We've still got a way to go until the technical first day of summer, but with the best season always feeling so short, I like to extend it as much as possible. Sorry, spring, but I'm low-key skipping you this year. With that in mind, I started my summer shopping early in 2025, which is how I ended up spending one of New York City's recent rainy days (another reason to skip spring) curating the ultimate guide to summer's big four: sunglasses, shorts, sandals, and swimwear. There's no need to go anywhere else—I've got you completely covered in every summer fashion category that matters, doling out designer bikinis and designer-looking $50 sandals.
Ahead, you'll be met with a healthy mix of classic styles that will, yes, check off all your 2025 boxes but also remain chic for summers to come, as well as of-the-moment pieces that you simply cannot complete the upcoming season without. For example, toe-loop sandals are a must, as is a two-tone bikini with contrast piping. Silk-and-lace lingerie shorts are coming for your crochet pair from last year, and wire-rim sunglasses by the likes of Celine and Khaite are quickly becoming summer 2025's favorite child. It's all for the taking ahead. Happy shopping and happy my first day of summer.
Swimwear
From the baby-blue color and eyelet details to the underwire fit and tie-free bottoms, everything about this set is a winner in my book.
Shop the matching Eyelet '90s No-Tie String Bikini Bottom ($80).
I keep seeing this bikini in Burberry ads, and no ad has worked better on me. I need one.
Tory Burch makes the *best* swimwear I've ever tried—and I've tried practically every swimwear brand out there.
Two-tone bikinis and maillots are quickly becoming 2025's top swimwear trend.
Celebrities such as Laura Harrier are big fans of the leopard-print bikini.
Shop the matching String Bikini Bottom ($35).
This swimsuit is a perfect bodysuit candidate. The halter neckline is too chic to just wear to the beach.
This brown-and-red bandeau bikini is too good to not sell out.
Shop the matching Contrast Bikini Bottoms ($60).
Is it just me, or does this halter bikini feel so '90s in a Tom Ford for Gucci way?
Shop the matching Bikini Bottoms ($40).
Sandals
The perfect easy, comfortable sandal to buy if you want something fancier than a flip-flop.
But if a flip-flop is what you want, you can't go wrong with this editor-favorite style from A.Emery.
A classic kitten heel for summer.
Yes, these are just $50. Just buy them already (in multiple colors).
Who needs jewelry when your shoes look like this?
Your new everyday sandals.
I test-drove these for The Great Try-On and fell in love—fast.
A pop of color never hurt an outfit.
Shorts
This deep-brown color is so rich and sophisticated.
Agolde's Parker Long Shorts are famous for a reason.
Courtney Grow wore these with a leather bomber jacket, and I've wanted them ever since. It was a perfect study in contrasts.
A safe-for-work pair of shorts.
These warrant a trip to the Hamptons.
Casual has never looked so cool.
I low-key need these. They're the ultimate lazy-luxury bottoms.
When in doubt, go with Levi's for anything denim related.
Sunglasses
Anything with Gucci's throwback G logo on it, I want. Period.
No one has to know these only cost $15.
I keep seeing Jennifer Lawrence in these.
These are giving Jackie O. vibes.
I swear so many WWW editors have these Heaven Mayhem sunnies.
Prada did its thing with these shades.
I low-key only wear these sunglasses. No other pair compares.
If you want to look like a sophisticated lady, buy these.
-
From Pretty Satin to Cute Crochet, These Are the Shorts to Be Seen in This SummerTrending styles for every budget.
-
Believe Me—You'll Still Want These 36 Items in 2026 (and '27 and '28)Timeless with a capital T.
-
5 Flat Shoe Trends I Refuse To Wear During a Manhattan Summer, and the 5 I Can't Live WithoutI'll walk a mile in these shoes.
-
The 2 Tank Top Trends That Make Every Outfit Look Peak 2025It's all in the details—er, necklines.
-
Let Me Cure Your Zara Fatigue One Chic Massimo Dutti Find at a TimeFrom summer-sale deals to brand-new arrivals.
-
These 21 Premium-Looking Old Navy Pieces Feel Straight-Up LuxuriousAnd so many are on sale!
-
Honestly? These 7 Summer Shoe Trends Feel a Little DatedBut these seven styles feel very 2025.
-
A Rich-Looking Closet Is the Goal—31 Amazon Picks That Surprisingly Fit the BillBring on the compliments.
