chains? Visit Sun Vouchers where you’ll find amazing discounts and voucher codes for hundreds of fashion retailers including ASOS, Very, River Island, Roman Originals, New Look and more.