Summer Staples You Can't Live Without
With finals quickly approaching, style becomes less and less of a priority. Throwing on an oversized University of Maryland t-shirt and running shorts for weeks on end can make you feel out of touch with the latest trends once school is over. But don’t worry! We’ve gathered some of the most essential pieces to make your summer looks super easy to put together.
Jean Jacket
Being one of the most versatile items in anyone’s closet, your jean jacket is your best friend, whether you’re staying home or going away this summer. Throw it on top of a sweatshirt for a warm yet put-together look, or style it on top of a romper or dress if you’re headed somewhere tropical.
Charlotte Marantz, a freshman criminology major, wears a jean jacket on campus.
Image credit: Jenna Cohen
Sunglasses
Protecting your eyes from the sun has never looked so cool. Celebrities and social media stars everywhere have been turning to sunglasses as their go-to accessory to make a basic outfit pop. If you tend to pack monochrome, basic clothing items for your trips, consider a flashy pair of sunnies as your statement piece.
“I love fun sunglasses,” said freshman journalism major Christina Armeni. “I’m taking my favorite ones to Florida for vacation.”
Christina Armeni, freshman journalism major, shows off her pink, mirrored lens sunglasses that she’s bringing on her vacation to Florida.
Image credit: Emma Grazado
Swimsuits
No matter what your summer plans are, cute swimsuits are a must-have.
“I go to PacSun or maybe Target on short notice,” said Erika Waterhouse, a freshman majoring in letters and sciences. She said that products from online-only stores “take a little while to come in,” so shopping somewhere in person is usually better.
Comfortable shoes
With traveling comes endless exploring, which tends to take a toll on your feet. Finding sensible shoes to travel in can be hard to find if you’re looking for something that is also stylish. Slip-on sandals with extra support are super popular these days, and so are sneakers that look good and feel even better.
Image credit: Jenna Cohen
Nike Air Force 1 shoes have been all the rage lately. In fact, the Instagram famous all-white ones are currently out of stock on the Nike site. But, not to worry! Air Force 1 shoes come in many colors and styles that stand out, like this metallic purple pair, and they’re incredibly comfortable for traveling.
Maryland Gear!
No matter where you’re headed this summer, wearing your favorite UMD crew neck or hat lets you rep your home away from home.
Mariam Hashem, a freshman government and politics major, said, “When I wear my Maryland sweatshirt, sometimes alum come up to me and ask if I go there. It’s so nice to meet other Terps!”
Mia Sampson, freshman mechanical engineering major, wears her Maryland crew neck sweatshirt. Photo credit: Emma Grazado
These items are all super versatile and perfect to form your summer looks around this season. For cheap and worn-in options, check out your local thrift store, which also doubles as a perfect rainy-day activity!
