I'm pretty sure that last summer, my main purchases were sweatshorts, oversize T-shirts, and house shoes, so I'm feeling a bit unprepared this year, wardrobe-wise. But my calendar is significantly fuller than it was last year, so I'm stocking up. Amazon is an excellent place to do so.
Shopping for clothes on Amazon can be admittedly overwhelming, but it'd be a missed opportunity to not add a few of its excellent affordable summer basics to your cart. This year, I'm particularly drawn to oversized button-downs that can be worn with a swimsuit or shorts, tank tops galore, LBDs, and chic sandals. And yes, Amazon has plenty of these and more.
If you too are feeling like your warm-weather wardrobe is lacking after the lost summer of 2020, scroll on to shop my expensive-looking picks that no one will guess are actually quite affordable.
The Drop
Astrid Twist Front Stretch Jersey T-Shirt
The modern cutout makes this T-shirt look like a designer find.
Levi's
High Waisted Mom Shorts
White pleated shorts are underrated.
The Drop
Florence Loose Gathered Neck Balloon-Sleeve Poplin Top
So good with denim.
Amazon Essentials
Fluid Twill Tiered Midi Summer Dress
I can't wait to wear this with white sneakers.
Superga
2750 Cotu Classic Sneakers
Speaking of white sneakers…
Daily Ritual
Jersey Knit Standard-Fit Asymmetrical One Shoulder Top
As comfortable as pajamas but much chicer.
The Drop
Mirabelle Long Bell Sleeve Open Front Cozy Cardigan
In the battle between you and the A/C, be the winner.
Elesol
Summer Cargo Shorts
Never underestimate the joys of an elastic waistband.
The Drop
Amelia Square Neck Strappy Bodycon Midi Tank Dress
This will be the first thing you reach for on a 100-degree day.
Core 10
Pima Cotton Cropped Short Sleeve T-Shirt
I love a boxy, cropped T-shirt this time of year.
The Drop
Greta Fitted Square Neck Halter Sweater Bralette
I own this in black and am a big fan.
Levi's
High Waisted Straight Jeans
Proof that you can get cool jeans for under $50.
The Drop
Amelie Strappy Square Toe Heeled Sandal
As wearable as summer heels get.
Makarthy
Casual Drawstring Shorts
I realize these aren't basic, but I had to include them.
Wild Meadow
Short Sleeve Scoop Neck Rib Knit Crop Top
There's a lot to love about this $15 crop top.
Amazon Essentials
2-Pack Slim-Fit Tank
These have 21K reviews, which speak for themselves.
The Drop
Eva Silky Stretch Pull-On Loose-Fit Short
I fully support a fancy-drawstring-shorts purchase.
Verdusa
2-Piece Triangle Bikini
No one will be able to guess you didn't spend $150 on this.
JW Pei
90s Shoulder Bag
I'll never tire of this bag shape.
The Drop
Maya Silky Slip Skirt
Dress it up or dress it down.
Goodthreads
Lightweight Twill Oversized Boyfriend Shirt
Oversize button-downs are both a basic and a trend.
Wild Meadow
Sleeveless Low Tie Back Detail Wide Leg Knit Jumpsuit
One and done.
The Drop
Issi Quilted Flatform Sporty Sandals
I could see myself wearing these a lot.
Amazon Essentials
Slim Fit Half Sleeve Square Neck T-Shirt
The square neck and longer sleeves make this so chic.
The Drop
Tracy Button Front Denim Mini Skirt
This has a hint of stretch for comfort.
Levi's
Straight 505 Jeans
I'm here for these perfect classic jeans.
Daily Ritual
Washed Chino Wide Leg Pants
Meet your new favorite summer pants.
Amazon Essentials
Lightweight Crewneck Cardigan Sweater
You'll never run out of things to wear this staple with.
Amazon Essentials
French Terry Fleece Shorts
Don't worry. I'm not ditching sweatshorts anytime soon.
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.