Summer Essentials Under $100 You Will Love

Summer fashion is defined by fun. From bright colors to funky patterns and everything in between, it really is a season where pretty much anything goes. While everybody should embrace the season as a time to experiment with personal style, there are a few essential items that every lady should have on hand. Check out the list below for the top ten summer essentials under $100!

Sunglasses are currently having a moment as every It Girl’s latest and greatest accessory. From colorful circle lenses to funky angled cat-eyes, sunglasses have truly become a statement piece in their own right. The vast assortment of styles ensures that there is a pair for every style and for every occasion, making unique glasses the ultimate summer fad.

While wild frames may be intimidating, retailers such as Urban Outfitters and Forever 21 offer fun sunglasses in a variety of shapes and colors for low prices, allowing everyone to try multiple trends without committing to a high-end purchase. To customize the trend to fit your individual needs, seek out styles that contrast with your face shape. For example, someone with a round face will look best in square or rectangular frames, whereas someone with sharper facial features can more easily rock the John Lennon look.

While oversized bags have always been a beach essential for every ocean lover, this year’s hottest trend incorporates a quick throwback to the jelly fad of the 1990s. These fun bags come in every bright color and are completely waterproof, making them the perfect companion for a day at the beach.

Another benefit of jelly totes is their mostly transparent nature makes them the perfect stadium bag for summer concerts and sporting events. Many arenas have recently begun to implement clear bag policies, making it difficult to find appropriate purses to carry your essentials. As a result, a jelly beach bag becomes a multipurpose purchase, allowing the user to take it practically everywhere.

Despite the hot, sunny summer days approaching, some evenings may still require a lightweight coat. Denim jackets are the perfect addition to any outfit, pairing particularly well with sundresses, maxis, and flowing skirts as a tomboy-inspired contrast.

For the more adventurous, the newest denim trend is to personalize your jacket using intricate embroidery, fun patchwork, custom fabric paint, or adorable patches. Adding even just the tiniest bit of individualized swag can elevate any look, and most designs only require a quick DIY project. For those looking to step out of their comfort zone but keep the look clean, consider picking up a jacket in a bright summery color such as pastel yellow or crisp white.

Upgrade your beach pictures by swapping out a towel for a brightly colored tapestry! Not only are tapestries larger than towels, but they are actually easier to clean off since they have a smooth finish. As they typically come larger than even the most oversized towels, tapestries are the perfect alternative to the traditional beach-goers supply kit.

The best part of a tapestry? When you are done using it to soak up the sun, you can hang it up as a unique wall decoration! These two-in-one summer essentials under $100 will by far guarantee the best bang for your buck.

Summer is a time for going out with friends, and any girl’s best friend on a night out is a killer pair of heels. High heeled strappy sandals are the ultimate day to night footwear, as they are extra comfortable while staying extra stylish.

To sport this trend while still remaining comfortable, seek out heels that include a hidden platform, which reduces the height of the arch. Another low-maintenance alternative is the newly revitalized flatform sandal, which can be found in a variety of fun strappy styles. Many designers have even begun incorporating cushions into their platforms, making the wearer feel like they are walking on a cloud without compromising the integrity of their outfit.

Every list of summer skincare tips demands the application and reapplication of sunscreen, so why not have some fun with it? Glitter sunscreen is the newest summer essential for any aspiring beauty gurus, as it provides a trendy way to simultaneous protect your skin while perfecting your tan. The lotion in the sunscreen typically rates between 30-50 SPF, ensuring that the harmful rays from the sun will not damage sensitive skin. Meanwhile, the flecks of glitter decorating your body act as tiny mirrors that reflect the sunlight to help naturally brown skin to a perfect tan, similar to how old-fashioned tanning sheets work.

While Unicorn Snot is the most popular and most frequently Instagrammed body glitter sunscreen, a variety of different companies have launched, allowing shoppers to select the brand best for them as to not break the bank. Another popular company, Sunshine & Glitter, offers products in multiple color options comprised of special non-irritant glitter for family-friendly fun. The brand also just launched its Beach Gypsy line, which features biodegradable glitter in sunscreen, after sun aloe, and hair detangler. No matter which brand you select, be sure to try a swatch test on the inside crevice of your elbow to check for irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Although wearing pants in the summer may feel counterintuitive, flowy pants are the ultimate breezy look for a sweltering hot day. Made from ultra-lightweight fabrics, flowy pants are, essentially, socially acceptable pajamas, which makes them perfect for any laidback chick.

From groovy psychedelic prints to perfect nautical stripes, flowy pants can truly work with any style aesthetic. To keep the relaxed look from looking ready for bed, pair with a tight cropped t-shirt or tight tank top to contrast the loose bottoms. To further refine the look for a night out, try adding a killer pair of heels and a long bohemian necklace.

No swimsuit collection is complete without a one piece, and no one piece is more flattering than those featuring vertical stripes. As any fashion fan knows, vertical stripes are the most slimming pattern, making them a natural choice for the hottest swim trend. Stores such as Forever 21, TopShop, and ASOS offer a variety of colors and cuts featuring vertical stripes, making them an easily accessible and affordable summer essential under $100 perfect for any upcoming beach days.

For those new to the wonderful world of one pieces, the only trick to remember is that every suit will fit every body differently. While general tips include seeking out high-legged pieces with either a low back or a cinched waist to highlight feminine proportions, the only true way to successfully find the right bathing suit is to try them all on. While that may be a time-consuming task, a quality and well-fitting one piece can be absolutely life-changing, and all you need to do to turn this item into sexy summer sportswear is to hike up a pair of athletic shorts.

This trendy sandal option has returned as the ultimate poolside footwear for the second year in a row. Replacing the flip-flop as any beachy girl’s shoe of choice, slides provide an easy and comfortable alternative to traditional thongs. Not only do slides actually stay on feet better than flip-flops, but they actually make the foot appear smaller and daintier due to the oversized top strap. Simply pop your foot in and you are all ready to go!

Although some celebrities choose to rock slides that cost hundreds of dollars, many trendy stores offer a variety of different slide styles for a fraction of the cost. While sporty folks may want to look at classic athletic companies for ultra-cushioned classics, spunkier shoppers may want to consider glitter slides, jelly slides, fuzzy slides, or even bedazzled slides as an interesting alternative.

Although not technically a fashion essential, pool floats have practically become an accessory for anyone who loves a good Instagram post, which is the main reason that this item highlights our list of summer essentials under $100. Although many brands sell their own floats on their website, the real pros know that Amazon has the best swim buddies for a discount. Swans and unicorns are so last year, so try mixing it up with a the newest edible-themed pool floats, like a sparking bottle of rosé, a slice of pepperoni pizza, or a zesty yellow pineapple.