5280 Summer Guide 2015The biggest perk of a new season: the chance to overhaul your wardrobe. For summer, that starts with taking stock of or updating the basics—tank tops, T-shirts and white jeans. Once you have those in place, it’s time to add in some more exciting, on-trend pieces. (Truth be told: I’m over the normcore look.) Here are my top five warm-weather essentials for men and for women.

Essentials For Him

1. Up your polo game—a summer staple—but avoid looking overly preppy with Mod-O-Doc‘s slim-fit version in a vintage wash. $59, The Garment District (available in more colors), 2595 S. Colorado Blvd., 303-757-3371, garmentdistrictcolorado.com

2. Bold colors are in for guys right now; neon brights are not. My advice: Choose separates in jewel tones—like Norse Projects‘ cobalt blue Aros shorts. Pair them with other nature-inspired hues (earthy browns, stormy grays). $145, Steadbrook, 46 S. Broadway, 720-441-1891, steadbrook.com

3. A lightweight sweater or hoodie is a must-have layer for cool Colorado nights. J. Crew’s nautical stripe Baja shirt gives off that casual surfer vibe, but in a piece that’s crisp enough for a city dweller. $89.50, jcrew.com

4. Time for new swimwear? For those of you not willing to go quite as short as Europeans, try Saturdays NYC‘s Danny board shorts (pictured, top). Falling slightly below mid-thigh, the four-way stretch fabric makes them perfect for, say, an afternoon of volleyball in the park. $85, Armitage & McMillan, 1550 Platte St., 303-284-6222, armitageandmcmillan.com

5. Even guys need accessories. Denver-based Wolf Hill delivers with handsome, handstitched leather wallets which only look better wth age. Pick up a bifold, or, for the summer world traveler, the Expedition let’s him stash his cash and documents all in one place. $120, Sully & Co., 2443 Eliot St., 720-398-8064, sullyandco.com

Essentials For Her

1. Jumpsuits are simple, comfortable, and easy to dress up or down. Choose one like this RD Style relaxed drawstring-waist version; pair it with a flat slide sandal and mini shoulder bag for a casual look, or sexy stilettos and a slim clutch for evening. Once the weather cools down, try throwing a luxe cardigan or black tuxedo jacket over it. $120, Hailee Grace, 1423 Larimer St., 303-698-2323, haileegrace.com

2. The all-American shirtdress is a strong trend this season. The gorgeous hand-dyed silk print and minimalist lines give this henley version by Israeli brand KES a modern edge. Try it belted, and add a flat gladiator sandal, low boot, or a tough stiletto to complete the look. $420, Willow, 2595 Canyon Blvd., Boulder, 303-818-5950, willowboulder.com

3. Unless you’re plannning to be ocean- or poolside all summer long, walking around in flip-flops isn’t exactly kind to your feet. Thankfully, comfy, sport-inspired sandals were seen on summer runways from Marc Jacobs to DKNY. My pick: the Lugg Wrap sandal by All Black for its contemporary styling and color combo. $160, Two Sole Sisters, 1703 Pearl St., Boulder, 303-442-0404, twosolesisters.com

4. Shade your face from the summer sun with a borrowed-from-the-boys Panama hat. Handplaited from the leaves of a tropical palmlike plant, this South American staple is recognizable for its wide brim all the way around. Pick up this version by Cuyana that’s handmade in Ecuador and finished with a grosgrain ribbon. $65, cuyana.com

5. Add a brilliant bolt of color to your warm-weather wardrobe with a scarf from Otherworld. Featuring lush prints based on founder Ashley Smith’s photographs of exotic locales (the one pictured above is inspired by the Sea Caves of Hercules in Tangier), the modal and silk scarves allow the wearer multiple styling options, from a kimono to swimsuit cover-up. (Check out the online video for how-to-wear ideas.) $170, Rebel, 5910 S. University Blvd., Greenwood Village, 720-283-1004, shoprebel.com

—Norse Projects photo courtesy of Luca Venter

Discover more ways to enjoy summer in Denver at 5280.com/summerguide.

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