31 Chic Black Basics Nearly Every Fashion Person Will Be Wearing This Summer
I may be in the fashion minority here, but I actually get quite tired of bright colors and white dresses in the summer. I'm more than happy to unironically wear an all-black outfit in the middle of July. I'm also more likely to pair colorful pieces with black basics than I am with white ones. I was thrilled to see lots of warm-weather black looks on the spring/summer 2023 runways, and it's putting me in the mood to refresh my summer basics even more so.
If you're someone who also likes to wear black in the summer, you're probably aware that wearing it in full sun when it's over 90° isn't optimal. That's why it's important to shop for basics that are made of cotton poplin, linen, silk, and lightweight knit. There are plenty of options to choose from right now, so I narrowed them down to only the chicest.
Keep scrolling to shop my picks for the best black basics to prepare your wardrobe for summer.
This skirt is always selling out, but you're in luck because it's in stock now.
I honestly don't know what I wore in the summer before Agolde shorts existed.
J.Crew made the best black summer blazer on the planet.
These are great for lounging but equally great for going out in the world.
I've been obsessed with this 100% cotton dress since I first laid eyes on it.
Another pair of excellent linen trousers for your consideration.
There's a reason every It girl is obsessed with this basics brands.
Just imagine all of the nights out you'd wear this for.
Zara's oversize linen shirt is one of the best (and most affordable) on the market.
I own this shirt, and I still can't get over how nice it feels and drapes.
I highly suggest putting this brand on your radar for great summer basics.
Next up, 29 Cheap Basics That Are the Key to a Quiet-Luxury Summer Wardrobe
Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.
-
Hollywood Stylist Rob Zangardi Told Me His Highly Covetable Gift Picks
I'll take one of each, please.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
The 40 New Arrivals From Saks, Net-a-Porter, and Nordstrom That Will Sell Out First
You have my word.
By Anna LaPlaca
-
I Want a Luxe Wardrobe, So I'm Eyeing These On-Sale Cashmere, Satin, and Velvet Pieces for Black Friday
Gift these to yourself or someone special.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
Everything You Need to Look Elegant in 2025 Just Arrived at Nordstrom—Enjoy
New year, new clothes.
By Copelyn Bengel
-
The $75 Nordstrom Skirt I'm Buying This Black Friday to Replicate Sofia Richie's Thanksgiving Look
The skirt I never knew I needed.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
I'm a Professional Revolve Shopper—31 Elegant Dresses, Basics, and Coats I'm Eyeing From the Cyber Monday Sale
I guarantee you'll love them.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
Wait, Walmart Is So Good Right Now—23 Elevated Black Friday Sale Picks That Caught My Eye
See the chic and affordable deals.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
I'm Only Shopping at Sephora, Nordstrom, and Revolve This Black Friday—Here's My Buy List
From blush sticks to LBDs.
By Eliza Huber