Summer marks yet another seasonal wardrobe switch, pushing aside heavy knits and sweaters and opting for lighter pieces. Think: soft fabrics, vibrant colors, and chic accessories. I don’t know about you, but this summer is going to be filled with brunches, picnic dates, trips to the pool, and, of course, plenty of air conditioning! As much as I love summer, I don’t necessarily love the summer heat, and that’s reflective in a lot of my clothes. Below, our staffers share the fashion essentials they reach for in their closet during the warmer months.
Jess Teves, Head of Brand & Editor in Chief
Organic Cotton Gauze Wide-Leg Pant
These wide-legs pants are a must-have in my summer style rotation. The breezy cotton texture makes them wearable for any occasion, and they are beyond comfortable.
Custom Cutoff Shorts
All of Lenny’s pieces are made from repurposed and carefully-sourced vintage denim—they’re one of my favorite brands right now that’s really leaning into the model of circular fashion. To add to that, all of their styles and customization details are bespoke, so you know you’re buying something that will fit you perfectly. I added my monogram at the waistband for a special touch!
Twisted Gold Angular Clutch Purse
This is the brand’s debut handbag line, and it did not miss. This structured clutch looks almost like a sculpture and features 14k gold plated metal work that is truly distinct. It’s also incredibly large and holds all my essentials, making it practical enough to wear on repeat all summer long.
Leya Kaufman, Head of Brand & Publisher
Bahia Plunge-Neck Tie-Waist Shirt Dress
I’m drawn to classic closet staples reimagined in punchy colors right now. I would rock this Jacquemus shirt dress for sunset happy hours, mid-summer vacations, and poolside parties. I love it.
Oran Sandals
Another classic that I need in my wardrobe this summer? The Oran sandal. This sandal elevates even the most basic summer ensembles. Leave it to Hermès to take a pair of denim shorts and a white T-shirt to the next level.
Monvoisin Rainbow Earring
I lean into rainbow details whenever I feel like my look is lacking an element of personal style or positive energy. This summer, I’m finding those details in the smallest pieces too—like this singular star stud. Pascale Monvoisin’s designs are also edgy but playful and I need to add this to my ear stack.
Caroline Dunn, Manager, Sales & Brand Partnerships
Harlow Leather Sneaker
Function is key for me when it comes to summer footwear. My most-worn shoes are the ones that can sustain the schlep up and down the stairs of various LIRR stations and still look cute doing it. Super comfy and 100 percent recyclable, Reformation’s Harlow Leather Sneaker is the answer to my summer struggles.
Slip Dress in Navy Checkerboard
Coco Shop has been reimagining the iconic Antiguan brand with new iterations of its original prints since the brand’s 2019 relaunch, giving the perfect vintage feel to updated silhouettes. With laidback textured cotton in vibrant colors, this dress is perfect for summer dinners.
Ariel Anklet
Always a sucker for a pearl, I’m in love with this Baublebar piece. An anklet has been one of my favorite accessories of the past few summers, and I can already tell that this one is about to be my signature for the summer of ‘22.
Camille Freestone, Style Editor
The Malibu Hat
My skin and the sun don’t get along—just ask my dermatologist. This summer, not only am I lathering up the sunblock, but I’m adding a physical defense in the form of a really chic hat. Enter: the new collaboration between Emporio Sirenuse and Beach Hare. I especially love the long ribbon tie. It will add intrigue to the simplest of swimwear.
Charlie Pleated Pussy Bow Dress
Though I would love to hop from vacation to vacation, most of my summer is spent in the city, shuffling from home to the office to events. I rely on easy, simple dresses to carry me through the day. This Tanner Fletcher number is currently top of my list. I'm thinking I’ll pair it with the below fisherman sandals.
The Rina Fisherman Flat
Along with the rest of New York City, I wear fisherman sandals during at least 50 percent of my summer days. I like a no-frills brown silhouette and I pair them with everything from trousers to dresses to skirts.