Nicole Richie's Top Five Summer Style Tips

The fashion designer lists her warm weather must-haves.

Nicole Richie  - Lionel Richie's adopted daughter Nicole stepped out of her father's shadow and became a star in her own right by way of the Fox reality television series "The Simple Life." Richie has also modeled for Jimmy Choo, put out her own jewelry lined called House of Harlow 1960 and written a semi-autobiographical novel, The Truth About Diamonds.  \r(Photo by Donato Sardella/WireImage)

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Nicole Knows Best - What should every girl have this summer? The style maven shared with People her five fashion favorites.(Photo: Donato Sardella/WireImage)

Bag It! - Richie says a “good, big beach-bag” would be her choice for the perfect carry-on.  Not to leave out her own upcoming handbag line, the designer shares that there will be a variety of styles offered, from cute clutches to fun leathers.(Photo: CWNY/Fame Pictures)

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Bag It! - Richie says a “good, big beach-bag” would be her choice for the perfect carry-on.  Not to leave out her own upcoming handbag line, the designer shares that there will be a variety of styles offered, from cute clutches to fun leathers.(Photo: CWNY/Fame Pictures)

Stylish Shades - The Cali-girl loves her shades, and she says it should be an essential piece in a girl’s summer style.  She’s in favor of over-sized frames; just be sure to know what looks good on your face.(Photo: Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for IMG)

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Stylish Shades - The Cali-girl loves her shades, and she says it should be an essential piece in a girl’s summer style.  She’s in favor of over-sized frames; just be sure to know what looks good on your face.(Photo: Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for IMG)

Groovy Tunes - “I always need my summer playlist,” the designer stresses.  Having a set of fun, funky summer tunes is a great way to keep the season jumping.(Photo: Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for Range Rover Evoque)

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Groovy Tunes - “I always need my summer playlist,” the designer stresses.  Having a set of fun, funky summer tunes is a great way to keep the season jumping.(Photo: Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for Range Rover Evoque)

Summer Scarves - The fashionista’s chic bohemian choices are what makes her a standout style icon, and scarves play a big part in creating her signature look. She says keeping a headscarf at close reach is great for the beach days or not-so-good hair days.(Photo: Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images for IMG)

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Summer Scarves - The fashionista’s chic bohemian choices are what makes her a standout style icon, and scarves play a big part in creating her signature look. She says keeping a headscarf at close reach is great for the beach days or not-so-good hair days.(Photo: Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images for IMG)

Nicole Richie: September 21 - The socialite-turned-fashion designer celebrates her 31st birthday. (Photo: WireImage)

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Love You - Her top go-to tip: “I would say to just be yourself and know your body and know what looks good on you and what doesn’t,” says Richie. “Don’t always just follow trends. Stay true to yourself.”(Photo: Donato Sardella/WireImage)