We’ve made it through the long, brutal winter and June’s promise of the sun’s heat, flowers in bloom, and a full calendar of summer plans is around the corner. That means it’s time for a closet refresh, and J.Crew and Madewell are the go-tos for lightweight pieces for daily wear throughout the warmer months. Each brand offers summer-friendly items ranging from the perfect vacation accessories to the best chic everyday fashion items, from breezy skirts to thong heels. What’s also great about J.Crew and Madwell is that both offer high-quality pieces at affordable prices.
If you’ve been itching for a good summer shopping spree, J.Crew and Madewell are the best sites to start. I’ve already added a few items to my cart, but I couldn’t gatekeep all my finds. Keep scrolling for the best items for summer 2026.
J.Crew
J.Crew has a wide range of fashion items to explore, from lightweight cashmere sweaters for layering on cool summer nights to chic, eye-catching swimsuits. I’ve been a fan of the brand for quite some time for all my basics, but J.Crew is anything but basic. Finding high-quality, long-lasting pieces on its site is never difficult for me, but to save you the time scrolling through pages and pages of clothes, here are the best finds for summer below.
Madewell
If you’re a fan of well-fitting, intentionally chic fashion items, Madewell is the right place for your summer shopping. All the items I’ve compiled below are fitting for beach trips, dinners with friends, summer events, and more. Each piece is versatile and functional, which is exactly what a summer wardrobe needs. Think Bermuda shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, and the best summer accessories. If you’re determined to look chic and cool this summer, keep scrolling to shop all the best Madewell new arrivals for the season.
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear, fashion is our speciality. Our editors have years of industry experience, from reporting on seasonal fashion trends seen at international fashion weeks to working with some of the most recognizable names in fashion. Every item we recommend is carefully selected based on current trends, quality, and real-world wearability.
We regularly try pieces ourselves, including everything from best-selling jeans to designer shoes; speak to external experts and fashion insiders; and stay closely connected to what our readers are searching for. Our advice is grounded in expertise and has to pass our exceptional taste levels, so you can feel confident in every recommendation.