Summer is here, and with the change of season comes the urge to completely change your wardrobe. After all, fashion magazines are all about What's Hot Now, and What You Need for Summer, and of ccourse NONE of the things on their lists will last beyond the season and most of them will never leave your closet.

To that I say, bah. Most of what you need for summer is probably right in your closet already.

Let's start with some guidelines: summer basics need to be easy, not trendy (need I remind anyone of the Leggings Fiasco of Winter 2008? I thought not). Look for pieces that are washable, either by hand or in the machine; this will save you the hassle and expense of dry cleaning, as well as helping the environment (and we're all more conscious about the environment in the summer, when we're OUTSIDE all the time). Look for pieces that can work together, and that will move freely from work to weekend. And look for colors and shapes that you love, because the idea is that you will wear them ALL THE TIME.

Seriously.

So what do you actually NEED? Not much, really! And you probably have it all in the closet already.

Light weight cardigan: Wear it to the office to ward off the AC chill; toss it over your swimsuit for post-pool drinks or dinner. Go with a bright, summery color and maybe even a little embellishment.

A-line skirt: The A-line flatters every figure; this is a skirt that is equally appropriate at the office and at a barbeque. Look for fun summery patterns (florals or retro 60s and 70s prints) in bright colors. Pair with the cardigan for cool nights or professional days.

Tank top: A basic tank is a summer staple; wear with a jacket -- or the cardigan! -- for work, or on its own for weekend. Choose a tank that will cover your bra, and for the love of all that is HOLY and FASHIONABLE, please WEAR a bra. ALL THE TIME. Thank you.

Tunic: An opaque tunic works well on its own, while a sheer tunic can be layered over the tank tops. Toss your over your swimsuit for the weekend, or over your skinny jeans for work. Or add a belt and call it a dress! Just make sure the length is appropriate, please.

Sunscreen: Wear it every where, every day.

What are your other options? Well ...

Jill at Ciao Bella! suggests stocking up on dresses for summer.

Bodacious is all about capris this summer.

DC Metro Mom Linda Kerr writes about shopping as a SAHM (you know, when you're wearing The Uniform).

Susan Wagner writes about style at Fashion Find and The Working Closet, and about everything else at Friday Playdate. She will be co-hosting a Birds of a Feather session at BlogHer this summer -- check the schedule and come show her your shoes!