Curating a versatile, well-rounded wardrobe is no easy feat. It might seem simple, but between basics, statement pieces, and those in-between items that bring everything together, there's a lot to take into account before entering a single credit-card digit. Plus, apart from those core year-round pieces, it's essential to consider how styles change every season and every year, meaning that one always has to stay on their toes, prepped and ready to add or remove garments, shoes, and accessories at any given moment.
If only there was a checklist like the one we all got on the first day of school that listed off every notebook, marker, and folder that was paramount to our success in the 180 days ahead, but instead of school supplies, it would name wardrobe items for each of the four seasons. That way, no one would ever get caught up unexpectedly mid-season and have to scramble to find a core piece of their wardrobe after every option has already sold out.
That was my train of thought at least, which is why I went ahead and made one myself—starting with summer, of course. This list will allow you to easily and in a very organized manner (can you tell I'm extremely type A?) check off this season's most necessary garments, shoes, and accessories one by one until your warm-weather wardrobe is complete. From every variation of ballet flats to the perfect white denim, scroll through the ultimate summer checklist below.
T-Shirts and Tanks
High-neck tanks are the face of the quiet-luxury movement.
Muscle tees are the new crop tops. You heard it here first.
A serious step up from the standard tanks you wear day after day.
Get the Saint Laurent look for less.
You don't need to spend $150+ to get a great tank.
The perfect tee.
Best worn tucked in with a belt.
Tops and Sweaters
J.Crew has so many color options. Take advantage of that.
You should probably buy a few of these, as you'll be wearing them a lot.
Opt for something thicker and more structured than a classic tube.
Black, white, or natural.
Nothing beats wearing shorts and a cashmere knit on a summer evening. Add some loafers for maximum effect.
The layering possibilities are truly endless.
Striped, always.
Dresses
Skims dresses are baby soft, shockingly flattering, and priced perfectly. What more could you ask for?
This feels like a dress I shouldn't have to convince anyone to buy.
To be worn 1000 different ways.
This is the kind of dress you keep on you at all times just in case of emergency dinners, dates, and parties that call for a pretty all-occasion ensemble.
Summer looks good on you when this dress is what you're wearing.
If it's daring, short, and fun to dance in, you've found a keeper.
Outerwear
If vintage is your vibe, though, just type "vintage Yves Saint Laurent Rivé Gauche blazer" into the search bar on The RealReal's app.
This jacket is the moment.
It wouldn't be wrong to add ivory and navy alternatives to your collection as well.
Whenever possible, prioritize staying dry.
Looking cool has never been easier.
Pants and Shorts
The fold-over waist makes these timeless trousers feel modern and unexpected.
When black starts to feel boring.
Size up for a slouchier look.
Yes, you need *both* linen and cotton trousers in white.
When the tag says Staud, the product most likely is a 10.
There's a great pair from Khaite, too, but these are just as chic and a fraction of the price.
It's only summer once a year. Don't shy away from taking advantage of it.
For anyone on a budget, go for this more affordable alt from Free People. That said, as a proud owner of Tibi's Sid jeans, I can say with certainty that they're worth the price.
If you know, you know.
Black jeans are as essential as blue ones.
But in the summer, nothing beats a crisp white pair.
Skirts
Trust me—just do it.
Nobody will expect you to pick a skirt in this shade. But that's exactly why you should.
The '70s called. It wants its skirt trend back.
This season, style this skirt underneath a longline top or minidress for an interesting twist.
There's a reason why Vince continues to make this skirt season after season. It's perfect just the way it is.
Shoes
Controversial? Yes. Necessary? Also yes.
Since you already got mesh flats from The Row, you might as well save in the Mary Jane department by choosing this chic and affordable Sam Edelman style over the luxury brand's take on the retro footwear silhouette.
Metallic ballet flats are, indeed, a need and not a want.
If you're not ready to splurge on a designer pair of loafers, either go with this on-sale pair from J.Crew or one from G.H. Bass—period.
Yes, these are back in stock. Go wild.
Big fan—huge.
Chic, classic, and utterly timeless, black point-toe kitten heels will always warrant a purchase.
Buy before the white pair, like its snakeskin counterpart, sells out.
Beach lovers know that Tkees flip-flops are elite.
I'm spellbound by these gorgeous strappy sandals from Toteme.
Bags
Add a zero and you'll get the price I thought this bag would be when I first saw it.
It's a big purchase certainly, but it's one you won't soon regret. (Trust me—I just made it myself.)
Your computer's never had a chicer home.
Accessories
If you're one to lose sunglasses on a monthly basis, it's paramount that you find chic pairs that cost next to nothing.
However, if you can hold onto your shades, timeless Wayfarers will last you forever.
For bad hair, beach, and incognito days alike.
To wear with everything, every day.
To wear when you want to impress people and/or transform an otherwise boring ensemble. We love a versatile accessory.
Your wrist has never looked chicer.
My bad—I spoke too soon.
Items in the frame may appear smaller than they really are.
Beachwear
May the tan lines be minimal and the beach pics go viral.
Shop the matching The Essential Bikini Bottoms ($70).
Shop the matching Bikini Bottom ($28).
Any time you need more coverage or support, a bra-style bikini top will save the day.
Shop the matching Hipster Full-Coverage Bikini Bottom ($25).
This color, though.
If you're going on vacation and don't take a picture in this dress by The Garment, was it even worth traveling?
To be worn as a scarf, hair tie, or even a top.
Don't forget to pack SPF.
Next up: Someone Stop Me Before I Buy These 40 Zara, H&M, and Nordstrom Finds
-
The Perfect $16 Tank Top and More Zara Items I'm Texting Everyone I Know AboutElite finds.
-
The 30 Items That Will Define Style in Summer 2025Gotta catch 'em all.
-
3 Aesthetic Pairings to Try If Your Wardrobe's Starting to Feel StaleFoolproof solutions.
-
I'm a Fashion Editor, and These Are a Few of My Favorite Things Right NowThe ultimate summer 2025 wish list.
-
I Can't Stand It When People Follow These Fashion Rules to a TIt's time to break the rules.
-
10 Style Tips That Will Make You Look Rich This SummerNumber four is already trending.
-
From Denim to White T-Shirts—These Are the Specific Brands I Source My Basics FromWhen you've tried them all, you know what's good.
-
Stylish Women in Marseille and Cadaqués Swap Out Their Cashmere Sweaters for This Breezier Alt Every SummerVintage J.Crew coded.
