My 63-Year-Old Mom Knows What's Cool Before I Do—34 Items She's Eyeing (and Telling Me to Buy) for Summer
They say, "Mom knows best." Although I am sometimes hesitant to acknowledge that claim, I generally find it to be true. My mom somehow always knows if I'm going to regret any of my choices, but she still lets me make my own decisions so I can learn from them. More specifically, she knows how to put together a chic outfit and what will be considered cool in fashion, sometimes before I even do.
Being in the know about the top fashion trends comes naturally to my mom. Not only did both her parents work in the fashion industry, with my grandfather at Macy's and my grandmother running her own accessories company, but my mom also worked in the field as an e-commerce stylist. You could say she's obsessed with fashion and has inspired me to be the same.
Whenever we're apart, we're always sending each other products and asking each other if we like them. When we're together, we're either shopping in person or just talking about trends. With all of that in mind, I told my mom to put together a list of specific products she thinks fashion people will be wearing this summer, or at the very least, items she finds chic and has either added to her cart or suggested I do before everyone else. Because mom knows best, I didn't second-guess any of her selections, trusting that if I did, I would miss out on coveted items come June. From lightweight drawstring pants to elevated flip-flops, keep scrolling to discover her 34 must-have buys for summer 2026.
My mom knows that a high-neck tank like this one is perfect for layering but also elevated enough to be worn on its own.
If you're apprehensive about pedal pushers, these kick flare pants will help you get the tailored pant look without showing too much skin.
My mom showed me these and now they're all I can think about.
It's giving Chanel.
These look just like Leset's Kyoto pants, which celebrities like Kaia Gerber and Jennifer Lawrence own.
This is a work of art.
The frog-closure jacket trend is still going strong.
Just ordered.
My mom says if you buy one thing from this shopping guide, make it the Inez, the It shoes of 2026.
Simple yet stunning.
Bermuda shorts will be everywhere this summer in unique fabrics like silk and taffeta.
These new Khaite x Oliver Peoples sunglasses are destined to be just as popular as the sold-out 1967c style.
No one will believe you when you tell them that this bag is from COS.
A stripe boatneck top is a must-have for summer.
My mom loves lightweight jeans that look like denim but feel like sweatpants.
Endless styling possibilities.
Hailey Bieber's long-sleeve shirt-and-jeans outfit is all every fashion person wants to wear right now.
These vintage-looking jeans will help you nail Bieber's look.
You'll get a lot of wear out of these.
My mom knows a good military jacket when she sees one.
While jeans may be the first thing that comes to mind when styling a military jacket, we suggest choosing something more unexpected, like a poplin skirt, which contrasts with the jacket and adds a delicate touch.
A.emery gets it.
Even minimalist dressers can agree that this color is very wearable.
Sometimes all you need to pull an outfit together is a pendant necklace.
Bottega Veneta just released the Mini Andiamo and fashion insiders already have their hands on it.
You can't go wrong.
Florals for summer? Groundbreaking.
Style with a dainty skirt or dress to add some edge.
The scuba material will ensure these are comfortable for all-day wear.
She's cute.
This looks like the new Khaite Lotus raffia bag.
J.Crew just released a summer-friendly version of its Rollneck sweater that everyone and their mothers wore this winter.
My mom loves this shade, especially when paired with a powder pink sweater.
Ever since this Prada bag hit the runway, my mom knew it'd be on my wish list.
