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.
Reformation
Layla Silk Skirt
This skirt is always selling out, but you're in luck because it's in stock now.
& Other Stories
Ribbed Tank Top
I love a good square neckline.
COS
Linen T-Shirt
Linen T-shirts are just what your summer wardrobe needs.
Agolde
Dee Organic Denim Shorts
I honestly don't know what I wore in the summer before Agolde shorts existed.
Everlane
The Clean Silk Scoop-Neck Tank
A chic option for work and everything else.
J.Crew
Helena Blazer in Chelsea Linen-Cupro Blend
J.Crew made the best black summer blazer on the planet.
Madewell
Square-Neck Midi Slip Dress in 100% Linen
I predict that this will get tons of wear.
Almina Concept
Boxer Cotton Shorts
These are great for lounging but equally great for going out in the world.
Pixie Market
Antonia Padded Bra Dress
I've been obsessed with this 100% cotton dress since I first laid eyes on it.
Everlane
The Tencel Way-High Drape Shorts
Everlane is an excellent source for black basics.
Reformation
Zenni Linen Dress
To say that I'm obsessed with this would be an understatement.
Madewell
The Harlow Wide-Leg Pants in 100% Linen
Everyone needs a pair of black linen trousers.
& Other Stories
Wide High Waist Linen Trousers
Another pair of excellent linen trousers for your consideration.
Toteme
Sleeveless Boat Neck Top Black
This perfect tank is a worthwhile splurge.
Éterne
Stretch Cotton-Modal Jersey Mini Dress
There's a reason every It girl is obsessed with this basics brands.
Almina Concept
Linen Vest
I'm so glad that the vest trend is still going strong.
Anine Bing
Natalia Skirt
Anine Bing just keeps getting better and better.
Skims
Fits Everybody Square Neck Sleeveless Bodysuit
This bodysuit is wildly popular on Nordstrom.
Hunza G
Jessica Seersucker Bikini
The heart detail is what sold me.
Khaite
Jay Strapless Duchesse Cotton-Blend Satin Bustier Top
Just imagine all of the nights out you'd wear this for.
Mango
Denim Long Skirt
If you don't own a long denim skirt yet, now is the time.
J.Crew
Gwyneth V-Neck Slip Dress in Cupro Blend
The definition of a "throw it on and go" dress.
Zara
100% Linen Shirt
Zara's oversize linen shirt is one of the best (and most affordable) on the market.
Amanda Uprichard
Puzzle Dress
Our editorial team is in love with this dress.
Toteme
Press-Creased Drawstring Shorts Black
I would be tempted to never take these off.
Reformation
Will Oversized Shirt
I own this shirt, and I still can't get over how nice it feels and drapes.
Mango
Midi Satin Skirt
The perfect '90s slip skirt, if you ask me.
Deiji Studios
The Halter Organic-Cotton Mini Dress
I highly suggest putting this brand on your radar for great summer basics.
Open Edit
Ribbed Midi Tank Dress
The reviews for this easy dress are very convincing.
Mango
100% Linen Suit Blazer
A great option if you're tired of oversize double-breasted blazers.
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 arts. 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.