
Your Ultimate Guide to Summer Staples: What to Wear All Season Long
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As the days stretch longer and the temperatures climb, your wardrobe should shift into something lighter, more breathable, and above all—effortlessly chic. This summer, fashion is about more than trends—it's about function meeting form, and ease meeting elegance.
Whether you're planning your next weekend escape or navigating heat waves in the city, Clever Alice has curated the ultimate seasonal staples from established designers, ready to take you from poolside to dinner with just a few thoughtful layers.
Here’s how to build your perfect summer wardrobe, with a little help from fashion editors’ top picks and Clever Alice’s boutique collection.
The Classic White Button-Down
According to WWD, designers from New York to Milan have reimagined the white button-down for summer 2025 as “a non-negotiable essential,” ideal for both minimalists and maximalists. At Clever Alice, we carry several lightweight versions in crinkled cotton, airy linen, and oversized silhouettes from contemporary brands.
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Choose natural fibers like cotton voile or linen for breathability.
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Try styling it open over a swimsuit, French-tucked into shorts, or tied at the waist over a sundress.
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Oversized cuts—found in brands like Inizio and Sweewe, both available at Clever Alice—allow for elegant draping.
This one piece offers endless versatility, proving that the simplest staples can be the most transformative.
Elevated Shorts for Everyday Cool
Cosmopolitan recently highlighted “tailored shorts in breathable fabrics” as one of the most important updates to the summer uniform. Forget the frayed denim—you’ll find structured paperbag shorts, relaxed pleated styles, and ultra-lightweight linen blends at Clever Alice that elevate any look without sacrificing comfort.
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High-waisted cuts offer a flattering silhouette, ideal for tucking in a tank or crop.
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Neutral palettes—olive, sand, washed navy—pair effortlessly with any top.
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Style them with a crisp shirt for daytime polish, or add a blazer for city nights.
Clever Alice’s lineup includes pieces from French private labels that blend elegance with casual ease—think vacation-ready meets city-smart.
The Go-Everywhere Summer Dress
Vogue editors have called the easy, breathable summer dress “the closest thing fashion has to a reset button.” It’s your most versatile summer investment: a single piece that works morning through evening.
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Look for breezy silhouettes in cotton poplin, gauze, or bamboo blends.
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Smocking, adjustable straps, and subtle ruffles add personality and shape.
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Clever Alice features brands like Sweewe, known for feminine silhouettes in lightweight materials and rich color palettes.
From coffee runs to coastal dinners, these dresses are what you'll reach for again and again.
The Lightweight Layer That Goes with Everything
Even the hottest days call for a layer now and then—whether it's to beat the office AC or wrap up at a beach bonfire. WWD forecasts a continued love for "soft tailoring and structured-yet-breathable jackets."
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Look for lightweight jackets in cotton blends, unlined linen blazers, or a classic denim cropped cut.
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Earth tones, chalky whites, and muted hues create an understated palette that layers well.
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Clever Alice carries easy layering pieces from labels like Inizio and Korean private labels, designed to be worn again and again.
A practical essential that doesn't compromise your style.
Effortless Sandals with a Hint of Style
Footwear matters more in summer—when your look is pared down, the shoes speak volumes. According to Cosmo’s 2025 trend report, barely-there sandals and cushioned soles are the must-haves for comfort and polish.
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Prioritize padded soles and soft materials like suede or Italian leather.
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Go minimalist with slide sandals or opt for lace-ups for more structure.
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Metallics and nude tones extend the leg and match virtually everything.
While Clever Alice doesn’t carry footwear, we offer all the perfect pieces to pair with your favorite summer sandals—from breezy dresses to tailored shorts and lightweight layers.
The Summer-Ready Bag Swap
When your outfit lightens up, your bag should too. Vogue recently spotlighted woven, unstructured handbags as the "it accessory" of the summer, balancing style and utility in a perfectly undone way.
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Try crossbody canvas styles or straw totes that feel effortless but intentional.
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Compact bucket bags are great for travel days and outdoor markets.
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Clever Alice carries Walter baker bags that add texture and character to any summer look.
Let your bag echo your outfit: breezy, low-maintenance, and full of personality.
Finishing Touches: Accessories with Purpose
In summer, accessories become the finishing detail that ties your look together. They're less about bulk, more about mood.
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Sunglasses should be oversized but lightweight—look for tortoise, clear, or blush frames for an elevated feel.
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Summer hats not only block the sun but complete your look—think straw, canvas, or raffia in classic shapes.
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Layered gold chains, anklets, and delicate earrings add just enough sparkle.
Both Clever Alice locations are surrounded by beautifully curated jewelry boutiques, making it easy to complete your look with the perfect accessories after finding your wardrobe staples with us.
Final Thought: Make It Easy, Make It Yours
At its core, summer style should feel like a breath of fresh air—simple, instinctive, and just a little indulgent. It’s not about having more, but about choosing better.
Clever Alice’s seasonal edit brings together the essential pieces you’ll wear again and again, from flowy dresses to crisp shirting. Every piece in the boutique is handpicked for quality, fit, and timelessness—designed to help you create a wardrobe that moves with you.
Because great style doesn’t chase trends—it adapts to your life.