One of the things we absolutely love about summer is finding that perfect piece for your wardrobe that is chic, yet easy, for pulling together a complete look. Whether you are dressing for a backyard BBQ or a day at the beach, you can’t get through the summer without these must-haves. With these 5 essentials for summer, your shopping list just became easier.

The Unique Print

The print trend isn’t going away anytime soon and is a sure way to take a boring outfit and make it exciting. We love the spring/summer ’14 collection by Cynthia Rowley. Have fun with prints by picking up Rowley’s Bonded Shift Dress in Blue Lei or Orange Flower or add a punch of style with their Bonded Legging in the to-die-for Reef Print worn with a flowy cream top.

A Chic Straw Bag

There is not a bag that reminds us of summer more than a straw bag, but we don’t want to look as if we just grabbed it from the straw market on our last vacation. We want a straw bag with some polish. Enter Tory Burch’s latest summer collection like the Fleming Metallic Medium Double Flag Bag, a ladylike silhouette complete with chain handles, but made with straw and leather trim!

The LBD

The LBD is definitely a year-round staple, but for summer, it’s such an easy dress to wear. A chic, simple little black dress like this MICHAEL Michael Kors One-Shoulder Jersey Dress, is something every woman needs in her wardrobe. It can easily take you from a day at the office, then out to the chicest restaurant in town. Add a stunning statement necklace and you’ve got a gorgeous look for any hot summer night.

A Stunning Beach Cover-Up

It isn’t quite beach season for us without finding the perfect cover-up. We love the U-ring Cover Up by Victoria’s Secret in the chic Paisley Print. It’s just one of those summer pieces that makes our beach days feel complete, not to mention hide a multitude of sins from our winter hibernation.

 The Bombshell Bikini

And finally, summer just isn’t summer without countless trips to the beach.  Whether you’re taking a vacation to St. Lucia or spending the day at your local beach, doing it in style is a must. As soon as we saw this Very Sexy Twist Bandeau Top with cheeky hipkini, we were smitten, and with her bikini bod, who can blame us?