Build Your Summer 'Fits Around These 9 Brands and You'll Win Best Dressed

I think the most fun and exciting season to shop for is summer. While fall seems to be a crowd favorite (I also love layering), it's nice to shop for a season where thoughts of, "Will I be warm enough in this?" are nonexistent. A time period that was made for self-exploration and adventures requires an excellent wardrobe, and you have to let me help you get there.

We all have those brands that we know and love all too well. The identity and aesthetic behind them become a part of us and I can personally name a few that have defined seasons of my life. I've been stalking my favorite brand's spring/summer collections since last fall, and after thorough research have determined that the below nine are must-know names in fashion. Just a few pieces from their collection can make such a great impact on your wardrobe.

1. Cult Gaia

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(Image credit: @cultgaia)

The Cult Gaia website has become my own personal summer mood board. Do you ever feel like one clothing item is stalking you and demanding you add it to your cart? That's definitely the case for me in this scenario. I feel like everywhere I turn on the world wide web leads me to an item by this dreamy brand.

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2. Open Edit

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(Image credit: @_sierramayhew)

Staples that I can wear on repeat are the bread and butter of my summer wardrobe. I look to brands that I can stock up on without breaking the bank so Open Edit is a clear winner for me. I could live off of its assortment of effortless pieces alone.

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3. Who What Wear Collection

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(Image credit: @brooklynngallagher)

Speaking of killer wardrobe staples, Who What Wear Collection is the brand to know for an elevated take on the classics. Call me biased, as this is our namesake brand, but the obsession is real on my end. You'll easily build out a fabulous summer wardrobe with these pieces on hand.

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4. Bronx and Banco

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(Image credit: @cassdimicco)

Looking to make a statement? Well, you've come to the right place. Bronx and Banco is the destination for party-ready dresses that will have you dancing the night away.

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5. Faithfull the Brand

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(Image credit: @faithfullthebrand)

My obsession with Faithfull the Brand is on another level right now. Its easy-to-wear dresses and chic separates seem like the perfect summer uniform. But at the end of the day, it's really the prints that have won me over.

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6. Jacquemus

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(Image credit: @handinfire)

I think it's pretty well known by now that every fashion girl lives for a Jacquemus summer. Bright colors and beachy designs make it the one-stop-shop to nail the cool-girl aesthetic. Every piece feels unique and special.

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7. Andrea Iyamah

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(Image credit: @andreaiyamah)

Ready for a getaway? Andrea Iyamah can take you there. Her collection of sophisticated swim and easy-to-wear dresses was made for your next travel destination. Or just take the vacation to your own city when the weather warms up.

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8. Staud

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(Image credit: @staud.clothing)

This brand is a universal fashion-editor favorite. During fashion week, I attended the brand's preview with my team and we took our dear sweet time looking at every single item in the upcoming collections. The excitement was real, so I'm calling Staud a must for building out your summer wardrobe.

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9. Reformation

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(Image credit: @reformation)

Easy summer style has always lived at Reformation, and its current collection is the best we've seen by it yet. There's something for every woman, and I'm currently having an internal battle between the sleek city-girl aesthetic and the cottagecore princess lok. I'm putting that discussion on hold and browsing through its new arrivals in the meantime.

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Up Next: I Can't Stop Thinking About the Dresses I'll Wear This Summer—37 in My Cart

Associate Editor

Sierra Mayhew was always destined to work in fashion, but she didn't know it at first. Growing up with no choice but to wear a rotation of school uniforms and activewear, her love for fashion really blossomed when she moved away for college and was able to finally define her very own personal style. Shortly thereafter, she interned at Elle magazine and instantly knew that editorial was for her. After graduating from the University of Notre Dame, she worked for ShopBazaar, contributing regularly to Bazaar.com, and finally made her way to Who What Wear, where she is an associate editor. When she’s not working, you can catch her always trying to catch a flight, rollerblading through New York City traffic, or exploring the latest luxury vintage boutique.