These are the summer must-haves for any wannabe vintage housewife. From vintage summer dresses to homemade sweet tea, all of these items will help you have the best vintage summer!
This post was originally posted in 2020, I try to update it every year to make sure products are still available. If you find a product isn’t available share in the comments and I’ll find a replacement.
I’d love summer more if I lived on the beach in California or at least somewhere a bit cooler than Oklahoma summers but I still overall enjoy summer.
I do wish I had a swimming pool because I don’t mind the heat if I can cool off in the water. But Oklahoma doesn’t have a huge swimming season so it’s a fair amount of work to keep up with a pool for not a lot of use. I really wish I had a friend nearby that wanted me to use their pool, all the enjoyment with none of the work.
My family did end up with an above-ground pool when I was a kid one summer when every day was hitting 100 degrees. We all decided kind of randomly one hot day that we really needed one. I spent a LOT of time in that pool.
I did have a gym membership that included an indoor pool but I haven’t been using it since it closed in 2020. I have enjoyed using it many summers though not as much as I would my own pool.
There are many things, other than a pool, that I like to have to make summer even better and I wanted to share those items with you.
Vintage Housewife Summer Must-Haves
These summer must-haves will make anyone feel like a vintage housewife in no time and help you enjoy your summer even more!
Vintage Summer Dresses
Even if you don't wear vintage-inspired fashion a good sundress is a summer must-have! I have a full list of vintage summer dresses that will have you staying stylish and cool.
Homemade Popsicles
Popsicles have been a summer must-have since I was a kid. We even made homemade popsicles when I was a kid. We made them using Kool-Aid and it was so much fun! I've got some fancier homemade popsicle recipes you can try as well.
Homemade Ice Cream
I have a summer birthday and my request was usually brownies and homemade ice cream. There isn't much better than that! One of my favorite homemade ice creams is chocolate chip cookie dough. You need to try it! You can also make some classic vanilla ice cream and make floats to feel like a true vintage housewife.
Sweet Iced Tea
I live in the south and we love our sweet tea. While I try to not make it as sweet as my great-grandma did, or as I want to, I still love a tall glass of iced tea. It’s very refreshing on a hot day. My mom has shared my great-grandma's recipe, give it a try.
BandelettesÂ
If you are going to be wearing vintage summer dresses you need to get these! They prevent chafing and are a lifesaver!
Good Sunscreen
We know so much more now about skin cancer than we did back in the 1950s but even then housewives wanted to take care of their skin and one way we know to do that now is with good sunscreen. I prefer mineral sunscreen as they tend to be safer.
A Stylish Sun Hat
Another good way to protect your skin and also help you stay cool is a sun hat.
Vintage Swimsuit
A vintage-inspired swimsuit is also a summer-must have for any vintage housewife. Unique Vintage has some adorable options like this cherry print swimsuit.
MORE VINTAGE HOUSEWIFE SUMMER INSPIRATION
Looking for more vintage housewife inspiration? Join the Retro Homemakers Club! It’s a great place to connect with others that love vintage things and learn to be a better homemaker. You can sip on some sweet tea and chat with us this summer.
You can also check out these other posts that help you enjoy this summer.
Lindsey says
I MUST have those popsicle molds! I had some plastic ones and they don’t work very well. Of course they were also really cheap. I bet these work great and hold up!
Lisa Sharp says
They are great and made very well! And are non-toxic. 🙂
Beth Zimmerman says
Lots of ice water and fresh berries, flip flops and baggy shorts (that my son won’t “let” me wear in public), air conditioning and ceiling fans! =)
Lisa Sharp says
A/C is a must in Oklahoma haha.
Brandi Barnett says
I feel like my kids are healthier already. Thanks for the great recommendations. I’m going to check out that swimwear and nail polish.
Lisa Sharp says
You’re welcome. 🙂
Rebekah Loper says
Lol, those popsicle molds look like something out of a science fiction story…
Lisa Sharp says
haha, they are awesome! It’s so much fun to make your own popsicles. 🙂
Jen @ Go Green says
Great list Lisa! We have been using our popsicle molds a lot this year by experimenting with different smoothie recipes to freeze.
giulia Lombardo says
essential kit for summer (an not only) maxy bag, water, book but
i’m agree with enitre post!
Debbie says
The reviews for the bandeletts is not very good. I sometimes resort to bicycle shorts. My SIL won’t let my granddaughter wear a dress without them.
Lisa Sharp says
I’m not sure why they aren’t good. I have many pairs and love them.