Five Affordable Essentials for Summer

From Left, Everlane Poplin Flare Dress ($70) // Cluse Blush Watch ($128) // Letta Eyelet Blouse ($98) // Ann Taylor Dot Jacquard Skirt ($98) // Nine West Nora Sandals ($89)

Cotton Dress.  How cute is this dress?  It seems to run a little big, but the shape is utterly classic.  It also comes in white.  You can wear it casually or add a cardigan for casual work days.

If you like a collared white shirt, give this H&M shirtdress a try.  This oversized Rachel Roy shirtdress has a very interesting, modern shape.  I also like the breezy shape of this Mango outlet dress.  Plus-size or petite?  This Talbot’s Matelasse Dress has a similar shape and breezy look.

Leather Band Watch.  I absolutely adore this watch.  The pink band, the clean lines and pop of gold.  Fabulous.  Cluse makes a lot of lovely watches, all under-$150.  If you need something less expensive, this $36 ASOS watch with a tan leather band.

White Eyelet is the epitome of summer.  This Anthropologie is a great choice because the slightly longer sleeve means you can wear it in warm or cool weather.  I also like this Ganesh short sleeve eyelet blouse and this Moon River top with an interesting cap sleeve look.

Want a color?  This Joe Fresh top comes in a chic dusty rose color.  Plus-size?  This off-the-shoulder eyelet top from Eloquii is so cute.

Printed Pencil Skirts are a staple of the summer office wardrobe.  This dot-print skirt from Ann Taylor is the perfect mix of fun and sophistication.  This bird print skirt from Nicole Miller has a bit of whimsy to it.  This Tanya Taylor printed skirt has a unique floral print in shades of pink and purple.

Block Heel Sandals.  This weekend, I was in Boston having mid-day cocktails coffee with Jean from Extra Petite.  She was wearing the cutest, most versatile block heel sandals from Ann Taylor.  Sadly, those ones are sold out, but these Nine West sandals are a good substitute.

These Topshop Dart heels have a similar shape and a slightly lower heel.  Also, if you have trouble keeping a sandal on, try these BP Truce City sandals that have a more secure ankle strap.  If you’re looking for a sophisticated splurge, hit up these L.K. Bennett Helena Sandals.

So what are your summer must-haves?  Any classics you can’t live without?