I love when magazines compile trend pieces showing images from the runway that most of us would never wear.  It’s great to get the inspiration, but translating that into what is actually available in stores is another thing.

Here are 9 summer essentials you can’t go wrong with:

 
White Pants
(1) Banana Republic White Skinny Ankle Jean, $110

White pants are an obvious summer staple, but these are slightly different from the white pants you bought two years ago.  Hemlines have gotten shorter and skinny is everything. They crop at the ankle and fit like a glove.  Put those boot cut long white pants at the back of your closet for their eventual return.

Chain link necklaces
(2) Shop For Jayu Reanne Necklace, $70

This is not the first summer of the chain link necklace, but you are still cool if you wear it.  Plus it goes with everything and is classic enough to keep around.

Florals
(3) Aritzia Talula Roppongi Dress, $60

Very similar to what was worn in the ‘90s, though not with the matching bolero you thought was cool at the time.  Florals are on everything. If you are more adventurous, you will wear it on your pants.

The Moto Vest
(4) Club Monaco Reigna Moto Vest, $198.50

Lately, when I spot a cool girl in a cafe she is wearing a moto vest.  I’ve seen it worn several different ways but the most common way is over a tank and a pair of jeans or shorts.  I personally like the moto vest better in white than in black, but no matter the colour you are pretty much guaranteed to look cool.

Rose Gold Watches
(5) Michael Kors Lexington Petite, $235 at Watchit.ca

I was at a press preview and they told us rose gold watches with coloured faces are very in now and going into the fall. Not that we ever want to think about Fall again, but it's good to know the trend will stick around.

Bra Tops/Crop Tops
(6) Club Monaco Jade Bra Top, $98.50

If you are between 16 and 25, you may wear this.  The rest of us wouldn’t dare.  It looks fabulous if you can pull it off.

Cat Eye Sunglasses
(7) Tiffany & Co TF4089B, $440

There are a lot of different sunglasses styles equally on trend but if you like poolside glamour (my personal favourite), the cat eye is where it’s at right now. Notice the cat eye shape is more subtle than it has been in seasons past.

Loose Patterned Pants
(8) Club Monaco Patricia Pull-On Pant, $139.50

Your first thought may be, pyjamas!  But if worn properly and with the rest of your ensemble erring on the side of minimalist, these make for a gorgeous summer outfit.  Pair it with a white tank or tee and some sexy sunglasses.

Laser Cut, Lace and Eyelet
(9) Banana Republic Laser-Cut Lace Tank, $74

I lump these together because they all have a similar look.  Just a hint of something underneath and a summery, breezy feel.  Wear lace for the date or garden party, eyelet for brunch with your mother in law and laser cut for everything else.

Of course now that you have these beautiful pieces you need to take good care of them.  I love the subtle fresh scent plus colour-safe stain-fighting power of OxiClean™ Liquid Laundry Detergent and so do our reviewers. Check out what they had to say here!

What are your summer style essentials? Tell us in the comments!