As school years end and weather begins to warm, we find ourselves day dreaming of long lazy weekends filled with trips to the lake or beach, kids playing in sprinklers, grilling dinner outdoors and sipping summer cocktails. Maybe in reality it also includes wiping sticky popsicle drips off toddler hands (and your new summer shorts) and mastering the art of looking relaxed and “reading” a book in your lounge chair at the pool, while you’re really doing frequent head counts of your tweens’ whereabouts from behind your sunglasses.

 

No matter what’s in store for your family, summer means its time to trade dark grays and blacks for bold bright colors and patterns, to exchange our favorite black leggings for denim cut offs and hoping the week of last-minute arm workouts have suddenly transformed our arms into something resembling Michelle Obama’s perfectly toned biceps before pulling out our sleeveless tops and dresses for the season.

 

We’ve been scouring the latest trends to bring you The Modern Mamanista’s Summer Must Haves List. To make the list, each pick had to be versatile for mom life, cut for real moms and available in a variety of sizes, on trend (because Mamanistas get chic done) and budget-friendly. Every pick is under $100, because there’s nothing worse than reading a mommy fashion blog and clicking on something you love only to find out it’s $350 and dry clean only. That’s 3 weeks of groceries! No mama has time or budget for that!

 

So without further ado, here are our top picks for on-trend, versatile and affordable pieces to update your wardrobe for summer.

 

OUR MUST-HAVE SUMMER STYLE UPDATES

 

EMBROIDERED EVERYTHING

The trend that has us in stitches. Colorful accents and embroidered details in unexpected places elevate everyday pieces. The detailed stitching also instantly upgrades work and weekend wear to feel extra special and like you picked it up on a recent exotic vacation rather than on your last trip running errands around town!

BOLD BLOOMS

The soft floral prints of spring have grown into bold blooms that look great with a tan. Pair these bold prints with solid basics and a blazer or denim jacket for ultimate versatility. Keep jewelry delicate or go bold with colored statement sandals or jewelry!

 

STATEMENT SLEEVES

Shoulders can be more than just cold. Whether its off the shoulder, one shoulder, ruffles or bell sleeves, shoulders continue to be in the spotlight. Pair ruffles and bell sleeves with office wear and layer shoulder cut outs with a blazer for the office. Swap conservative pumps for wedges and take of the blazer to go from day to date night!

POM POMS & TASSELS

Global inspired looks are everywhere this season! Everything from bags and earrings to shoes and tops include pom poms or tassels in bright colors this summer. We’re loving the fun vibe that a pop of beaded tassel earrings or pom pom ankle wrap sandals add to our everyday basics!

TOUCHES OF TROPICAL

If you like pina coladas… fashion is going tropical this summer with island inspired palm prints, pineapples, and tropical florals everywhere! Just the thought of all these fun prints makes us want to sip cocktails under a palm tree somewhere!

UNEXPECTED DETAILS

Lace up, cross front, strappy, laser cut back, ruffles, and lace in unexpected places continue to trend this summer. Laser cut backs and dramatic cut outs are best saved for weekends and nights out but we’re loving the lace accents, ruffles, and other more office friendly details emerging for summer work wear!

GROWN UP GRAPHIC TEES

Snarky sayings and bold graphic tees aren’t going anywhere any time soon. This summer however, we’re seeing a fun twist on grown up versions of our favorite graphic tees featuring flamingos, anchors, pineapples, and more!  Channel your inner kid… errr, grown up and add a few of these fun tees to your weekend mom wear!

 

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be bringing you even more ways to style these different pieces with our One Piece, Three Ways Series so you can get the most mileage out of each piece at the office, on the weekend and out on the town. In the meantime, grab a cocktail, take your bra off, and start shopping online, Mamanistas! Don’t forget our handy summer shopping list to help you navigate the interwebs!