We’ll start from the bottom and work our way up.

1. Shoes.

Dressier.

While generally decreasing complexity of outfits, women are tending to wear statement shoes. One trend of increasing popularity is lace up flats or tall gladiator sandals. These pieces may be super intimidating at first, but you just have to pair them with the perfect outfit and rock them like a celebrity. These shoes can turn a simple flowy dress or casual romper into an outfit fit for a night on the town. They are definitely worth looking into. I will give you the heads up though: these shoes can be a pain in the rear to get your leg/foot into, so be prepared to put a little time and effort into them -- no one said beauty is easy! If you want to literally step up your game even more, chunky wedge heels and lace up heels are big this summer.

(Images: left: www.annemakeup.com, top middle: glamradar.com, right: collectivestyles.com, bottom middle: gojane.com)

More casual.

Sometimes you may be looking for a more comfortable everyday go-to shoe, especially if you’re someone that walks a lot. A new gem that I have stumbled across are the Sanuk Yoga Slings. The souls of the shoes are made from -you guessed it (probably not)- real yoga mat material! They are ridiculously comfy and actually very cute. They have so many different styles and patterns, and I would definitely recommend checking them out. I also invested in a pair of Birkenstocks this school year and I have absolutely no regrets. You can laugh all you want, but they are great for walking and they make lot of cute styles other than the original Bikrenstock too. I also have a lot of friends that rock the Chacos. If you are super outdoorsy and adventurous person then you can probably rep these bad boys like no one’s business. I personally don’t think that I can pull them off, but if that’s your go-to comfy shoe, own it!

(Images: top: thelifeofcoco.tumblr, instagram.com, bottom: staticpixlee.com, urbanoutfitterc.com, topodesigns.com)

2. Outfits.

Dressier.

For clothes this summer it’s all about going with “the flow.” Flowy dresses and rompers are a great option for summer, because they keep you cool in the scorching heat and they can be very comfy. These are also nice versatile pieces to have in your wardrobe because you can dress them up or down. Dresses that have a less fitted shape tend to be a little on the shorter side to show off a little of that summer bod. Also, super deep cut v and plunge neck lines are very in, as are open sides. There are definitely ways that these comfy dresses and rompers can look extremely sexy.

(Images: left: instrend.com, top middle: decoholic.com, bottom middle: nordstrom.com, right: fashionrevo.com)

More casual.

A good pair of distressed jeans and a loose tee is a classic easy outfit to rock in the summer, if it isn’t too hot. If it’s a really warm day you might want to reach for some shorts. Jean shorts are a great thing to have in your fashion artillery, whether it's a snug pair of booty shorts or high-waisted festival style, whatever your preference may be. Jean shorts can be worn with tees, crop tops, vests and kimonos, or a cute flowy top. You can make them as dressy as you want. Another good pair of shorts to have for this summer are flowy patterned/textured shorts. These pretty much look like the bottom half of a romper; these can also be dressed up or down depending on what you’re wearing them with. They can definitely be a good casual option.

(Images: top: nordstrom.com, nordstrom.com, wachabuy.com, bottom: revolve.com, bloomingdales.com)

3. Accessories.

Layer, layer, layer! It’s all about the accessories. Just as with the shoes, you want to really make a statement with your jewelry. Rather than take off one accessory every time you leave the house, add like three. Body chains and long necklaces are really popular right now because of all of the plunging necklines and open chest area. You can layer your necklace, bracelets, and rings to create an eclectic boho chic look. Huge crazy earrings can also make a simple look into a wow look, so it’s not a bad idea to own a pair of those. I also wear an ankle bracelet in the summer despite the fact that they aren’t as popular as they once were, because I think they look really fun and beachy.

(images: top: nordstrom.com, arnhem.co, wachabuy, bottom: etsy.com, gypsylovinglife.com)

4. Hair.

Beach waves always look nice in the summertime whether this is a natural look for you or you use a little texturizing spray and a flat iron to achieve it. In addition to long, messy, beachy tresses, braids are all over the place this summer. Braids are nice because they keep the hair out of your face and they can still be very fashionable. Of course you can always wear ponies and half buns to beat the heat and avoid sweating like mad. You can add a bandanna or headband to mix up those classic looks. I also like the half-up bun that gained popularity during the “man bun” craze. It’s simple and looks super cute. I just made the huge decision to part with several inches of hair this summer. I was tired of my draggy hair in my face, the split ends, and the tangles. I went with the “lob” look or long bob. It is very trendy for this summer and I decided to give it a try, and I am so glad that I did. It is much less maintenance and a totally perfect summer do! but, if you aren’t ready to part with your long locks there a certainly plenty of cute long hair looks that you can pull off this summer.

(images: top: prettydesigns.com, stylecaster.com, mery.jp, bottom: kaylasfivethings.com, nextmanagement.com, shopstyle.com)