The Only 10 Things to Bother Adding to Your Summer Wardrobe This July
Cooler warm-weather outfits await, thanks to these finds.
Welcome to 10 Things to Buy, a monthly shopping list that helps you shop smarter by focusing on the 10 key items to add to your cart that month if your wardrobe is in need of a boost. As a Who What Wear editor for the past 12 years, I've spent many hours advising people on what to shop for during any given season, so you're in good hands. Whether you're shopping for cold weather, warm weather, a vacation, or a wedding, I'm here to offer up the most seasonally appropriate suggestions. Be sure to return at the start of each month for more.
Something very obvious about July: It's hot. Something else about July is that it's the most popular month of the year for vacations. These are the two main things I kept in mind while selecting items for this high-summer edition of my monthly list of the top ten things to add to your wardrobe. We haven't yet reached the point in the season in which it's time to start shopping for fall, so I'm keeping the focus on both basics and trend-driven pieces that are key to a cool wardrobe at the height of summer. Scroll on to shop!
Beaded Shoes
Beaded shoes are an easy way to inject some fun into your summer looks, which is something all the cool girls wearing them this season quickly figured out.
Something Cerulean
Cerulean is shaping up to be July's biggest (and prettiest) color trend. Anne Hathaway agrees.
Printed Shorts
There are days when it's too hot to wear anything but shorts, so you might as well have fun with it and opt for a printed pair. Cool options to choose from abound right now.
Sheer Pants
The latest clothing item to get the sheer treatment is pants. They may not be for the faint of heart, but fashion people are regularly proving just how wearable sheer pants can be.
Babydoll Dress
The defining dress trend of summer 2026 is babydoll dresses. The comeback of the pretty, loose-fitting style has been fully embraced by It girls this season.
Pale Pink Jeans
If you're going to wear jeans in July, make it a pink pair. Better yet, make it a lightweight pink pair.
Something Sporty
Fashion is in its sports era. The Knicks' championship and the 2026 World Cup are undoubtedly contributing to the frenzy, and cool-girl-beloved brands such as Reformation, which recently released a collab with Umbro, are on board.
Dark-Denim Shorts
If you want to add some polish to your summer wardrobe, look no further than a pair of dark denim shorts.
Striped Tees
White T-shirts are nice, but striped tees add a cool retro look to your outfits that's far more fun.
Satin Handbag
Last but not least, a fun one. Summer is not practical handbag season, so take advantage of it and add a satin bag to your collection. And in my opinion, unlike, say, raffia, satin works year-round.
