An 18-Year-Old and a 54-Year-Old Agree—Everyone Should Own These Summer Staples

If you read Who What Wear on the reg, you'd know that we like to tap women at a range of ages to discuss their approach to style. We've heard from women in their 50s about how to style basics and yours truly in her 20s about how to build a work wardrobe, all in the hopes of shedding light on a few of the many style perspectives that exist in the world. One comment I hear about all the time from friends, colleagues, and our very own readers is the idea that you "can't" wear something because of your age. Simply put, I disagree.

To prove just how ageless style really is, I thought it would be fun to tap two women whose style I personally glean a great deal of inspiration from—who happen to be a part of two different generations. I spoke to Renata, better known as @venswifestyle on Instagram, a chic 50-something who you might recognize as we regularly feature her insight and Lauren, an 18-year-old with a penchant for wearing color. After chatting with them, it became clear that there are a number of summer style staples they agree upon and conveniently, have both documented their affection for.

Ahead, I'm highlighting the five warm-weather staples they agree upon, showing you how each of them wears it, and, of course, including my favorite options for each item.

1. Menswear-Inspired Shirting

Lauren shared that one of her favorite summer looks, especially for the beach or pool, is denim shorts and a button-up blouse. "I personally love to thrift these shirts because there are so many and they are super affordable. One tip: the men's work shirts are the best for this!"

Shop the Staple

2. Long Denim Shorts

It comes as no surprise since denim shorts are a staple in everyone's closets, but upon further inspection, I noticed that both Lauren and Renata have an affinity towards the longer denim shorts that are trending right now.

Shop the Staple

3. Printed Dresses

Printed and floral dresses deserve a spot in anyone's summer wardrobe and Renata shared that puff-sleeve versions are especially near to her heart, noting "When I think of summer I straight away think of dresses with puffy sleeves. They're fun and easy to wear, and they are perfect for many occasions." Her go-to way to wear them is to pair them with simple sandals and a cute bag and based on Lauren's similar look below, she's in full agreement.

Shop the Staple

4. Tie-Dye Tees

I was delighted to discover that both women are fans of the tie-dye print top because the print is definitely having a moment right now. With more "out there" trends like tie-dye, it's easy to feel like it's something that not everyone can wear, but I think both of their styling ideas proves that wrong. Fun tie-dye pieces can, and should, be for everyone.

Shop the Staple

5. Oversize Blazers

"This summer," Renata told me, "I will continue to wear oversized blazers as they are essential in my wardrobe. However, I will be swapping dark colors for white or brighter color blazers." She plans on wearing them with everything from shorts and basic tops and adding in fun sandals for an easy (but far from boring) outfit. Lauren, on the other hand, is keen on bright colors and will be wearing a similar oversize look in refreshing shades like aqua.

Shop the Staple

Next up, nine grandma trends that are basically mainstream at this point.