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
Swap your basic denim jacket for this updated version to instantly add a cool factor to your outfit. Available in sizes XXS to XL.
Duster Jacket
Light and long outer layers are a warm weather–approved way to add depth to your look. Available in sizes XXS to XL.
Cropped Knit
Style this with high-rise vintage jeans and flat mules.Available in sizes XS to L.
Off-the-Shoulder Top
Get ready for a lot of stylish nights out in this beauty. Available in sizes XS to L.
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
The cutouts make this simple bodysuit a must-have.Available in sizes 0 to 6.
Denim Skirt
Wear this with low heels and a white tee for a laid-back but chic look.Available in sizes 24 to 32.
Cropped Flares
These cropped flares are the perfect cut.Available in sizes 23 to 31.
Track Pants
To take your classic Adidas track pants into night-out territory, style them with simple heeled sandals and a moto jacket.Available in sizes XS to XL.
Midi Skirt
Ganni knows how to make a midi.Available in sizes 34 to 42.
Prairie Dress
Jumpsuit
Midi Wrap Dress
Wear this wrap dress with layered dainty necklaces. Available in sizes XXS to XL.
Matching Set
Slip Dress
Slip dresses will work with literally any kind of shoes this season, whether you’re into sneakers, sandals, heels, or all three.Available in sizes 00 to 12.
Flat Strappy Sandals
Not only are these useful, but they’re also ultra-flattering on your legs. Available in sizes 35 to 41.
Block-Heel Sandals
Block-heeled sandals are the easiest way to make a simple shoe look modern.Available in sizes 35 to 41.
Sneakers
These It girl–approved sneakers will be so useful this season.Available in sizes 5 to 11.
Mesh Mules
Mesh is everything right now. Available in sizes 36 to 39.
One-Piece Swimsuit
Wear this with high-rise shorts or jeans to go from beach to bar.Available in one size.
Skinny Cat-Eye Sunglasses
Straw Bag
Straw bags are not just for the beach; they add texture to even the simplest outfits.
Cool Cover-Up
This cover-up is everything. Available in sizes 6 to 12.
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. It was a less expected route, seeing as she was graduating from business school at USC when this all began, but it has turned out to be the best one for her. Fast-forward to 2024, and she's moved to NYC from her hometown of Beverly Hills and spends her workdays a little differently from when she was an intern starting out. Currently, she focuses on a weekly mélange of shopping content. As far as her personal style goes, she's largely drawn to classic pieces and neutral basics but will always make an exception for something colorful, printed, or bejeweled as long as it's deemed worthy enough. After all, the only thing she loves more than a good party is dressing up for one. On weekdays, she can usually be found at home eating something delicious for dinner and trying to force her husband to watch Summer House.
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