Already have summer on the brain? Dreaming about that beach getaway you've had planned for months? OK, OK, hold on a second. Before the season of sunshine and swimming officially begins, you might want to make sure you're fully prepared.
We tapped style expert Melissa Garcia to help us get as summer-ready as possible — from the hottest styles (that can keep us cool) to sunscreens that keep UV rays at bay from (literally) head to toe. She even has the latest home decor trends at the ready to ensure every gathering you host looks its best. Better yet, a few of her picks are on sale — up to 50% off.
Don't let summer sneak up on you. Scroll down to check out the essentials we recommend adding to your homes and beach bags.
Summer essentials seen on Jenna & Friends
Thigh Society The Cooling Slip Shorts
The plus side to summer: sunshine and swimsuits! The downside? Sweating and chafing. Luckily, there’s an easy and even more comfortable solution to both problems. These slip shorts are designed with a silky fabric that will pull away heat and moisture from the body — perfect for wearing under summer dresses and skirts. Garcia says they’re super breathable and stretchy, while the brand promises a cool-to-the-touch feel and a no-roll, no-sag promise. You can expect a smoothed-out appearance, without the heat you normally get from typical compression shorts. They have over 11,000 five-star ratings and come in several colors and lengths.
E.l.f. Sun Boss Gloss SPF 25
When it comes to sun protection, it can be easy to forget about the skin on your lips. Garcia says that because it's thinner, it can be more susceptible to UV damage. So, she recommends using this gloss from E.l.f., which delivers SPF 25 and is also infused with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E to give your pout an extra boost in hydration. And can we talk about that shine? The formula comes in five summer-ready colors, all of which offer buildable pigment and a topical scent.
Threshold Rattan Battery LED Outdoor Lantern
These rattan lamps are the perfect way to prepare your outdoor space for summer get-togethers. Between the woven design and battery-operated LED lights, they offer the perfect look to elevate the ambiance in any backyard or patio area. “I love these lanterns because you can place them on the floor, on top of a table or even hang them!’ says Garcia. Worried about those summer showers? Don’t worry, they’re also water resistant.
They come in two sizes, which can be paired together or work as a standalone functional decor piece. Garcia says she prefers lining them up for a more dramatic vibe. However, what we love the most is that Target just dropped both prices by 30%.
Coola Organic Scalp Spray & Hair Sunscreen Mist
Another area of the body overlooked when using sunscreen: the scalp! Yes, the top of your head is just as prone to burns as the rest of your body, but Garcia found a sunscreen specifically made for the area. The SPF 30 spray applies like a light mist but won't leave your hair feeling greasy. According to the brand, the formula is water resistant and lasts up to 80 minutes — plus, its ingredients will protect hair color from fading in the sun.
Gap Factory Boatneck Midi Dress
Garcia says you can expect to see this boatneck-style dress trending all summer long. She adds that this style from Gap Factory is super comfortable and great for warmer weather, thanks to its soft jersey and lightweight fabric. "I love wearing this to bridal showers, barbecues, baby showers or even just for exploring on the weekends," she raves. The three color combinations come in sizes XS-XXL, and they're all 50% off right now!
Room Essentials Melamine Striped Dinner Plate
Want to up your hosting game this season? Try passing on the disposable plates and opting for something a little chicer and colorful. Finished with a striped design in blue or yellow, these dinner plates will add a vibrant touch to your tablescape. They're also made from melamine, making them durable and safe to clean in the dishwasher.
Room Essentials Melamine Checker Dinner Plate
Prefer the checkered look? The brand offers this design in red and green — all for just $3.
Room Essentials Melamine Tumbler
Of course, Room Essentials wouldn't forget the matching cups! Mix and match with different colors or grab the same pattern for complete the set.
- Room Essentials Melamine Tumbler in blue checkered, $3
- Room Essentials Melamine Tumbler in red stripes, $3
- Room Essentials Melamine Tumbler in yellow stripes, $3
More summer essentials to shop
KuaiLu Flip Flops
With over 14,000 five-star ratings, these walking sandals are clearly a great choice when looking to update your footwear for the upcoming season. They’re made with cushioned foam for extra comfort, feature a fabric knotted strap and are available in several colors.
Hawaiian Tropic After Sun Body Butter
Protecting your skin before sun exposure is one thing, but taking care of it afterwards is entirely different. If you want to keep that post-sun glow and keep your skin nourished, this body butter will do the absolute most to keep your body baby soft and hydrated for up to 12 hours.
Below 60 Diffuser Signature Starter Kit
Can't wait for summer to officially hit on June 20? Or for that mid-July beach trip you have planned? This Below 60 diffusing kit can help hold you over by filling your space with incredible summer-inspired scents. The starter set comes with three chemical-free fragrances — a tropical-like vanilla, citrus with "summer orchard vibes" and mint with a hint of eucalyptus and lavender. Expect compliments from guests.
Hearth & Hand Plaid Pickleball Bag & Paddle Cover Set
Pickleball season is back! If you want your gear to match your improved skills, we're loving this super-cute plaid set. It includes two spacious compartments, including one for your paddle, as well as two side pockets to store balls and gaming accessories.
Cupshe Floral Flutter Lace-Up Back One-Piece
Everyone should have a cute one-piece in their summer wardrobe. Cupshe's designs are always on point, but at the moment, we've got eyes on this ruffled, floral suit.
Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta® Glow Pad™ Self Tanner
A self-tanner and skin care product in one? We'll take 20. Dr. Dennis Gross recently dropped its new Alpha Beta Glow Pads, which offer a sunless, bronzed glow combined with skin-loving ingredients that smooth texture and hydrate the face. According to the brand, you can use the pads 2-3 times a week for a streak-free, natural finish.
H&M Sunglasses
Accessorizing an outfit with sunnies is a quick and easy way to elevate an outfit. This retro pair boasts fun tints for added flair as well as lenses with UV protection.
Huda Beauty Easy Bake Setting Spray
This new beauty launch dropped just in time to ensure your makeup stays put no matter how hot and humid the weather gets. It's formulated to control shine, blur pores and lock in your look for up to 16 hours, per the brand.
Old Navy Fit & Flare Sleeveless Linen-Blend Midi Dress
Have a bridal shower or summer engagement party to attend over the summer? Old Navy is always waiting in the wings to offer cute and breathable styles that will help you look and feel your best no matter the occasion. We love this midi number, which boasts a trendy sweetheart neckline and a stretchy smocked back.
Asos Design Straw Oversized Tote Bag
A quality tote bag is every beachgoer's must-have. This oversized style is large enough to fit all your summer essentials, and has the cutest khaki design to match all your favorite seasonal 'fits.
Meet the experts
- Melissa Garcia is a professional stylist and the founder of Melissa Garcia Styling. She has experience working on national brand campaigns, appearing on major television broadcasts and hosting fashion events for commerce destinations. With a relatable approach and her own eye-catching personal style, Garcia has become a go-to fashion resource in American media.
How we chose
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews and even use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.
As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think TODAY.com readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not TODAY. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.
