When we think of investment fashion items, some of the things that come to mind are coats, handbags, boots, and jeans. Oddly, they don’t really scream summer, but there are tons of warm weather–ready pieces—at every price point—that are worthy of investing in and bringing back year after year. Just ask our very own editors!
Well, you don’t really have to, because I already did, and as always, they delivered. Below you’ll find the 22 summer-ready pieces my colleagues and I feel are in it for the long haul. From dresses to swimsuits to, of course, sandals at a range of price points, I’d be surprised if there weren’t something for every reader in this collection, if not several favorites. To see what made the cut, simply keep scrolling.
"Did I buy this because I saw Hailey Bieber wear it? Maybe. Have I worn it more times than I'd like to admit ever since? Absolutely."
"These shorts are game changers for your summer wardrobe. Not only are they unbelievably comfortable, but they can take you anywhere from brunch to dinner to the beach simply based on how you style them."
"After a monthlong hunt for the perfect everyday black summer slides, I finally accepted that I had to splurge on this Khaite pair that I couldn't stop thinking about. I'm so glad I did because they truly have become the pair of shoes I've worn every single day since."
"Hunza G swimsuits are the best summer swimwear investment. Their classic silhouettes and textured fabrics remain timeless, not to mention they're supremely comfortable. While I love the brand's one-pieces, I just bought a new bikini this summer, and I've been wearing it nonstop. (It even works with my growing baby belly.)"
"LNA's tank tops and tank dresses are my go-to this summer. They're chic, comfortable, and elevated. All you need are some layered necklaces and chunky flatform sandals, and you're set."
"While I'm not one to always opt into swimwear trends, I'm obsessed with and could not pass up the retro floral-print pieces we've seen bubbling up everywhere. I'll be wearing this suit with my favorite bucket hat all summer long."
"I just bought this Staud white maxi dress and cannot stop wearing it. Investing in a staple white dress for the summer is something you'll never regret."
"I'm wearing these sandals as we speak, and I can't speak highly enough of them. The minimalist straps make them easy to pair with any outfit, and I've found they're comfortable enough to walk for miles."
"I used to have mostly plastic zippered pouches for travel, but these canvas ones feel way more luxe. I love the delicate curve of the leather accent and that it's from a brand that cares about sustainability and quality."
"You just can't go wrong with Levi's denim shorts. They just work. I'm particularly into the longer cut for a modern silhouette."
"Le Specs always has a solid assortment of trend-forward sunglasses that don't cost a fortune. It's all about oversize styles right now for me."
"I like to invest a little more in one standout piece each season, and I think this crop top is the one. It's the kind of piece that makes me feel like I'm vacationing in the Mediterranean."
"I just recently added these airy shorts in white to my closet and have already gotten so many wears out of them. They're comfortable, relaxed, and easy, so yeah, I'll be wearing them on repeat for the remainder of the summer."
"I've been really into big, glamorous sunglasses lately (probably because I'm tired of my trendy pairs going out of style). This is the pair I'm eyeing now. They'll always be cool, and the Loewe logo on the sides is as chic as it gets."
"I'm really picky about denim shorts and am happy to splurge on a good pair, but I didn't have to in this case. This new Levi's style is so comfortable, and the fit checks all the boxes for me."
"I just got this, and I have to say it's my best Zara purchase in a while. I wouldn't call myself a red-dress kind of girl, but this one feels very cool and easy to wear."
"I get so many compliments on these big-buckle black leather Birkenstocks. They felt like a bit of an unnecessary splurge since the regular buckle style is about $50 less, but after a year of wearing these nonstop, I feel confident saying these were one of my best buys of 2020. In fact, I already have my eye on the antique cognac color for a midsummer update."
"What can I say? I appreciate functional footwear. While my pumps are still gathering dust in my closet, I was excited to test-drive these chic, office-appropriate flats created by my former colleague, Marina Larroudé. Since living in the aforementioned Birkenstocks for a year, I was pleasantly surprised by the comfort factor of the cloud memory foam all over these pointy-toe ballet flats. I scored these in gold for spring but will definitely be adding the caramel brown to my wardrobe for fall."
"I'm always on the hunt for the perfect top to wear with jeans and can't say enough great things about this one from Ulla Johnson."
"Since I live in sandals during the summer, I tend to look for versatile yet trend-forward styles like this stunning toe-ring flatform version from GIA/RHW."
"I love Faithfull the Brand's dresses, and I always anxiously await new arrivals. The prints are so fun, and the fit is great as well. This one has long sleeves, which makes it super practical for chilly evenings."
"I practically hoard blouses that I can wear with jeans, and this one is my latest find. The eyelet puff sleeves are so fun, and I love loose-fitting tops for hot summer months."
Next: Trust me—buy these 18 things.