Summer: the one time of year where you can walk outside in a bralette and very short shorts and it be acceptable because its just so hot outside, also known as the time to break all of the dress code rules from school because school's out. Truthfully, summer fashion is my second favorite season for clothes (right behind spring) because summer clothes are light, colorful, and, most importantly, versatile. Able to dress up or dress down, summer clothes allow you to wear a dress to a barbecue on Saturday and wear that same dress to church on Sunday (because you can get away with wearing the same clothes back-to-back because it's summer and you don't see the same people everyday). Listed below are some of the hottest SoCal-inspired fashion trends for the 2016 summer season, and with these pieces in my wardrobe, I know I'm ready to conquer this summer in style.

Note: most all of these examples are derived from PacSun.com because I find that PacSun is one of the most trendy and up-to-date SoCal retailers out there (and its my favorite store).

1. Overalls

Above: Bullhead Denim Co. Alexa Blue Cutoff Shortalls, $49.95 (PacSun)

I still have photos of me, the coolest 3-year-old ever, wearing my straw hat, big sunglasses, and farmer's overalls. As a little kid, I lived in overalls. Well, now as a slightly more grown-up kid, I have the chance to make overalls a staple part of my wardrobe once again. Comfy, cute, and conformable, overalls are a great piece for any warm, sunny summer day, ranging from a walk down the beach boardwalk to your to a chill day binging Gossip Girl on Netflix with your friends.

2. Retro-Striped Tops and Tanks

Left: Kendall & Kylie Ribbed V-Neck Tank Top, $26.95 (PacSun), Right: OBEY Porterville Stripe Crew Neck T-Shirt, $40.00 (PacSun)

Nineties, anyone? These re-vamped, classic 90s grunge staples scream, "fun, relaxing summer." The thick stripes and darker colors on these tops make for the perfect piece to throw on any time, any day. Besides, they're a little more colorful than the basic black and white striped shirt you've worn every other week, right?

3. High-Waisted Shorts

Above: Bullhead Denim Co. Blue Ripped High Rise Cutoff Denim Shorts, $39.95 (PacSun)

A summer classic, high-waisted denim shorts are one of my favorite pieces of all time. What I love about these versatile shorts is not only they give the appearance of a longer torso, but they also allow you to wear crop tops without showing your stomach, can be dressed up or down, and can be pulled off by practically anyone. To me, high-waisted shorts are an absolute must-have, so if you find your closet lacking in the high-waisted shorts department, its time for you to get shopping.

4. Cropped and Laced-Up Swim Tops

Left: Rhythm Florence Crochet Trim Cropped Bikini Top, $54.00 (PacSun), Right: Rip Curl Luna Lux Strappy Cropped Bikini Top, $54.00 (PacSun)

This trend is the trend I am most excited about. Personally, I have a hard time shopping for swimsuits because my small frame makes most conventional swimsuit styles (A.K.A. triangle tops) look awkward on me. Well, whether you're in the same boat as me or not, you're in luck because these cropped swimsuits and their sports bra style cuts work very well on a variety of body types. However, be wary because the multitude of straps and high necklines may look edgy and chic, but they will leave some strange tan lines!

5. Slip Dresses

Above: OBEY Paint Bloom Macrame Back Dress, $58.00 (PacSun)

One of my favorite parts of summer is the DRESSES! As summer approaches, light, airy, flowy dresses adorn practically every store, and the options for what type of dress you want to but can be overwhelming. Not sure what to get? Get you a dress that can both dress up and dress down, A.K.A. a slip dress. Being that slip dresses have virtually no shape, these dresses work for both hot afternoons and cool mornings because you don't have to fret about your clothes sticking to you (lets face it: summer means sweat). Simple and sweet, these dresses are the kind of piece that you find and just buy in different colors and patterns.

6. Rompers

Above: Kendall & Kylie V-Back Surplice Romper, $49.95 (PacSun)

Rompers are the best solution to the hatred most women face toward pants. Now that schools out and the burning sun is ablaze in the sky, there is no need to follow overly-strict dress codes and wear uncomfortably hot jeans; instead, rompers give you the mobility of pants and the comfort of a dress. Plus, rompers are another piece that can be either dressed up for church or dressed down for a stroll in the farmer's market. After you finish picking out the perfect high-waisted shorts, it's best you pick up the perfect romper, too.

7. Lacey Bralette Tops

Above: Me To We Lace Racerback Bralette, $22.95 (PacSun)

A piece worn by a multitude of Coachella attendees (look here for Meredith Foster's and friends' takes on bralettes), bralettes officially have become acceptable (and not to mention extremely cute) forms outerwear clothing. Paired well with high-waisted shorts (you did already go buy those, right?), bralettes are essentially just a new type of crop top with a more feminine and risque twist. Additionally, bralette tops are another perfect and lightweight summer wardrobe statement, offering another stylish way to beat the heat without just wearing t-shirts and Nikey shorts.

8. Lace-Up Tops

Above: Kendall & Kylie Lace-Up Long Bell Sleeve Top, $34.95 (PacSun)

Slightly revealing but also simple and girly, lace-up tops have become one of my latest style obsessions. Great as a beach cover up or a cute top for a night out with friends, lace-up tops allow for more air flow while also providing a way to amp up a simple outfit into a statement outfit. Pair this top with high-waisted shorts and your golden (because, let's face it, high waisted shorts go with anything).

9. Lace-Up Sandals

Above: Dolce Vita Jasmyn Lace-Up Gladiator Sandals, $90.00 (PacSun)

Do I sense a trend here with the lace-up clothing? Though not a new style, gladiator sandals have made a triumphant return to the summer fashion market, being a staple shoe that most every girl owns or should own. If you don't have you hands (or feet I suppose) on a pair of these already, I'd grab a pair now so that you have a simple but cute, versatile pair of shoes to wear with anything to any event. Sure, flip flops are great (and I've been wearing flip flops almost every day), but every cute summer outfit truthfully needs a great pair of strappy sandals to compliment it.

10. Off-the-Should Dresses

Above: LA Hearts Printed Bell Sleeve Cold Shoulder Dress, $36.95 (PacSun)

I have admired these adorable dresses from afar because my school's dress code did not allow for these, but now that school's out, I've been dying to add one of these dresses into my wardrobe. Airy and girly, this dress would be perfect for a first date or a peaceful Sunday morning. Add a cute necklace and some lace-up sandals and you have a statement of an outfit.

11. Sunscreen

Left: SPF 30 Original Spray Sunscreen, $15.99 (Sun Bum), Right: SPF 30 Face Stick, $9.99 (Sun Bum)

Your fashions tastes change with the seasons as trends come and go, but one thing that should stay a part of your wardrobe no matter the season is a good sunscreen. I recommend Sun Bum's SPF 30 (at least) spray on sunscreen because it smells great, doesn't involve weird, harsh chemicals, and doesn't test on animals or use animal products.

Everyone always says that you need to wear sunscreen, and I will only add to this statement. Wear sunscreen no matter what you are doing. Don't fool yourself into thinking that you only need to wear sunscreen at the beach; harmful UV rays exist everywhere. Personally, I like to wear SPF underneath my makeup to protect my face at the very least. If I know I'm going to have a lot of full-body exposure, I do my best to slather on sunscreen all over my body. Hey, I don't want skin cancer, leathery skin, or early wrinkles, and neither should you. No temporary tan is worth risking your health.

In the end, however, summer is about more than just the fashion. Summer is about having time to do what you want, try new things, and make memories with your friends. Don't get so wrapped up in "looking a certain way" and "following social media trends" that you miss out on having genuine, messy fun. Nonetheless, it never hurts to have fun while staying in style.