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

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Fashion collage featuring Anna Howard, Div Ravindran, and Chloe Butler wearing chic summer outfits, including linen pants, a woven bag, polished shorts, a lace-hem slip skirt, red flip-flops, and an east-west bag.

(Image credit: @theannaedit; @divrav; @chloekathbutler)

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

British style influencer Liv Madeline sitting on a window sill on a Paris sidewalk wearing black oval sunglasses, a black shoulder bag, a matching tan and black polka-dot skirt and top, and brown heeled mule sandals with a bow.

(Image credit: @_livmadeline)

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

British influencer Karina Marriott poses at the The Peligoni Club in Greece wearing a matching white linen vest and pants with a mini woven bag and black flip-flop sandals.

(Image credit: @thestyleidealist)

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.

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Pretty Skirts

British influencer Chloe Butler sitting on a outside staircase in London wearing a black leather jacket, white tank top, white east-west bag, silk skirt with a lace-hem, and red flat flip-flop sandals.

(Image credit: @chloekathbutler)

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.

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Elevated Dresses

British Taffy Msipa poses in black oval sunglasses, a black cord pendant necklace, ruched white sleeveless dress, tan Loewe Puzzle bag, and black ballet flats.

(Image credit: @taffymsipa)

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.

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Polished Shorts

Australian style influencer Div Ravindran wearing black oval sunglasses, a beige long-sleeve stop, small brown leather shoulder bag, high-waisted long linen shorts with a black belt, and black thong flip-flop sandals.

(Image credit: @divrav)

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.

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Standout Basic Tops

British influencer Marianne Smyth poses on an outdoor garden path wearing a high-neck sleeveless white top, woven shoulder bag, maxi black skirt, and black flip-flop sandals.

(Image credit: @smythsisters)

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.

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Effortless Bags

British style influencer Anna Howard poses with a woven brown St. Agni tote bag wearing a knit sleeveless top, green sweater tied around the waist, and white linen pants.

(Image credit: @theannaedit)

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.

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Eye-Catching Necklaces

NYC-based style influencer Courtney Grow poses for a window selfie wearing a canvas barn jacket, a sheer white dress, and a silver Juju Vera Petra shell necklace.

(Image credit: @courtneygrow)

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
Jennifer Camp Forbes
Senior Shopping Editor

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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