Summer is right around the corner, and these three months of sand, sun, and sweat will undoubtedly take a toll on your daily appearance. Summertime may be the time to sit back and unwind, but that doesn’t mean you have to look like a slovenly ragamuffin as you do so. Here are five ways you can break the monotony of summer staples and upgrade your summertime wardrobe: 

Tops 

Trade the cotton tees and tanks for a top with a bit more elegance, such as an embroidered or lace shirt. While still comfortable and casual, it will give you a bit more versatility than your sweat-stained gym tee. 

AE Embroidered Flowy Top - $39.50

Bottoms

Who wears short-shorts? Trollops and country bumpkins wear short-shorts. Skip the obscene jean cut-offs and opt for a classic pair of chino shorts. Neon colors are especially in vogue right now.

Neon flat-front shorts - $39.95

Loungewear

For cooler summer nights, leave your tired old hoodies at home. Instead go for a vintage cotton pullover, which will be just as comfy and far more flattering than your moth-eaten old summer camp sweatshirt. 

Summerlight Terry Pullover - $59.50

Beach Cover-Ups

Forget your amorphous oversized T-shirts. Hit the beach in style in a cute knit romper or babydoll tube dress so that your cover-up can be just as trendy as the suit it’s covering up. 

Lucky Brand Swimwear 'Peruvian Spice' Romper - $33.90

Footwear

You may feel a certain pride in owning Old Navy flip-flops in every color of the rainbow, but instead swap a few pairs of those rubber atrocities for a classy summer sandal. A pair of these will last longer and look far chicer than your dime-store flippy floppies.

T-Strap Wedge Sandal - $20.94

If you girls want all the guys to think it’s fly when you stop by for the summer, make a few upgrades to your summertime staples. You’ll find that a few trades can go a long way.