I'm a Shopping Specialist—These Are the 9 Upgrades I'm Making to My Wardrobe RN

Summer is just a stone's throw away, friends, and while we may not be indulging in faraway travels or big summer soirée's like in summer's past, it doesn't mean we can't indulge in a few stylish upgrades in the wardrobe department to get us in the warm-weather spirit. As fashion market editor and shopping specialist, there's no doubt I've been noting all the trendy ways to get my wardrobe up to sartorial speed this summer. Luckily, you don't need a complete overhaul (or a massive bank balance) to update your summer look.

Below, I'm rounding up some of-the-moment summer items I'm swapping into my wardrobe to keep my summer outfits looking modern and chic. If you're looking to make some easy upgrades for the sunny season, shop my picks below.

1. Cap Off Your Look

Thanks to its huge presence on the S/S 2020 runways, baseball caps are having a major moment this summer adding a casual cool touch to summer ensembles. No longer solely reserved for that morning hike or baseball game, fashion girls have been sporting the affordable trend with everything from cool shorts to dresses. The best part? It's the perfect solution to a bad hair day.

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2. Skip Denim Cutoffs for Long Tailored Shorts

While I'll never get rid of my denim shorts completely, this summer I'm upgrading my cut offs for runway-inspired long, tailored shorts that exude a relaxed sophistication. I'm opting for a high-waisted neutral pair that will pair easily with tank tops, tees, and blouses.

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3. Elevate Basics With a Chunky Gold Chain or Pearl Necklace

One of the easiest ways I'm upgrading my look this summer is with a chunky and bold necklace. Whether it's a gold chain link necklace (above) or a pearl necklace (below)—it's a chic way to elevate even the simplest of basic tank tops and tees.

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4. Embrace Flip-Flops But Make It Fashion

Flip-flops have been given the fashion-girl stamp of approval, and the style set is sporting the minimalist style all over Instagram. This season, they're getting an elevated upgrade with chic details such as flatform silhouettes and luxe leather fabrics. Whether you wear flats or thong sandals with a pair of heels, if you want to avoid a beach-ready look, pair them with polished dresses and separates.

5. Amp Up the Volume

One way to look wholly on trend this summer (while still remaining comfortable) is with the addition of voluminous puff sleeves and non-restrictive, billowing silhouettes. Playful, pretty, and fun.

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6. Make It Ribbed

There's nothing that makes a basic look more expensive than a ribbed texture. And this season, we're seeing the luxe-looking fabric everywhere from tube tops, tank tops and dresses.

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7. Try a Balconette Bikini or One-Piece

I'm in desperate need to upgrade my basic bikini this season and I'm all over the underwired, balconette trend—spotted on cool girls all over the 'gram. Whether it's a one-piece or bikini, they exude a sophisticated retro look.

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8. Go Bare

You can't scroll Instagram these days without seeing a captivating open back dress or top. Some come fully open, others held together with a few delicate straps. An Insta-worthy look if there ever was one.

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9. Give Your Straw Bag a Sophisticated Touch

Straw bags skip merrily hand in hand with the summer season, but this year, we're seeing more polished and elegant iterations trimmed with luxe leather or in sophisticated silhouettes.

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Up next, 15 under-$100 key items to invest in for summer.