The first thing you need to know about me is that summer is my favorite season. I find that I'm most excited about putting outfits together when the temperatures start soaring and I can wear all the tiny shorts, linen dresses, and shell jewelry my heart desires. Admittedly, I haven't shopped at J.Crew and Madewell in a hot minute, but when the highs of the day break into the 80s, I find myself coming back to their websites to freshen up my wardrobe with new basics as well as some not-so-basic pieces to withstand the heat.
J.Crew's buzzy collaborations with Ukrainian designer Anna October and, more recently, New York's Maryam Nassir Zadeh will give any fashion person some much-needed inspiration. On Madewell's side, the brand's denim and accessories are always on point if you ever find yourself needing a restock, which I always do. To help you decide where to focus your shopping attention right now, I rounded up 30 new arrivals from both retailers that I have my eye on, from embellished slip dresses worthy of a vacation to tried-and-true styles like pretty white tops and easy linen button-downs.
Maryam Nassir Zadeh X J.Crew
Ombré Side-Tie Skirt
The hues on this skirt resemble the ocean tides.
J.Crew
Handkerchief Midi Dress
A handkerchief hem will catch the summer breeze, and the lightweight fabric is welcome in the heat.
Maryam Nassir Zadeh X J.Crew
Sheer Top
The loose structure and ties on this top will do wonders in the heat.
J.Crew
Kate Capri Pant in Stretch Linen Blend
These linen capris with some stretch are going to be your new favorite style—trust me.
J.Crew
Claudia Dress
Channel a Parisian look with this chic linen number.
Madewell
The April Ballet Flat Mule
Slip into these cute ballet mules the next time you go out.
J.Crew
Pintuck Midi Dress in Drapey Organza
Polka dots > no polka dots.
J.Crew
Garçon Classic Shirt
A striped linen shirt is one of my musts for summer.
Madewell
The '90s Straight Jean
Loving the wash of these classic straight-leg jeans.
Anna October X J.Crew
Sheer Sweater-Dress
Speaking of collabs, J.Crew and Anna October have partnered up on so many summer-worthy dresses, including this dreamy knit one.
J.Crew
Jolie Top
Add some red to your look in the form of this detailed top.
Madewell
Long Denim Shorts
Love 'em or hate 'em, you can't deny that summer is the season of jorts.
Madewell
The Sculptural-Buckle Shoulder Bag
A buttery-soft shoulder bag will definitely fit your essentials and some sunscreen to reapply throughout the day.
Madewell
Pleated Sweetheart Midi Dress
Polka dots on a maxi dress combine playfulness with elegance.
J.Crew
Crinkled Side-Slit Midi Dress
A dress that is wrinkly on purpose is one that will be your friend.
J.Crew
Crochet Shell-Embroidered Tank Top
Shells are a summery way to add shimmer to any outfit.
J.Crew
Crochet Mini Skirt With Floral Appliqués
Pretty sure I've been dreaming about this crochet skirt.
Maryam Nassir Zadeh X J.Crew
Birthday Bag
When your lip balm, wallet, and sunglasses are pretty accessories, why not show them off with a see-through bag?
Maryam Nassir Zadeh X J.Crew
Embellished Bias-Cut Slip Dress
This pretty embellished dress is all I can think about.
J.Crew
Pointelle Premium Cotton Sweater-Tank
A matching cardigan and tank are a powerful pairing.
J.Crew
Scalloped-Trim Shift Dress
The back of this shift will earn you so many compliments when you leave a party.
Madewell
The Knotted Leather Crossbody Bag
This knotted bag will become your latest go-to.
J.Crew
Rosalie Top
Whether you wear this floral top off the shoulder or not, it'll look elegant either way.
Madewell
The Darted Barrel-Leg Jean
Barrel jeans have become increasingly trendy, and this ecru pair is calling my name.
Madewell
Boatneck Sweater
This is the kind of sweater you always want to have on hand in the summertime just in case it gets chilly at night.
J.Crew
Fit-and-Flare Mini Dress
You can never go wrong with a fit-and-flare mini.
Madewell
Eyelet V-Neck Maxi Dress
Eyelet fabric and summer go hand in hand.
Madewell
Embroidered V-Neck Bubble Top
No matter how many white tops I own, I'll never stop buying them.
Madewell
The Emmett Short
These shorts are top-rated for a reason thanks to their just-right length and statement patch pockets.
J.Crew
Linen Jumpsuit
If you're a fan of a one-and-done look, opt for this airy jumpsuit.
Lauren Adhav is a freelance fashion editor based in Los Angeles. Originally from Orlando, Florida, she got her start as the beauty and fashion editorial assistant at Cosmopolitan and worked her way up to fashion editor. She contributed to both the website and print issues, pitching new ideas, forecasting trends, covering red carpet events, and informing the overall coverage and brand voice.
After five years in NYC, she moved to Los Angeles. As a freelance fashion editor, she contributes to Cosmo, The Cut, and now Who What Wear. She also spends an unhealthy amount of time online shopping for the perfect piece, and now that she's in L.A., she's rediscovering her soft spot for malls.