With summer being less than a week away, I can’t help but get excited to move my favorite warm weather staples to the front of my closet (well, that statement would assume there is some organization to my closet… which there isn’t….). At the beginning of each season, I find it easy to want to purchase every cute item out there… simply because it’s new, different, and “I don’t have anything like it… (another lie, I probably have 10 things like it….).” So today, I’m sharing with you my top 15 items that will be getting me through the next several warm weather months. Of course, there will be new pieces sprinkled in, but, if you’re looking to create a staple wardrobe for this summer season, then I have you covered. Oh, they’re all (with the exception of 4 really great items) under $100. Hope it helps!!

1. Cut-Offs: I seriously live in mine. As in, I don’t know if I’ve ever washed them (probably shouldn’t admit that though….). They go with everything, and are so easy to toss on and head out the door. My favorite pair are these high waisted shorts (they fit like a dream, and aren’t too short), but I also own and love these. For those who are looking for a longer inseam, I recommend these and these, with a 3″ inseam, from LOFT (they’re currently 40% off).

2. Basic Tops + Tanks: I recommend having a few of these on hand. They’re a perfect layering option for work (toss on under a blazer), or an easy front tie with high waisted jeans and shorts for everyday living. My all time favorites are from Madewell, $22, and come in several colors. I own them in white, grey, and a pretty mauve color… and thinking a black would round out the collection. This tank is still one of my favorites (bought it last year and still wear it tons). My sister owns this lace up grommet tee and I love borrowing it. Another favorite basic tee that I’ve owned since last year includes this oversized option (I own in black and grey)…. and this graphic tee. J. Crew has one of my favorite basic tees too, and it comes in so many different color options. Style tip… if you want to front knot it, simply order up a size.

3. Wide Brimmed Hat:  Perfect for those sunny days spent outside… or to cover up hair that hasn’t been washed in several days (that’s really why I wear mine so much….). My favorite is currently on sale (!!), and I wear this one all the time too (comes in several color options). Both are priced well, good quality, and neutral…. which means they go with anything.

4. Little White Dress: Always a great option for a dressier occassion! I shared my favorite in this post, and the cute little number is currently on sale (under $80!). I love this flow-y maxi dress and this popover midi dress (cutest tie at the shoulders). This little white swing dress is super cute too, and at a great price point.

5. Ruffle Top: Ruffles add a feminine and romantic touch to any outfit, which I think is perfect for the summer. I love the soft tee featured above (I’m wearing it backwards, comes in two other colors too). I also love my white ruffle one shoulder top, and this stripe gauze ruffle top is too cute. This little linen top comes in so many gorgeous color options as well… and looks really lightweight and perfect for summer.

6. Summer Skirt: Last year I purchased a denim midi skirt from Madewell and wore it so much. I was nursing, so it was an easy way for me to wear something close to a dress, while still being nursing friendly. This summer, I decided that a little skirt is perfect for a lunch, brunch, or date night. You can easily front knot a basic tank with it and toss on a wide brimmed hat and neutral side for a casual daytime look. I recently purchased this one from J.Crew and can’t wait for it to arrive (I am debating between the white and hibiscus). I also love this color-block maxi skirt (on sale) with a front knotted tank.

7. Neutral Flat Slide: Find the right pair and you’ll wear them daily. I do. These are my favorite. They’re incredibly padded and I can wear them all day in comfort. I own them in the blush color and they go with everything… yet they come in so many great options.

8. Neutral Sandal: Or, a heel that you can wear easily. I don’t wear a lot of elevated options these days, so when I do, they’re good. My favorite block heel sandal is this studded pair, which comes in cognac, black, and tan. I kinda wish I owned them in all the colors. I wear them with jeans, skirts, cut-offs for a dressy date night look, and dresses. These are my favorite espadrilles (two seasons in a row, over $100), and I also love this pair that I borrow from my sister all the time.

9. Embroidery: I chatted about my embroidery favorites in Tuesday’s post, but it’s a must have for your summer wardrobe. My favorite investment is this maxi dress (one more over $100), but also think this top and this chambray flutter sleeve embroidered top are super cute (my mom just bought it and I can’t wait to borrow….).

10. Summer Sweater/Sweatshirt: My logic behind this one is I need something to wear while I sit al fresco and drink my rosé…. but seriously, nights can cool down, and I love nothing more than sitting outside around a fire pit. If you love an open knit, I highly recommend this lace-up sweater, mauve open cardigan (so gorgeous, great price), and this open knit pullover (one of my favorites). If you’re more of a sweatshirt gal, I am obsessed with this new lace up in a pink-ish color, warm up hoodie I wear nightly, as well as this floral sweatshirt.

11. Gold Accessory: I always toss on a few gold accessories with any outfit I wear. My favorite is this necklace, and I’m loving this gold cuff. I have my eye on this layered crescent necklace as well.

12. Statement Piece: As much as I love my everyday gold pieces, a fun statement piece is always great to have on hand. It can easily dress up any of the above items instantly. I’m a huge fan of these fun earrings.

13. T-shirt Dress: Another excellent throw on and go option that’s not as basic as cut-offs and a tee. Also a great choice to wear as a cover-up over a swimsuit. My three favorites include this cold shoulder dress (styled in this post), mauve option (I ordered it and am waiting for it to arrive), and this ruffle sleeve dress (last one over $100).

14. Straw Tote: Quintessentially summer, the straw tote is a must have. My favorite is sold out everywhere, but this one from Etsy is such a great option… just toss on this pom pom to dress it up a little.

15. Pretty White Top: My last must-have piece is a little white top. Nothing says summer more than a white top (and a little white dress…)…. pair it with cut-offs for a casual look….  jeans and a heeled sandal, along with a statement piece for a date night…. or with a skirt for an even fancier look. My favorites include this open back eyelet top, feminine crochet detail top, and this flutter sleeve eyelet top.