Summer is the perfect time to refresh your wardrobe with whimsical pieces [1] that strike up a conversation. Whether, for you, that means a next-level tank from K.ngsley with a keyhole cutout at the shoulder — an eye-catching detail that instantly elevates the entire look — or rather, collecting kitschy fruit-shaped bags from the likes of Kate Spade New York [2], our editor-curated shopping list aims to inspire street style outfits [3] that are uplifting, trend-driven [4], and personal.
This season, we're reaching for items that invite compliments while also browsing for basics that can be continuously re-worn: take Birkenstock's new collaboration with Staud, for example, which offers a luxe, croc-effect update to its Arizona slide that's been popular for years, or any of the sunglasses here that speak to totally unique tastes. From Ray-Ban's retro gold-rimmed aviators to Rhude x Thierry's sculptural, minimalist cat-eye and Elisa Johnson's rectangular '90s tortoise frame, these accessories are not easily retired. In the same vein, we've found a raffia beanie by NYC-based label Esenshel and a packable straw hat from Janessa Leoné that help to complete any swimwear moment [5] you've got coming up (and also make for classic purchases).
Ahead, you can shop nap dresses [6], colourful tanks, a seashell-crocheted beach dress, flashy heels for happy hour, ultra-soft lounge shorts, and even a pair of panties in a watermelon colour scheme. Let them usher [7] in the summer months, and feel not a smidgen of guilt investing in a piece that's functional, but also an optimistic addition to your closet.
SWF Centreed Halter Neck Tiered Maxi Dress
"I'm a Jersey girl, so I live on the beach [9] each and every summer. I love this sweeping printed maxi [10] ($399) for days spent down by the shore; the print always gets compliments and it even has side pockets." — Jessica Andrews, director, Fashion
Christopher John Rogers Colorblock Rib Tank in Rainbow Multi
"I'm excited for all the fashion shows and events [11] on my social calendar this season. For days spent running around the city, I love throwing on a colourful Christopher John Rogers tank top [12] ($500) from Hampden Boutique with a pair of crisp white trousers. It looks polished in the most effortless way." — JA
Flor de Maria Christian Sandals
"Rooftop drinks [13] are an NYC summer tradition, and there's no better pair of shoes to wear for cocktails than these Christian sandals [14] ($385) by Flor de Maria. The metallic colorblocking makes them an instant conversation starter. I love pairing them with a white dress, so they really stand out." — JA
Pyer Moss Network Bag
"I'm so thrilled that Pyer Moss is venturing into handbags [15]. This clutch [16] ($750) is so understated and chic, but the geometric shape and yellow colour demand a second look. I'll wear this with slip dresses in neutral tones all summer." — JA
Selkie Ritz Gown in The Acid Trip
"It's wedding season, which means I need a breezy yet festive gown I can wear for all the garden ceremonies on my calendar. This Selkie dress [17] ($399) is so ethereal and stunning, and the corseted bodice and puff shoulders make me feel like I'm channelling Kate Sharma [18] from "Bridgerton [19]." — JA
Andrea Iyamah Reni Dress
"What can I say? I'm kind of obsessed with the cutouts trend we're seeing everywhere, from the red carpets to the restaurant pap shots. Cutouts were big back in the 2000s, and since Y2K fashion [20] is having a clear moment, I'm gravitating toward garments that incorporate the trend in a fresh, unexpected way. One item on my summer wishlist is this midi length dress from Andrea Iyamah [21] ($225), which features a tie waist and keyhole cutout at the midriff. I'd wear gold bangle bracelets and white block heels for a date-night-ready look." — Mekita Rivas, contributing senior editor, Fashion
Ray-Ban New Aviator 3625
"I LIVE for a classic aviator frame. Growing up, my dad wore Ray-Ban aviators like these [22] ($248) pretty much everywhere. Even though fashion wasn't necessarily a main interest of his, I always thought they made him look so cool. He recently gifted me his vintage gold-and-black Ray-Ban aviators, which are now a true treasure of mine. I don't want to run the risk of losing them, though, so it helps to have an extra pair (or two) at the ready." — MR
Kate Spade New York Bellini Embellished Crochet 3D Peach Crossbody
"My style leans classic and understated, so I usually keep accessories to a minimum. But the one piece I love to always play with is my handbag. If I'm going to carry this thing around all day and night, it might as well look cute and be a conversation starter. Kate Spade always has some of the quirkiest, most whimsical purses on the market. I'm currently lusting after this adorable embellished peach-shaped crossbody [23] ($428) — when paired with a flowy white eyelet dress and chic espadrilles, the entire look practically screams 'bottomless brunch.'" — MR
Lezé the Label Piper Shorts
"I have a confession to make: I still haven't given up my quarantine-era sweatpants and PJs. Comfort is, quite frankly, a total nonnegotiable for me. Pants with zippers and buttons? No thanks, especially in the middle of a blistering heat wave! These shorts [24] ($88) from the AAPI-owned brand Lezé the Label are made from the softest fabric ever, which is actually partly constructed out of recycled fishnets. The pleated shape gives these shorts a dressier feel, while the stretchy high waist means you can wear them all day long, from your morning walk to dinner plans with friends." — MR
Janessa Leoné Alexei Hat
"If you're a member of the Big Head Club (hi, it's me), you might have a slight aversion to hats. They never seem to fit quite right, and if you can squeeze them on, it results in a migraine by the end of the day. This predicament led me to Janessa Leoné, a headwear brand popular among the street style set (Meghan Markle [25] and Hailey Bieber are fans). Here, you can find plenty of hats in sizes ranging from small to extra large. This packable straw hat [26] ($250) is among my favourites for summer — it exudes timeless Americana and will become a staple in your wardrobe for many seasons to come." — MR
Coperni Cut Out Jersey Bodysuit
"This season, I tend to look for flattering statement bodysuits that could also double as swimwear for a day at the beach when I'm not planning on taking a dip. I love the swirling '60s pattern on Coperni's aqua design [27] ($390), and the keyhole cutout keeps it contemporary." — Sarah Wasilak, senior editor, Fashion
Birkenstock x Staud Arizona Big Buckle Embossed Leather Slides
"Birkenstock and LA-based brand Staud are teaming up for the first time to present high-end, but relaxed summer style staples, and this new take on the classic Arizona shoe [28] ($190), with croc-effect brown leather, will go with everything in my closet." — SW
Milly Mesh Stitch Dress With Seashell Crochet
"Milly's new drop of swimwear brought along this seashell-stitched crochet mesh dress [29] ($375) that allows your bathing suit to peek through and also teams perfectly well with my wear-everywhere netted beach bag in the same sandy shade." — SW
Lolli Popitt The Secret Garden Thong
"I'm all about manifesting optimistic energy through and through, and that means down to my lingerie. Lolli Popitt has a way of decorating the brand's comfortable, lacy underwear with charms so that the looks feel playful and personal. The colours on The Secret Garden Thong [30] ($41) remind me of watermelon. 'Tis the season." — SW
Intentionally Blank Collum Vest in Sand
"I love a boxy layering piece in the summer that can be anything I want it to be, from a swimsuit coverup to a minidress over biker shorts with lace-up heels. Intentionally Blank's Collum vest [31] ($89) is perfectly oversize, and at the under-$100 price point, it's a no-brainer." — SW
Miista Pola Blue Denim Jumpsuit
"All the details about this strapless denim jumpsuit [32] ($545) feel luxurious, from the twisted seams to the tie-waist and structured bodice that pay subtle homage to the regencycore trend [33], with a touch of edge, of course. I can't wait to wear it with splashy printed platform sandals all summer long." — SW
Rhude x Thierry Lasry Rhodeo Sunglasses
"I love a good pair of sunglasses [34]. They're an accessory that allows me to spice up my, yet again, usually black-and-white outfit. They're honestly like jewellery for your face. These Rhude x Thierry sunglasses [35] ($525) are perfect to throw on with anything for extra oomph. The bold, structured shape paired with the tinted shade (I have the tinted grey colorway) just looks really chic. Throw them on with a T-shirt and jeans, a suit, or wear them to the beach, and your outfit is just instantly elevated." — Shelton Boyd-Griffith, contributing editor, Fashion
Luar Ana Bag
"As I say every week, I'm a human version of a cartoon character, very uniform dressing — so, accessories are what I use to add a little razzle-dazzle. Also, once I find something I love, I usually stick with it and buy it in as many colours as possible. Enter the Luar Ana Bag [36] ($265). It's the It bag of the season honestly. I have it in black, just pressed buy on the tan ostrich colour, and am anxiously waiting for the iridescent style to come back in stock." — SBG
K.ngsley White Romain Ribbed Tank
"It's going to be a hot girl summer here in NYC (I mean actually hot), so a tank that is casual but also serves as a going out tank, is ideal. I love this K.ngsley ribbed tank [37] ($180), with the shoulder keyhole. It's functional, sleek, and easy. Throw it on with some trousers for a summer dinner look, put it on with shorts and sandals, etc. K.ngsley is a Black queer-owned brand that focuses on centreing Black LGBTQIA+ culture and history, with its items being completely gender-neutral." — SBG
Esenshel Split Oversized Cuff Hat
"Listen, I LOVE hats. I mean, a beanie is kind of my signature. But in the summer it's too hot for my go-to accessory. I ran across this fabulous milliner here in NYC that makes straw and raffia interpretations of beanies — and I was sold. This oversized cuff hat [38] ($375) just oozes chic, and it's perfect for summer. If you're ever in NYC, you have to stop by the Esenshel shop — it's a true emporium of beautiful hats." — SBG
Staud Berry Top + Peel Skirt
"I feel like a flight attendant from the '60s in this look, yet the set, consisting of the Berry Top [39] ($225) and Peel Skirt [40] ($175), is refreshingly modern. It makes the perfect day-to-night ensemble, pairing well with museum mornings and cocktail hours alike. It's also a conversation starter as I've now worn it three times, and it always makes people curious. If you ask me, you can style it for pretty much any occasion including date night, a wedding party, or a dressy brunch." — Shelcy Joseph, associate editor, Fashion
Elisa Johnson Gigi Sunglasses
"With the tinted lenses and striking tortoise-patterned frame, these sunglasses [41] ($130) look undeniably sharp. They are perfect for sun-drenched days, as they will protect your eyes while helping to convey a laidback attitude. Plus, these accessories make a reliable everyday match with any look, from a white linen button-down and denim shorts combo to a floral print midi dress." — SJ
AGOLDE Parker Vintage Cutoff Shorts
"While I'm quicker to slip into a midi dress or lightweight skirt ensemble in the summer, these shorts [42] ($128) are a true staple in my warm-weather wardrobe. The fit is so comfortable, I take them biking all the time. Plus, the denim wash and frayed hems give them a vintage look that feels especially cool. I wear mine with anything from button-downs to bra tops." — SJ