A sturdy leather (or faux leather) sandal in a neutral color, like black, beige, or cognac, is a perfect easy swap for your favorite flip flop. These sandals are easy to break in, fairly breathable (for extra breathing room, pick a cute strappy number), and they give you an extra laid-back vibe, like you’re a forward-thinking painter who also likes to tend to their garden and watch movies in the park.

I especially love how a minimalist sandal can really elevate other basic summer staples, like a floaty white sundress, a woven bag, and a wide-brimmed sun hat (though I’m also a huge fan of statement sun hats – who knew?). Finish the look with a little shimmer, a couple of minimal bangles, and a refreshing facial mist for a look that’s perfect for that outdoor movie or a Sunday brunch on a sunny patio.

If your beach bag is barely holding on, try…

A Take-Everywhere Tote

Products: Tee – Lord & Taylor, Brow Gel – Net-a-Porter, Ombre Spray – Sephora, Booties – Amazon, Shorts – Revolve, Earrings – Revolve, Bag – Target

A woven beach bag screams summer, and if you’re the kind of girl who hits the beach on the regular in the summer, I totally get that it’s easier to just keep your regular ish with your beach ish. And yet, by the end of the summer, your beach bag is destroyed, and so is everything inside it, because it’s covered in sand and sunscreen.

Instead, try upgrading your beach bag for a sturdy, take-anywhere tote that you can use for all your casual outings. Go ahead and get crazy with the finish – I love holographics for the summer, but you could totally do a fruit pattern or a cute colorblock in a hot color, like lavender.

Here, the holographic tote elevates a fairly simple summer outfit of shredded white shorts, a grey statement tee, and black booties. Pair with full, brushed brows, a bit of beach spray, and rose-gold studs, and you have an elevated outfit that you can wear anywhere, from running errands to checking out a cute local festival.