Summer Basics That Aren’t So Basic

If you read my recent blog post, How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe in 2023, then you’re familiar with all the staples you need to create the most versatile and efficient wardrobe for summer. This article however, will be putting a twist on the summer capsule wardrobe and giving summer basics new life.

In this article, I’ll be showing you all the “basic” summer pieces that aren’t so basic. What does that even mean? It means these are your more trendy pieces that you can add to your existing wardrobe. Think elevated summer basics. For example, taking a classic button down and cropping it to take it up a notch, or adding a pair of platform sandals to an outfit, as opposed to a basic sandal.

I’ve rounded up some of my favorites below, followed by a breakdown of each piece.

SHOP SUMMER BASICS THAT AREN’T SO BASIC

Summer Basics for Your Not so Basic Summer Wardrobe

1. Cargo Pants

First on the list is the cargo pant. The utility trend is in full effect and will continue throughout summer. These pants come in a variety of styles and can be worn a multitude of ways. Cargo pants will be your go to pant of the summer, and the more pockets the better.

SHOP CARGO PANTS

2. Flannel Shirt

I know a flannel shirt doesn’t seem like the most logical summer trend, but believe it or not, the flannel shirt will be on the scene this summer. Since the moment the internet saw the blue leather flannel printed shirt on Kate Moss at the Bottega Veneta spring/summer 2023 show, it’s been talked about nonstop. My prediction is that we’ll see these flannels thrown over cropped tops paired with jeans, and used as swimsuit cover ups.

SHOP FLANNEL SHIRTS

3. Low Rise Jeans

The popular jeans of the late 90’s and Y2K era are back and more controversial than ever. Just as we began to fine tune the high rise jean, the low slung, abdomen bearing jeans are back. From skinny, to cargo, to super baggy, these jeans will undoubtedly be one of the biggest trends this summer and an essential piece of you summer basics.

SHOP LOW RISE JEANS

4. Cropped Button Down

The cropped button down is probably my favorite piece to make the list, and is the epitome of summer basics that aren’t so basic. We’re taking the classic button down shirt and giving it a major glow up. Think polished and sophisticated with a subtle level of sexy.

SHOP CROPPED BUTTON DOWNS

5. Denim Maxi Skirt

Denim maxi skirts might actually be the biggest trend of 2023. They seem to have exploded onto the fashion scene this year and haven’t looked back since. With plenty of ways to style the denim maxi skirt, this is one trend that’s anything but basic.

SHOP MAXI SKIRTS

6. Preppy Mini Skirt

Skirts have definitely hit their stride in 2023, and will be picking up speed this summer, with preppy mini skirts being a major player in the game. From pleated, to tweed and everything in between, preppy mini skirts are an elevated basic you’ll want in your summer closet.

SHOP PREPPY MINI SKIRTS

7. Cutout Pieces

One of my favorite trends for summer are cut outs. We’ve seen the cut out trend for quite some time, but mostly in dresses. This summer cut outs are taking over tops, skirts and pants, too.

SHOP CUTOUT PIECES

8. Purple Pieces

Purple is the new pink and undoubtedly summer 2023’s color. We saw purple in fall 2022 and will continue to see the shade throughout 2023. Ranging from plum to lilac, we’ll be seeing this shade everywhere in every form, including makeup.

SHOP PURPLE PIECES

9. Head to Toe Black

Another summer trend that seems unexpected is the head to toe black look, and I am so here for it. An all black look has always been one of my favorites no matter the season. Head to toe black was seen all over the spring/summer 2023 runway and is set to be at the top of your summer basics list.

SHOP HEAD TO TOE BLACK OUTFITS

10. 3D Florals

3D florals have become one of my favorite summer basics that aren’t so basic. Floral pieces have been elevated to a three dimensional level and I couldn’t be happier about it. Seeing life like flowers adorn tops and dresses feels feminine, elegant and adds an extra impressive touch. The floral choker necklace is at the top of my summer basics list and a perfect way to jump on the trend.

SHOP 3D FLORALS

11. Sheer Everything

Another summer trend to hop on is the sheer trend. Yes, you can bare it all with minimal undergarments, but you definitely don’t have to. You can layer a sheer top over a tank, or a sheer dress over pants. There really are a ton of options, whether modest or not.

SHOP SHEER PIECES

12. Platform Heels

Y2K is calling and they want their platform heels back, but we aren’t budging. This is one more trend that’s made its way back that I’m so happy about. Why do I love the platform heel so much? The number one reason is that it’s much more comfortable than a traditional heel.

SHOP PLATFORM HEELS

13. Balletcore

Balletcore is hitting the streets this summer and the styling options are endless. Taking athleisure basics and pairing them with more intricate and detailed pieces is the name of the game. Pair a bodysuit with a tulle skirt or wear a cardigan with tailored pants and of course, ballet flats.

SHOP BALLETCORE

14. Accessories

Crescent bags, oversized hobo bags, chunky jewelry, knee highs, and fishnets are all taking over the summer basics scene this season.

SHOP ACCESSORIES

I hope that you’ve loved this post on summer basics that aren’t so basic and have added some of your favorite summer basics to your cart. Let me know in the comments which trend is your favorite.

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase after clicking through the link. Shop my LTK it here.

If you’re looking for more summer inspiration sure to check out my other blog post: It Girl Summer Essentials