Each summer, I plan to find super cute clothes so I can finally feel “put together” when I leave the house. You know, along with my put-together kids, snacks and gear. Yet each year, I default to the same items with the addition of one or two newfound must-haves.
Most of these items are from Amazon, but a few are from some of my favorite stores. All can be purchased online because who has time to go to the store?
Put together mom go-tos
The summer days go by SO quickly. When I need to feel presentable, for a special dinner or an outdoor birthday party, these are my summer must-have go-to items.
- Slip shorts to go under dresses/skirts. I’ve always worn slips under dresses so this new summer find was so eye opening. I wish I had known about these sooner! I got the 3-pack but really have only used the nude shorts so far.
- Body glide anti-chafing balm is helpful for those of us whose legs rub together when walking, or for that spot where your dress or bra might be rubbing on your skin too much when wearing. Very helpful to have on-hand in the warmer months!
- Electric razor. It wasn’t until after having my third kid that I really cherished being able to shave without a shower. I tried Billie razors, but you need to be in the shower for to use those. My electric razor might not be perfect, but it is so much better than having hairy legs or razor burn.
Note: if you do get razor burn or razor bumps, keep this women’s after shave handy! - Skorts from Athleta. I’m not a fan of shorts. But, my sister introduced me to Athleta’s skorts and I was hooked. They’re the best I’ve tried! They’re a comfortable length for me, breathable, have deep pockets and are great quality fabrics!
- Jack Rogers sandals have been my go-to sandals for a few years because of their comfort and versatility. These sandals come in a variety of colors and can be both casual with shorts or nice enough for dresses and skirts. They usually are on sale during the Nordstrom Anniversary sale too!
- Olive & June nail polish is my yearround go-to nail polish, but their summer colors are so fun. Taking time out of my day to give myself a manicure has become a part of my self care, and makes me feel a little more girly (despite how bad of a manicurist I am).
Note: Olive & June heel serum has saved my feet during COVID when I can’t get pedicures!
Summer Outings
- This summer, I’ve been extremely grateful a few times for my fold-up camping chair with shade, especially at summer sports games and practices when we sit for hours in the sun. There are quite a few brands out there, but I’ve been really happy with mine.
- When you’ll be outside for hours, a baseball hat just won’t do. My Hemlock Hat Co. wide brim straw hat has been CLUTCH to keep the sun off my face, neck and even some of my shoulders. It’s SPF 50, plus I love the fun pattern underneath (I got the Bermuda pattern).
- We use our Scout cooler bag every weekend and sometimes during the weekdays. It’s great for the pool, sports games, or really ANYWHERE you might need cool water and snacks to calm hangry kids.
- Lands’ End swimsuits come in a lot of different styles and colors to mix and match. Styles include tummy control, swim skirts, SPF, underwire tops, etc. Each year, I’ve bought one or two extra pieces so now I have a lot to choose from, but they do have some great sales, if you can wait!
Note: Lands’ End has some great SPF rash guards and SPF moisture wicking shirts, too!
Summer Items for the Kids
- Bugspray is so important because my kids and I get eaten up! I use a combination of bug repellent bands, bug repellent stickers and bug repellent wipes especially on the little ones since they’re all deet free. However, for long days at outdoor camp, the winner is still Off! bug spray with deet, which I spray on my hand then wipe on the kids to avoid their faces and ingesting it.
- Mineral sunscreen. I’ve been making an effort to reduce my family’s exposure to unnecessary, added chemicals so switching to mineral sunscreen seemed like a no-brainer. We’ve used a variety of mineral sunscreens but my go-to at the moment is Coppertone’s Pure & Simple SPF 50 for baby. It spreads easily and has helped us avoid sunburns.
- Rechargable mini fan that clips onto our stroller has been so helpful for stroller walks or really hot days outside before my toddler could move. It was especially awesome for long, hot days at the pool or Disney World!
- Sunday Afternoon hats are on every list I can; we love these hats! They have so many colors and come in a range of sizes. My kids wear these nearly every day in the summer. They are bendy, provide great coverage, dry quickly if they get wet, etc.
After going through this list of must-haves, can you tell I love being outside but really dislike bugs, sunburns and being too hot? I still don’t feel put together, but I hope you find some of these items helpful to ease your summer grind. A few years ago, I didn’t even know some of these existed. I’m thankful for ingenuity!
What are your summer must-haves? Please comment below and share!
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