19 Cute Summer Must-Haves for Vacation, Brunch, & All Those Playdates

Our summers have been tame for a couple of years, but we have a feeling summer 2022 is going to give us sweet relief. It's already shaping up to be filled with vacations, picnics, birthday parties, and brunches and we found a few products that will enhance these experiences for moms and get them through the season hydrated, prepared, and looking so chic.

Whether they're looking for the perfect easy summer maxi dress, a great body lotion, new sunnies, or a comfortable pair of shorts to run around with the kids at the park in, we have the perfect items. Check out our picks and stay cool. With these, moms will be.

Lululemon Belt Bag

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beltbag

Fanny packs, or belt bags as this Lululemon one is called, no longer have nerdy connotations. The bags are stylish, yes, and thankfully so because they're also incredibly utilitarian. They keep one's things close by and easily accessible while keeping mom hands-free, which is vital to putting sunscreen on kids or holding a cold beverage.

Athleta Wide-Mouth Water Bottle

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Athleta

Looking cute is not just about the accessories, but it's also about that glow that starts from the inside out. Staying hydrated can help with that and the best way to make sure we drink enough water is to keep a water bottle close by. It doesn't hurt if it's actually nice looking or has a large handle, like this one.

Colourpop Hydrating Setting Mist

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Colourpop

Even if you've been skeptical of face mists, know that many can double as hydrators and makeup setting mists. This is how we came to find out how fabulous the highly recommended Colourpop Hydrating Setting Mist is. It's great for moms with dry skin and a great way to stay refreshed and glowing throughout beach days, picnics, or outdoor parties.

Handheld Portable Fan

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Amazon

Don't underestimate the workout that comes from day out with the kids. Moms can and should keep themselves cool on the go, and a portable fan makes that a reality. This one is so handy that we're sure you'll get plenty of use out of it this summer. It can be charged by USB and folds up to fit into a purse.

Ouai Wave Spray

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Ouai
single icon $14 from Ouai
Shop

Many moms find it difficult to get themselves ready in time, especially if they have younger kiddos to rally, but the summer is the best season for easy styles. This Ouai Wave Spray is perfect for days when all there's time for is air drying. Your hair will dry into beachy waves without all the effort.

Seychelles Note To Self Sandals

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Anthropologie

Fashion for summer has to also include great sandals. This summer, a staple cute, but comfortable sandal is a must. Strappy flats like this Seychelles Not to Self style from Anthropologie are great because they can be dressed up or down. These would work for the park or paired with a summer dress for Sunday brunch.

Supergoop! Sunscreen

Supergoop! Glowscreen
Anthropologie

We know we're far from the only ones to be saying it, but sunscreen is key every day, but especially when moms are out and about during the summer. But sunscreen with a good formula can give both protection and a nice glow to achieve a no-makeup, natural look for adventurous and more chilled out occasions. The Supergoop! Glow Screen seems to get consistently good reviews from both beauty editors and consumers.

Free People Santa Maria Maxi Dress

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Free People

Summer is hot, so that means comfort is key. It's possible to have comfort in an outfit and have it be cute. Let this Free People maxi dress be a prime example. It's chic but flowy and can be worn for almost any occasion. It comes in 10 different colors, has great reviews, and is going fast. Definitely add it to the cart soon.

Nike French Terry Shorts

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Nike
single icon $40 from Nike
Shop

Speaking of summer comfort, shorts are the go-to closest staple during this season and they need to be comfortable (read: prevent chafing) for spending long days walking around or chasing kids on vacation. Nike's sportswear colored shorts fit the bill. Made of soft French terry fabric and with a slightly flared out hem, they're primed for comfort and available in seven colors and up to size 2XL.

Beaded Phone Lanyard

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revolve

This beaded strap may look like a bracelet the kids made for you at summer camp but trust when we say it'll be so useful. It is a phone lanyard that can tie on your phone so it turns into a wristlet, freeing up both hands for literally anything else, but still having the phone right there when you need it. So simple yet so useful.

Ray Ban Sunglasses

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Ray Ban

It goes without saying that sunglasses, aka sunnies, are vital to a complete summer must-have list. They make everyone look hot while keeping their eyes protected from the harsh sunlight, making it much easier to focus on the fun. We think Ray-Bans are tried and true, but there are a bunch of styles and brands to choose from.

White Sneakers

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DSW
single icon $60 from DSW
Shop

We're not sure if everyone feels like this, but we think a pair of crisp, white sneakers is a key closest staple most of the time, but especially in the summer. Ones like this pair of Reeboks work well with shorts, jeans, and dresses alike. A great go-to for moms who plan to do some walking but also want to look cute at lunch.

AllSaints Crossbody Bag

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AllSaints

Moms, you can't go wrong with a crossbody bag. You may know this, but there's always an excuse to upgrade if you have one already, and we're loving this black one from AllSaints. It will keep personal items close, it's hands-free, and will go with anything. It's possible to find a crossbody bag in almost any color and at all prices, from budget to luxury.

Summer Raffia Fedora

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Bloomingdale's

Sunscreen is good sun protection for keeping UV rays at bay, but hats also help, and it doesn't hurt that they look super cute. Plus, what better time to rock a hat than while on vacation, at the beach, a pool, or in the backyard with a cold drink on a hot day. We like this one in particular from Banana Republic.

Girlfriend Collective Black Recycled Hat

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Girlfriend Collective

OK, we're not done with the hats yet, but for good reason! Hats really do help protect you from the sun in summer. Here, we present a classic baseball cap. It is a tried and true item that can be dressed up or down and stays firmly on the head throughout any type of adventure.

Glossier Balm Dotcom Lip Balm

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Glossier

Tried and true applies to lip balm, too, and we'd be remiss if we did not mention one of the staples: Glossier's Bomb Dotcom skin salve. It moisturizes but also has different tints to choose from for that extra pop. It's great for keeping lips hydrated in salty summer air, but looking like a no-makeup makeup look, too. The original version, which is clear, doubles as a skin salve, which can be handy when traveling.

Lulu's Washed Mauve Romper

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Lulus

Dresses are must-haves for summer, but you can't go wrong with a romper like this super cute one from Lulus. Here's our perspective on them: They're comfortable, easy to move in, can be thrown on quickly, and can double as a cover-up over a bathing suit. Another item that can be day-to-night or day and night. Go wild, mama!

Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream

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Sol de Janeiro

Sol de Janeiro's Brazilian Bum Bum Cream is another cult product that often comes highly recommended. It moisturizes and firms all parts of the body and retains the skin's smoothness much longer than a lot of other lotions. It comes in a few different scents, all of which are amazing. Even if you're in someone's backyard, you'll feel like you're hanging out on a tropical beach.

L.L. Bean Insulated Tote

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L.L. Bean

Parties, events, and traveling are super fun, but they also mean there's more things to remember, especially as a mom who may need to procure things like sunscreen, bandages, water, snacks, or a toy at any given moment. That's where this insulated L.L. Bean tote bag comes in. It's cute and functional, and perfect for summer trips.

*Psst: if you choose to purchase an item from this post, CafeMom.com may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.