8 Pieces That Are the Secret Sauce to an Incredibly Chic Summer Outfit Rotation

Getting ready is not always easy, especially in the hotter months. At least, that's my experience. There's something about the heat that makes it hard to want to put in too much effort. Thankfully, there are some key pieces this season that make getting ready effortless—keeping you looking chic without any heavy lifting. I narrowed it down to eight items that can seamlessly fit into just about any closet.
In my highly curated list below, you'll find a mix of classic yet trendy finds, including timeless linen pieces, elevated dresses, pretty skirts, polished shorts, and sleek sandals. I'm partial to the kitten-heel sandals, in particular. Scroll on to discover and shop eight key pieces that are the secret sauce to an incredibly chic summer outfit rotation.
Sleek Sandals
I often plan my outfits around my shoes, and right now, simple yet sleek sandals have my attention, especially in kitten-heel and strappy form.
Shop Sandals
Classic Linen Pieces
Linen fashion is not groundbreaking, but that's for a reason: It's a forever classic. Opt for everything from linen pants to tops, dresses, skirts, and more.
Shop Linen Pieces
Shop the matching Wide-Leg Essential Pant in Linen.
Pretty Skirts
I've never been super into skirts, but with options this chic—lace, poplin, polka-dot—it's hard not to jump on the bandwagon for summer.
Shop Skirts
Elevated Dresses
It's officially dress season, and the selection is top-notch. You can't go wrong with an elevated pick that you can wear for a lifetime in black, white, or neutral tones.
Shop Dresses
Polished Shorts
A great way to stay cool without sacrificing style is to go for a polished pair of shorts. Try a high waist, a longer length, an interesting hem, or a mix of everything.
Shop Shorts
Standout Basic Tops
Basic tops are likely the most-worn pieces in your closet, so why not reach for some standout styles? Think picks with interesting necklines and rich colors.
Shop Basic Tops
Effortless Bags
A great bag can really pull an outfit together. This season, it's all about effortless bags, including woven details, east-west styles, beach-ready totes, and cool silhouettes.
Shop Bags
Eye-Catching Necklaces
It's time to set aside the dainty necklaces for eye-catching picks. Seashells and cord necklaces with pendants are fashion-set favorites at the moment.
Shop Necklaces
This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Jennifer Camp Forbes is a senior shopping editor at Who What Wear, where she has worked in a variety of capacities including creative director and various editor roles. She’s a well-known shopping expert that’s sought out for advice and insight on the latest trends, outfit ideas, and fashion picks thanks to her thoughtful shopping roundups. Jennifer's lifelong interest in fashion led her to intern at Harper’s Bazaar as an undergraduate. Later, while working towards her masters degree in psychological counseling at Columbia University, she founded two digital fashion publications: Le Fashion and Olsens Anonymous. The popularity of both sites grew and after graduation she decided put her plans to become a therapist aside to pursue a career in fashion.
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