If you’re like me, summer shopping can get overwhelming fast. That’s why I’ve narrowed it down to just 20 essential pieces that will get you through the season in style, no matter your budget. These items are versatile, flattering, and chic—everything we want in our summer wardrobes!
You can find all of the items in this video here!
1. The White Linen Shirt Dress
There’s nothing more quintessentially summer than a white linen shirt dress. I was completely smitten by a Gabriella Hearst version priced at $1,590—absolutely stunning but way out of reach for most of us. Thankfully, Saks Off Fifth offers a beautifully tailored 100% linen alternative for just $80, and Mango has another chic option around $100. I live in my Quince black linen shirt dress and plan to add a few more to my rotation.
- Gabriella Hearst: https://stylists.shop/hE6
- Saks: https://stylists.shop/hvH
- Mango: https://stylists.shop/hvI
- Quince: https://goto.quince.com/XmKe5g
2. Straw Bag with a Modern Twist
I fell in love with a curved-handle straw bag from Staud for $295—simple, elegant, and timeless. Talbots offers a similar version for $179 with leather detailing, and Target has a fun, highly affordable option for $25. You really can’t have too many straw bags!
- Staud: https://stylists.shop/hvK
- Talbots: https://stylists.shop/hvM
- Target: https://stylists.shop/hvP
3. Ribbon-Trimmed Hat
Nothing says summer quite like a wide-brim hat with a statement ribbon. The Sarah Bray Bermuda hat is my top pick at $200, but Talbots has a very similar style for $80, and Lands’ End offers an equally charming option for around $40.
- Sarah Bray: https://stylists.shop/hvQ
- Talbots: https://stylists.shop/hvR
- Lands End: https://stylists.shop/hvS
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/3T21xXt
4. Classic Sunglasses
I adored a pair of timeless Celine sunglasses priced at $460. But J.Crew has an incredibly similar pair for $60, and AJ Morgan offers an even more budget-friendly dupe at $22.
- Celine: https://stylists.shop/hvU
- J. Crew: https://stylists.shop/hvV
- AJ Morgan: https://stylists.shop/hvT
5. Flat Gold Sandals
Flat metallic sandals are a spring-summer staple. Larroudé’s version is gorgeous at $290, but Shoots has a lovely pair for $118, and Banana Republic Factory offers a sleek version for under $50.
- Larroude: https://stylists.shop/hw0
- Schutz: https://stylists.shop/hw5
- BR Factory: https://stylists.shop/hw3
6. Neutral Wedge Sandals
The Tory Burch neutral wedge sandal stole my heart at $368. For more affordable options, Lost has a minimalist wedge for $90, and Klehan offers a standout patterned-heel version also around $90.
- Loft: https://stylists.shop/hwa
- Cole Haan (patterned heel): https://stylists.shop/hwd
- Cole Haan (Brown): https://amzn.to/469RAPg
- Tory Burch: https://stylists.shop/hwe
- Ann Taylor: https://stylists.shop/hwf
7. Polka Dot Top
Polka dots are simply summer perfection. Sézane’s curly top is darling at $145. But Mango and Zara both have fabulous versions around $80-$90, and Boden offers a lovely linen shell for $90.
- Sezane: https://stylists.shop/hwg
- Katie Kime: https://stylists.shop/hwh
- Reformation: https://stylists.shop/hwk
- Zara: https://stylists.shop/hwl
- Mango: https://stylists.shop/hwn
- Boden: https://stylists.shop/hwj
8. Pleated Skirt
If slip skirts aren’t your thing, a knife-pleated skirt is wonderfully forgiving. Co offers a luxe version at $695, but J.Crew’s linen option at $110 and Mango’s $90 version are equally stylish and much gentler on the wallet.
- CO: https://stylists.shop/hws
- Jenni Kayne: https://stylists.shop/hwu
- J. Crew: https://stylists.shop/hww
- Chico’s: https://stylists.shop/hwv
- Mango: https://stylists.shop/hwt
9. Linen Jumpsuit
For one-and-done dressing, a linen jumpsuit is my summer go-to. Me+Em’s wrinkle-resistant version is $445, but my favorite Petite Studio jumpsuit is $185. Banana Republic Factory has a more casual, utilitarian option for $90.
- Me + Em: https://stylists.shop/hwy
- Petite Studio: https://bit.ly/3RZFkss
- COS: https://stylists.shop/hwz
- BR Factory: https://stylists.shop/hwA
10. Linen Tee
Linen knits are breathable and chic. Brochu Walker’s tank is $158, but J.Crew offers a great alternative for $50, and Quince has amazing options for $25.
- Brochu Walker: https://stylists.shop/hwB
- Eileen Fisher: https://stylists.shop/hwD
- Quince: https://goto.quince.com/EEWNBW
- J. Crew: https://stylists.shop/hwC
11. Tailored Shorts
Tailored shorts feel elevated and flattering. Jenni Kayne’s version is gorgeous at $265, but I found fabulous options at Madewell, J.Crew, and Spanx for around $70-$80, and Old Navy’s tailored short is a steal at $35.
- Jenni Kayne: https://stylists.shop/hwF
- Madewell: https://stylists.shop/hwG
- J. Crew: https://stylists.shop/hwE
- Spanx: https://stylists.shop/hwI
- Old Navy: https://stylists.shop/hwH
12. Wide-Leg Crop Pants
Wide-leg cropped pants are tricky but worth it when done right. Veronica Beard’s pair is $395, but Lauren Ralph Lauren and NYDJ have great options around $100, and Kaslon’s version is a solid buy at $50.
- Veronica Beard: https://stylists.shop/hxU
- Lands End: https://stylists.shop/hxN
- NYDJ: https://stylists.shop/hxP
- Lauren: https://stylists.shop/hxS
- Wit & Wisdom: https://stylists.shop/hxQ
- Caslon: https://stylists.shop/hxO
13. Skorts
Stylish skorts in real woven fabrics are a fun twist. Veronica Beard’s chic version is $268. J.Crew offers a sailor-inspired skort for $128, Quint for $30, and Uniqlo has a longer option for around $20-$30.
- Veronica Beard: https://stylists.shop/hxY
- J. Crew: https://stylists.shop/hy2
- Quince: https://goto.quince.com/4GqVKr
- Uniqlo: https://stylists.shop/hy4
14. Canvas Tote
The viral Boatkin tote by Hathaway Hutton is $1,580—and has a six-month waitlist. LL Bean’s iconic boat and tote remains unbeatable at $50. AllSaints, Sandro, Palms, and Barber offer cool, more modern alternatives from $60 to $120.
- Hathaway Hutton: https://stylists.shop/hy9
- Chloe: https://stylists.shop/hyh
- LL Bean: https://stylists.shop/hyp
- All Saints: https://stylists.shop/hyt
- Sandro: https://stylists.shop/hyq
- Palmes: https://stylists.shop/hyv
- Barbour: https://stylists.shop/hys
- TRVL: https://stylists.shop/hyr
15. Summerweight Jeans
Lightweight denim is a summer lifesaver. Rag & Bone’s featherweight jeans are $278, Madewell’s airy denim is $138, Gap offers an ultra-soft pair at $80, and Banana Republic has breezy chambray joggers as a super casual option.
- Rag & Bone: https://stylists.shop/hyO
- Madewell: https://stylists.shop/hyx
- Banana Republic:: https://stylists.shop/hyM
- Old Navy: https://stylists.shop/hyK
- Gap: https://stylists.shop/hyF
- Levis: https://stylists.shop/hyE
16. Knit Dresses
Knit dresses are perfect for casual days when you want zero fuss. Eileen Fisher’s scoop neck version is $198, MadeWell offers a similar one for $148, Athleta for $60, Packed Organics for $28, and Target for an amazing $25.
- Boden: https://stylists.shop/hyU
- Target: https://stylists.shop/hyY
- Eileen Fisher: https://stylists.shop/hz4
- Madewell: https://stylists.shop/hz0
- Athleta: https://stylists.shop/hzc
- PACT: https://stylists.shop/hz3
- Kohls: https://stylists.shop/hz8
- BR Factory: https://stylists.shop/hz6
- Modern Citizen: https://stylists.shop/hzb
17. Floral Cotton Blouse
Farm Rio always gets me with their gorgeous prints—this one is $220. Bloomingdale’s Aqua brand offers a stunning option for $78, Mango’s version is $80, and Anthro, Boden, and Johnny Was all have beautiful options under $200.
- Farm Rio: https://stylists.shop/hzf
- Aqua: https://stylists.shop/hzj
- Mango: https://stylists.shop/hzp
- Anthropologie: https://stylists.shop/hzm
- Boden: https://stylists.shop/hzg
- Johnny Was: https://stylists.shop/hzn
18. Rubber Flip-Flops
My go-to beach flip-flop remains Havaianas at $30. Archie’s provides superior arch support at $40, FeelGoods are cushy at $30, and brands like Reef and Olukai offer sleek alternatives for $35-$70.
- Havaianas: https://stylists.shop/hzS
- Farmi Rio Havaianas: https://stylists.shop/hzJ
- Archies: https://amzn.to/4el9mRM
- Reef: https://stylists.shop/hzM
- Feelgoodz: https://stylists.shop/hzV
- Tkees: https://stylists.shop/hzX
- Olukai: https://stylists.shop/hzO
- Beek: https://stylists.shop/hzK
19. Vest Tops
Vests are the new tank top. Petite Studio’s cropped linen vest is $98, Talbots has a waist-length version for $128, and Quince’s budget-friendly version at $40 is fabulous. Aritzia’s longer cutaway version is $128, while Target offers one for $28.
- Petite Studio (use code Nada20): https://stylists.shop/hA5
- Quince: https://goto.quince.com/JKWPya
- J. Crew: https://stylists.shop/hA6
- Talbots: https://stylists.shop/hA8
- Veronica Beard Vest: https://stylists.shop/hvC
- Aritzia: https://stylists.shop/hAa
- Mango: https://stylists.shop/hzZ
- Gap: https://stylists.shop/hA2
- Target: https://stylists.shop/hA7
20. Light Layering Piece
Linen jackets are perfect summer layers. Alex Mill’s version is $250, but the perennial favorite remains Tommy Bahama’s Two Palms linen jacket at $138. Quint offers a solid budget alternative at $60, and Chico’s and Talbots have great short-sleeve jacket options too.
- Alex Mill: https://stylists.shop/hAj
- Tommy Bahama: https://stylists.shop/hAk
- Quince: https://goto.quince.com/MAWe1K
- Talbots: https://stylists.shop/hAs
- J. Crew: https://stylists.shop/hAr
- Quince: https://goto.quince.com/DyJxrn
- Chico’s: https://stylists.shop/hAo
- J. Crew: https://stylists.shop/hAm
Whew! That was a lot—but I hope this list helps you build a stylish, versatile summer wardrobe that fits your budget. Don’t forget to check the full catalog for even more options. And if you haven’t yet, be sure to sign up for my free masterclasses—we’re diving deep into personal style all summer long!
Leave a Reply