The Fashion Girl's Summer Wardrobe Checklist
In the fashion world, there are essentials, and there are “essentials”. Since you’re probably familiar with the former (you know, those universal basics such as a T-shirt, jeans, and a trench coat), the latter will be the topic of today’s post. We’re talking about the of-the-moment items that fashion girls will unanimously categorize as absolute necessities, despite their seasonal specificity and trend-driven status. For example, while jeans are essential, this summer, cropped flares are “essential”. While everyone needs a T-shirt, if you want to step up your style game, you really need a graphic version. But don’t let the quotation marks fool you, because if history is any lesson, these trendy pieces often end up becoming basics. Therefore, by owning them now, you’re both ensuring a solid summer wardrobe and staying ahead of the curve.
So what are you waiting for? Scroll through to see and shop our list and prepare for your most stylish season yet!

Shop the checklist below
Updated Denim Jacket
Duster Jacket
Cropped Knit
Style this with high-rise vintage jeans and flat mules.Available in sizes XS to L.
Off-the-Shoulder Top
Graphic Tee
For fresh ways to wear a vintage-inspired tee, look no further than Gigi Hadid. Available in sizes XS to L.
Flared-Sleeve Top
Bodysuit
Denim Skirt
Cropped Flares
Track Pants
Midi Skirt
Prairie Dress
Jumpsuit
Midi Wrap Dress
Matching Set
Slip Dress
Flat Strappy Sandals
Block-Heel Sandals
Mesh Mules
Mesh is everything right now. Available in sizes 36 to 39.
One-Piece Swimsuit
Skinny Cat-Eye Sunglasses
Straw Bag
Cool Cover-Up
This post was published at an earlier date and has been recently updated.
Opening Image: Shot by Gio
Since starting as an intern back in 2013, Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour has held several roles here at Who What Wear, and she is currently Editor-at-Large. Upon joining, she was a senior about to graduate from business school at USC. Fast-forward to 2025, and she's moved to NYC from her hometown of Beverly Hills and spends her workdays a little differently from when she was just starting out. Currently, she focuses on a weekly mélange of shopping content and her Trust Me—Buy This newsletter. As far as her personal style goes, she's largely drawn to neutral, classic pieces but will always make an exception for something colorful or bejeweled as long as it's deemed worthy enough. After all, the only thing she loves more than a party is dressing up for one. On her downtime, she can usually be found at home eating something delicious and trying to force her husband to watch Summer House.
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