Summer in Miami means light, loose and airy clothing because let's face it: it's incredibly hot and humid and who wants to be any hotter than we have to be? There are certain fashion staples that we all need so that we can look our best without wilting in the summer heat. I have a top 10 summer survival pieces list to make sure that I am prepared for any day, any function, any activity, because no matter what you are doing this summer (or anytime, for that matter), you want to look great!
Top 10 Summer Survival Pieces
Everyone needs a basic summer wardrobe. Living in South Florida, mine is made up of lots of sundresses, comfortable and breathable shoes, and of course...bathing suits!
Your Basic Shorts and Tee
When I travel, it's necessary to dig through the drawers to find the perfect outfit for my trip, not only because I want to look good, but I want to be dressed appropriately as well. While I mostly wear sundresses, you can't exactly go horseback riding and zip lining in a dress, can you? I only own a few pairs of shorts, but I make sure that they are comfortable, lightweight and flattering so that I feel confident when I do wear them. Your basic khaki shorts and fitted (not tight) tee are perfect for outdoor activities, a stroll in the park, fishing, etc. Invest in a high quality pair of shorts that won't fall apart, shrink or unravel once it goes through the wash a few times.
A Causal Romper
It took me quite a while before I was comfortable with the idea of wearing a romper. When they first became stylish, I thought they were cute, but it's hard to justify wearing a fashion piece that your teenage daughter is also wearing...
I finally gave in this summer and bought my first romper and now I want more! A romper is a great way to get dressed quickly and look put together! They're also very lightweight so you won't be too hot, and some even have pockets! This is really like wearing a dress - throw on one item of clothing and add shoes and accessories and you're all set for your day, whether it's hanging out at a poolside bar, a casual lunch with friends or visiting the farmer's market with your hubby on Sunday afternoon.
If you're feeling a little self conscious about your body, you can even throw on a Maidenform Weightless Comfort Shortie Slimmer underneath! And don't forget the bandeau top, it's more comfortable than a regular strapless bra and it's okay if it shows!
This Maidenform Weightless Comfort Shortie is super thin and breathable, so while you are adding an extra layer, it's so light that it doesn't make you uncomfortable. I love that it kind of slims and smooths me in all the right places so I don't have to worry about looking frumpy in my romper!
Cute and Comfy Sandals
We wear sandals year-round in Miami, but everyone needs a really cute and comfortable pair of trendy sandals during the summer! I like a pair of simple but fashionable sandals that I can wear from day to night...looking adorable in Instagram #WhereIStand photos is a bonus!
Toe rings are optional but highly encouraged.
The Summer Sundress
I practically live in sundresses year round, but during the summer months, I wear them nonstop! A pretty sundress not only keeps you nice and cool when the temperatures rise, but they come in so many different shapes, colors and designs that you are sure to find a few killer looks with this fashion staple!
This is another one of those fashion items that make some women uncomfortable. Hello, chaffing much?
Shapewear is Your Best Friend
The Maidenform Weightless Comfort Shortie is a great idea for wearing beneath sundresses or flirty skirts to not only help slim and shape for a more flattering figure, but help keep our thighs from rubbing together and causing all kinds of not-so-great moments while we are outside in the heat! This material is Maidenform's lightest to date and the short hemline means that you can wear it beneath almost anything!
I love wearing a Maidenform Comfort Devotion slip with some of my sundresses. If I am going to have to wear a slip anyway, it might as well do double duty and keep the bulges at bay, right? This slip smooths and defines all of my problem areas: the tummy, waist and hips, with a built in comfort bodysuit with a a hook and eye closure, so using the bathroom is easy!
Comfy Kicks
I am on my feet A LOT during the summer, as we travel so much. Invest in a really comfortable, breathable pair of shoes that you can wear anywhere! Sure, sneakers and tennis shoes are comfortable, but they're not so cute. I love TOMS because they come in so many different styles and they are seriously the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn in my life!
A Bathing Suit Cover Up
The only thing more important than a comfortable, flattering bathing suit this summer is what you put on top of it! There are so many options for bathing suit cover ups, from sundresses to tunics to good old fashioned resort wear. My favorite cover ups are super lightweight so that not only are they nice and airy while I'm outside, but they dry quickly after I've worn them.
A Floppy Hat
No day at the beach is complete with a little extra protection from the sun. They're also a super cute fashion accessory!
A Great Day to Night Dress
As much as I love sundresses, they're not exactly appropriate for most evening functions. Every women needs at least one great dress that she can wear from day to night.
Wear comfortable shoes during the day, then change into a pair of heels and add some jewelry in the evening and save time - and valuable packing space in your luggage - with one dress that does it all!
A Bathing Suit that You Actually LIKE
There is no escaping wearing a bathing suit during the summer. Whether it's on a cruise, taking the kids to the pool, heading to the beach with friends and family: you need a good bathing suit.
My suggestion is to skip the mass market retailers and head to a swim shop or department store and invest in a good quality, flattering bathing suit. There are bikinis, one pieces, tankinis, suits with skirts attached, you name it! If you really can't find something that you feel comfortable and happy in, go ahead and get that cover up and throw it on top.
Are there any must-have wardrobe items that you rely upon to look and feel your best during the hot summer months?
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Maidenform. The opinions and text are all mine.
