The Absolute Style and Beauty Must-Haves for Summer

From strategic pops of color to the clever application of go-to products, this summer's beauty and fashion essentials work wonders at keeping you looking cool and crisp when you're feeling everything but.

To help you make sense of all the options, we've consulted with several experts who've chosen their absolute must-wear products and trends, and the resulting picks are sure to add the right amount of sizzle to your summer style.

Summer may conjure visions of crisp white linen, but since that's so unforgiving and wrinkle-prone, denim is a much more practical option. "Whether they're a tight, skinny jean, a high-rise waist or a straight leg, white jeans are a snap to pair with any combination of pieces from your wardrobe," says Los Angeles-based lifestyle expert Alejandro Peraza. "Choose a bright top, a man's Oxford or a casual tee, and you're ready to go."

Tip: Disregard that old "no white after Labor Day" adage, and incorporate white jeans into your yearlong wardrobe to brighten any ensemble and highlight your basics.

To buy: L.L. Bean, $70

Burgundy and black cherry lips may scream winter to the uninitiated, but this summer they're all the rage. "These shades are beyond in," says Los Angeles-based makeup artist Sabrina Mae. "They're very dark, but if you leave the rest of the face clean, they look stunning for summer."

Tip: To avoid smudging or bleeding, Mae recommends using a matching lip pencil.

To buy: Givenchy Lipstick in Black Plum, $30; Clinique Lipstick in A Different Grape, $15

"The sheer blouse has made a strong comeback," says Peraza. And, why not? It's lightweight and perfect for staying cool during the dog days of summer. "These blouses are also super-versatile and can be worn over anything from a tank to a tee to a bikini top," Peraza adds.

To buy: The Limited, $50

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Tangerine Tango was Pantone's 2012 color of the year, and in summer 2013 the shade is still going gangbusters—especially when it comes to manis and pedis. "Offbeat orange and retro mod brights straight out of the swinging '60s will be big," predicts Jan Arnold, the founder of CND beauty supply. And, why not? Orange is the perfect pop of color against white, black and turquoise—three of the season's hottest clothing shades.

Tip: The new de rigueur nail shape is long and filed to be super-thin but with a soft, curving tip, not pointy or sharp as we've seen over the last few seasons.

To buy: Dior Nail Lacquer in Riviera, $24; CoverGirl Outlast Nail Gloss in Go-Go Mango, $5

As with orange nail polish, carrying a yellow handbag is a simple way to infuse some summer fun into your look. "From canary to sunflower to a vivid neon, this illuminating color is the perfect summer accent," says Peraza, who adds that yellow bags are available in every material from wicker and straw to leather, satin and even faux jewels. Carry a clutch, or load up a tote for a day at the beach—this bright beacon will brighten up every outfit.

To buy: Loehmann's, $60; Macy's, $43; Lord & Taylor, $75

Perfectly beachy, windswept, to-die-for hair à la Gisele, Jennifer Aniston or Kate Hudson is attainable—even if you live in a landlocked state. Gently tousle with your fingers, and you'll have that "I just got off my sailboat, dahling" look anytime you want it.

To buy: Bumble & Bumble, $25; John Masters Organic Sea Mist, $17

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Along with anything and everything neon, another '80s trend is alive and kicking this summer: hoop earrings. As demonstrated by several top designers at Fashion Week, you can go as big and as bold as you dare. "Hoop earrings never really go completely off the fashion radar, but this season they're back in a big, big way," says California-based jewelry designer Colleen Berg.

Tip: Don't have pierced ears? Lots of stores, including Claire's, offer up a variety of pierceless hoop options.

To buy: Forever 21, $9; Forever 21, $3

How's a girl supposed to look cute and have everything stay in place when the mercury's on the rise with no sign of tapering off? The key, according to Mae, lies in applying primer to your face. "The perfect primer is your best bet for beating a shiny face and having your makeup stay put," Mae says. "Just smooth a small dollop onto your clean, lightly moisturized skin, and it will form a barrier that absorbs oil and perspiration." From there, you can apply foundation, a BB cream or a tinted moisturizer without having to worry that it will melt off by midday.

To buy: NARS Primer SPF 15, $34; New York Color Smooth Primer, $4

Whether they're flowing or curve-hugging, maxi dresses are as hot as it gets for summer 2013.

From graphic prints and florals to cutouts and stripes, these comfortable, flaw-concealing garments are available in an assortment of fabrics (cotton, chiffon, silk and even leather!), styles and all sorts of prices.

To buy: Asos, $75; Target, $30

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When you think "blue eye shadow," do visions of Honey Boo Boo Child come to mind? If so, it's time to change your perception of the much-maligned shade and embrace it as the totally modern and amazingly flattering color it is.

But as with any "look-at-me" shade, applying blue to your eyes takes some finesse. "When it comes to shadow, you do not want to sweep the blue over your entire lid," says Jodi Bryson, makeup specialist for Trish McEvoy Cosmetics. "That's a recipe for disaster. Rather, use the shadow to highlight a bronze, peach or gold crease color by creating a V shape in the outer corner of the eye with your brush."

To Buy: Chanel Les 4 Ombrés, $59; Estée Lauder Shadow Paint in Bold Cobalt, $24