While I’m all about a cool, statement-making piece here and there, the real backbones of any wardrobe—both seasonally and year-round—are undoubtedly the basics. If you don’t have those covered, it’s almost impossible to get dressed, so today, we’re focusing on those summer items that you can’t (and really shouldn’t want to) live without: sunglasses, dresses, bags, bikinis, tanks, shorts, and sandals.
No matter your budget, I’ve got you covered with my pick of the aforementioned pieces at a range of prices. From the $11 tank I’m loving at Nordstrom to the $80 Levi’s shorts I even added to my own cart to the $320 Sleeper dress I would splurge on in a heartbeat, below, you’ll find 35 items I stand behind completely for the months and years ahead. To get started, simply keep scrolling, and then be sure to check out these summer-ready outfits you probably already own.
Under $50
Sunglasses:
You'll never get sick of these.
Dress:
I think I actually gasped out loud when I came across this dress on the Zara site.
Bag:
It was a good price even before the markdown.
Bikini:
These Amazon bikinis have a cult following.
Tank:
Sometimes it's nice to switch it up from black and white.
Shorts:
Denim Bermudas are a must for me right now.
Sandals:
I love everything about these but especially the square toe.
Under $100
Sunglasses:
I'll leave choosing a color to you.
Dress:
It comes in four colors, so don't worry if green isn't your thing.
Bag:
I'm not at all surprised that this is a best seller.
Bikini:
Good American always gets it right.
Shop the matching bottoms.
Tank:
I have this tank in black, and now I'm thinking I need it in white, too.
Shorts:
Can't go wrong.
Sandals:
These feel so classic.
Under $150
Sunglasses:
These will lighten up any look.
Dress:
Just wait until you see the back.
Bag:
Why am I so into this?
Bikini:
A little sporty in the best way.
Shop the matching bottoms.
Tank:
Square neck FTW.
Dress these up or down.
Sandals:
I own these sandals and truly cannot stop wearing them.
Under $250
Sunglasses:
You can never go wrong with Ray-Ban.
Dress:
Honestly, any Reformation dress will do.
Bag:
Useful but also chic.
Bikini:
There's a reason this brand has a cult following.
Tank:
It's a vibe.
Shorts:
This brand is a go-to for all things summer.
Sandals:
Trendy yet functional.
Under $350
Sunglasses:
These sunglasses are a favorite among the fashion set and for good reason.
Dress:
Dreamy.
Bag:
Can you ever go wrong with a Staud bag?
Bikini:
Tank:
Just because you can spend up to $350 on a tank doesn't mean you need to!
Shorts:
I would get these before they're gone.
Sandals:
Wear these with everything from dresses to jeans to shorts.
Next: 42 summer finds you have to see from Zara, H&M, and Nordstrom right now.
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8 Pieces That Are the Secret Sauce to an Incredibly Chic Summer Outfit RotationGetting ready just got so much easier.
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It's Officially a Butter-Yellow Summer—27 of the Chicest Finds at Zara, Nordstrom, and J.CrewFashion people love this color trend.
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This Nordstrom Rack Sale Has So Many Cool-Girl Essentials—These 25 Finds Are the StandoutsAn extra 20% off? Yes, please.
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The Classic Hero Piece That Fashion People Reach For All Summer LongSomething for every personal style.
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I've Lived in NYC, L.A., and Boston—Here's Everything I Think Is Chic for SummerShop the highly curated list.
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The Perfect $16 Tank Top and More Zara Items I'm Texting Everyone I Know AboutElite finds.
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The 30 Items That Will Define Style in Summer 2025Gotta catch 'em all.
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Linen Pants! Full Skirts! Long Shorts! Zara Has Every Single Chic Bottoms Trend—40 Picks That Are Worth Your AttentionGood luck picking just one.
