It's around that time in summer when my outfit creativity is dwindling (another day, another track shorts and tee combo) and my wardrobe is craving something fresh and new to give my looks a mid-summer boost. As fashion editors, there's no doubt our sights are already set on fall, but the reality is it's still 90 degrees out and we have a lot more warm sunny days ahead to embrace.

To get inspired, I made a beeline to the new arrivals sections at some of my favorite retailers—J.Crew, Zara, and Nordstrom—to see what exciting newness they have to offer as we enter into the pre-fall season. Right now, I'm particularly focused on pieces that will see me through the summer months in style, yet have longevity into fall. I scoured the newest arrivals from top to bottom, and below I'm bringing you an edit of my absolute favorite styles that feel current, cool and on-trend. If you're looking to give your wardrobe a mid-summer boost then keep scrolling.

J.Crew

Zara

Nordstrom

Since you clicked on this story, I already know you're in the mood to shop or at least window-shop. I've been in a shopping mood myself lately, and given all the high-summer styles and early-fall items hitting retailers right now, who can blame me? I've been deep in the new-arrivals pages across all the top brands and can confirm the current offering is exceptional, so I'm here to share 30 items that are simply fantastic.

The items I've outlined run the gamut, but all are equal parts chic and on-trend for summer 2026. The white embroidered-hem pants all the cool girls are wearing this summer? They're on the list. Striped tees, tanks, and dresses? You bet. It's the print of the season, after all. Personality-forward dresses? Of course. And what kind of shopping roundup would this be without baby-blue ballet flats, taffeta shorts, and satin wedges? Without further ado, below are 30 fashionable clothing and shoe picks from J.Crew, Zara, and Reformation for your shopping pleasure.

J.Crew

Zara

Reformation

As a fashion editor, I'm constantly saving French-girl outfits because I find that they strike the perfect balance between polished and effortless. There's something about the way that Parisian women pair timeless basics with standout statement pieces that never goes out of style. While many people are finding inspiration from luxury collections and runway moments, I've been turning to the everyday women of Paris who I follow on Instagram lately. My latest conclusion is that I could easily re-create a ton of their outfits just by shopping from J.Crew.

The brand's summer collection really won my heart this year. The brand has the perfect combination of classic pieces like crisp cotton dresses and fun wardrobe additions like mesh flats. Truly, it's created everything I need to re-create the looks dominating my Saved folder. Ahead, I'm styling five French-inspired outfits using only J.Crew pieces that feel ready for everything from strolling cobblestone streets to sitting outside for a warm-weather weekend brunch.

Hat + Red Dress + Mesh Flats

A cool red dress, a woven hat, and delicate mesh flats are a modern take on a classic look that never goes out of style. It's equal parts vacation ready and city chic.

Romantic Blouse + Sporty Shorts

French style is all about balancing delicate and casual pieces. A romantic white blouse paired with relaxed athletic shorts feels unexpectedly cool and incredibly wearable.

White Matching Set

Nothing says effortless elegance quite like crisp white separates. Add a woven cord belt and understated accessories for a look that feels straight out of the South of France.

Classic Tank + Jeans

Sometimes, the simplest outfits are the chicest. A fitted tank, perfectly relaxed straight-leg jeans, and minimal accessories create the kind of understated look French women wear on repeat.

Printed Dress + Cardigan

A printed midi dress topped with a lightweight cardigan is the perfect answer to breezy summer evenings. It's classic, versatile, and easy to re-create with timeless wardrobe staples.

Summer is still in full swing in my own closet and at all of my favorite retailers right now. At Reformation, Shopbop, Zara, and J.Crew, the new arrivals just keep coming, and I'm here to report on the latest bunch because they're really that good. I plopped myself on my couch (importantly, right in front of the AC) and spent my summer Friday doing a deep dive through all four sites. The number of tabs I had open at one time may have had my laptop making a certain whirring sound, so if you work in Who What Wear's IT department, consider this my formal apology.

Everyone else, though, consider this my gift to you: a few hours of labor and some minor tech issues to produce 46 of the coolest new arrivals on my radar, from the airy Zara top I just ordered and wore straight away (pictured here) to the Reformation sandals that are sparking a new shoe color trend. Below, shop the new arrivals that only the very chicest people will put in their carts, all handpicked by me.

Zara

Reformation

Shopbop

J.Crew

It's only July, and I'm already struggling to put together summer 'fits. I fear no amount of outfit inspiration or Pinterest scrolling can pull me out of this rut. Well, that was until I saw that J.Crew is having an incredibly generous sale of 30% off cotton tees, linen shorts, halter dresses, and more. Oh, and you can get up to 50% off stunning cashmere pieces during J.Crew's Semiannual Cashmere Event. It's safe to say I'm no longer in a style slump.

My shopping cart is full of fresh new markdowns ready to be worn on weekend trips out to the Hamptons or down the shore. Think nautical-chic striped boatneck long sleeves—the same one Olympia Gayot, J.Crew's creative director and head of design, styled with a pair of white denim—a gingham cotton miniskirt, boxer-style shorts, and jelly fisherman sandals. If those piqued your interest, don't worry. There are plenty of under-$150 elevated basics, from poplin dresses and beach cover-ups to cashmere cardigans and woven accessories.

Ahead, shop the best J.Crew sale finds of July 2026. Shop up to 50% off everyday essentials and cashmere staples. Did I mention you have until July 13 to save on these chic J.Crew finds? So don't wait.

Shop the Best J.Crew Sale Finds of July 2026

Shop More Chic J.Crew Sale Finds

We’re halfway through the summer, which means a closet refresh is in order. While temperatures keep rising, new go-to basics and a few statement pieces are all I can think about to stay cool without compromising style. One place I always turn to for chic, playful, and functional clothing is J.Crew. As a Gen Zer, I know the brand doesn’t always come to mind, but it’s the most reliable source for summer-friendly, stylish clothing.

J.Crew’s new arrivals have been on my radar as of late. I’m shopping for pieces that I know are long-lasting, high-quality, and fashionable all in one. I’ve compiled the best of the crop with bright, bold, and sellout-worthy items that I know will be gone before the month’s end. If you don’t want to miss out, keep scrolling to shop all the chic, Gen Z–approved summer new arrivals from J.Crew.

Stylish people shop at a variety of stores to build their fashionable wardrobes, but Nordstrom, Zara, and J.Crew are three of their go-tos—and they are definitely favorites among the WWW editors (myself included). You can consistently find compliment-worthy pieces that are modern, versatile, and cool. And yes, the really good stuff often sells out. Cue J.Crew's taffeta pants (if you know, you know).

I thought it would be helpful to curate an edit of the best Nordstrom, Zara, and J.Crew summer 2026 items that I know fashionable people will love. The picks in question certainly have that "where did you get that?" energy. Keep scrolling to shop gorgeous shoes, trend-forward trousers, directional blouses, and more.

Nordstrom

Zara

J.Crew

I can smell a sellout from a mile away, and right now, after a string of buzzy drops, Zara, J.Crew, and Reformation are all primed for a clean sweep of product. Honestly, I'll be surprised if there's anything left in their distribution centers come July 1 at this rate. All three have perfectly balanced sporty casualness with European effortlessness and elegance. Think a two-tone bikini paired with a romantic lace slip that could have easily been found in one of Rome's or Florence's many hidden mom-and-pop lingerie shops. Taffeta pants are everywhere and will go perfectly with a super-lightweight cotton knit or a boatneck tee. This trio of shops is a treasure trove right now for cool summer dressing, driving fashion people to swipe their credit cards with abandon.

The lesson? Don't wait if you see something you want from Zara, Ref, or J.Crew—especially the first and third retailers, which are both running major discounts—if you want to actually secure your favorites in your size. By July 1, you won't be able to anymore. Don't ask me how I know that. I just do, which is exactly why I put in my order this morning. I've been burned by a sellout one too many times in my 30 years to hesitate. Trust me. It's not fun, and your closet will thank you for making haste.

We're on the same page, right? Cool. Now, start scrolling through 29 of the best, most-likely-to-sell-out pieces at Ref, Zara, and J.Crew.

I don't know what it is about summer, but something in the air makes me want to revamp my entire wardrobe. Perhaps it's because we wear less in the summer, so the pieces we choose really need to pack a punch? Whatever it is, I've admittedly been on a shopping kick lately. I can confidently say I've scanned every single new arrival at all the top retailers and have amassed a long list of items I'm eyeing for the season in the process.

I must say, though, my list has all the summer '26 hits. Toteme raffia bags, silk Ref tops, and beaded sandals made the cut. Of course, scarf tops are on there, as well as the editor-favorite Kyoto Pants from Leset. Oh, and Staud shell bags, lace-trim sets, and resin bangles, obviously. My cart is basically a one-stop shop for everything fashion people are into right now, so I figured it's worth sharing here. If you're also in the mood to do some perusing, I'm giving you the best shopping picks from Nordstrom, Zara, J.Crew, and Revolve for summer 2026 below.

Nordstrom

Zara

J.Crew

Revolve

The state of my bank account doesn't support a Euro summer, so I'll have to settle for a South of France state of mind instead. If you're also interested in dressing for the vacation you want, not the one you have, you've come to the right place. Our readers are obsessed with shopping at J.Crew and Zara, so it was a no-brainer to focus my search on these two retailers.

Below, I rounded up my favorite pieces that are giving major I-vacation-in-the-French-Riviera vibes. A pair of green gingham pants from J.Crew, for instance, would look just as chic on a yacht as they would in the parking lot at Trader Joe's. As a bonus, J.Crew showed us exactly how to style them for maximum chicness: with an unbuttoned white shirt, white bikini top, straw bag, and flip-flops. What's not to love? Some pieces have a bit of nautical flair (but not in a cheesy way), while others are made for ordering room service in bed. Scroll down to shop my favorite summer pieces from J.Crew and Zara.

As the fashion-savvy person in my closest friend group, I am constantly fielding queries from them about what to buy and where to shop, especially at the beginning of a new season. As predicted, this summer was no different. As soon as the weather even slightly warmed up, I got a text from a friend asking if I wouldn't mind being her personal shopper for the season.

This time around, she gave me a fun budget of $550 to find key pieces for summer 2026 that could be easily incorporated into any closet. In the end, I narrowed it down to seven chic finds that would do the trick. These range from a standout woven bag to classic linen pants and cool flip-flop sandals.

Ahead, shop my top picks for each category, plus some extras I have my eye on that are perfect for updating your summer wardrobe.

1. Linen Pants

My Top Linen-Pant Pick

More Linen Pants

2. Lace-Trimmed Pieces

My Top Lace-Trimmed-Piece Pick

More Lace-Trimmed Pieces

3. Woven Bags

My Top Woven-Bag Pick

More Woven Bags

4. Effortless Dresses

My Top Effortless-Dress Pick

More Effortless Dresses

5. Flip-Flop Sandals

My Top Flip-Flop Pick

More Flip-Flop Sandals

6. Pendant Necklaces

My Top Pendant-Necklace Pick

More Pendant Necklaces

7. Basic Tops

My Top Basic-Top Pick

More Basic Tops

If you're like me and every other editor at Who What Wear, J.Crew is an absolute go-to retailer. With Olympia Gayot at the helm, each collection is filled with highly versatile, directional styles. The summer 2026 collection is top-notch with modern silhouettes that will elevate a wardrobe.

While you could certainly wear one strong piece styled with other finds in your closet, the new arrivals also look so lovely when paired together. Below, I assembled five J.Crew outfits that I think are pretty and chic. Not to toot my own horn, but the relevant nature of the pieces styled together could make your friends think you hired a personal stylist. Hey, who doesn't love an outfit compliment, right?

Keep scrolling to check out the most fashionable summer 2026 outfit ideas featuring items from J.Crew.

You can't go wrong with J.Crew's drawstring pants. They're cool and stylish. I adore the light blue teamed with the cropped navy tee. The Summer Rollneck Sweater could be tied around your shoulders or waist or, of course, worn if it gets chilly.

This preppy striped tee feels unexpected with the full skirt. While sandals work, textured ballet flats also add polish.

These shorts are so cute! Consider a white linen blouse either buttoned up or worn open with a tank underneath for a layered look.

Go bold with this red slip dress. The pale-pink sweater is a nice touch around the waist.

The perfect combo—relaxed pants and a smocked top. It's so chic!

Since I often gravitate toward a uniform approach to dressing, I've always loved basics—the foundation of any wardrobe, especially a minimalist one. I recently wrote about the updated summer basics of 2026, including boatneck tops, colorful T-shirts, black slip dresses, white cotton dresses, capris, cropped flare pants, and knee-length skirts. While working on that story, I started thinking about the brands I rely on most for high-quality basics and the ones I hear fellow editors mention time and again.

The first that came to mind was Flore Flore, which is available at Net-a-Porter and is easily one of the basics labels our editors talk about most. Then there's the basic I've been reaching for nonstop lately: CDLP's Ribbed Stretch Lyocell and Cotton-Blend T-Shirt. The brand is also carried by Net-a-Porter and makes some of the softest, most comfortable tops I own.

Last summer, I picked up my first Cou Cou pieces from Revolve—a pointelle midi dress and a matching tank-and-midi-skirt set—and they've become the most-worn items in my warm-weather rotation. I've even heard a few colleagues say that Cou Cou is the only underwear they wear. Revolve also stocks Enza Costa, which is known for staples like its Bias Slip Dress and Everyday Pants, as well as the L.A.-based label Rue Sophie and Australia's St. Agni.

For more retailer-specific recommendations, I'd say Baserange and Matteau at Ssense; Donni at Shopbop; and Almina Concept, Leset, Vir Vita, Loulou de Saison, and Skims at Nordstrom. Others that consistently come up among fashion editors include Kotn, Los Angeles Apparel, J.Crew, Gap, and Organic Basics. Ahead, shop the brands we go to for high-quality basics.

Shop Editor-Favorite High-Quality Basics

Flore Flore

CDLP

Almina Concept

Leset

Loulou de Saison

Vir Vita

Cou Cou

Enza Costa

Rue Sophie

Baserange

Matteau

Donni

Kotn

St. Agni

Los Angeles Apparel

J.Crew

Gap

Reyèm

Tank Air

Organic Basics

I'm here to, you guessed it, talk about chic things. What else is new, right? Specifically, basics (one of my favorite topics because they're the foundation of a solid wardrobe) and shoes (obviously). While I recommend basics and shoes from a variety of brands, Zara, J.Crew, and Reformation consistently stock standout styles.

I pulled specific finds that are elevated in nature with forward design details, yet still versatile. Looking for cool pants to wear with your favorite tees and tops? You better believe I included relevant picks (cue drawstring waist). Linen staples to get you through the season? Done. Lightweight knits like J.Crew's creative director, Olympia Gayot, is wearing above? You got it. And, of course, there are plenty of gorgeous sandals and flats to consider. Keep scrolling for more.

Zara

J.Crew

Reformation

Listen. I am an avid pant wearer. You might even call me a bit of a tomboy. I'm just a fashion person who really appreciates function and comfort over looking trendy. That said, I've never been much of a skirt or dress person, but with time and more comfort in my body, that's starting to change. While on my daily sweeps of fashion sites, I keep coming across skirts that have helped me see the light about wearing them more often. I know slipping one on to style an outfit around is so fun, and I want to partake in that more often.

All the chic skirts I've found have been from the same three sites: Zara, Madewell, and J.Crew. Each retailer is different in aesthetics, but they all have one thing in common, an affordable price point. If you're in the same boat as me, trying new trends and items when you're already unsure about them is only more difficult if it's expensive. However, I'm in the camp of finding fashion items that are expensive looking. This is definitely why these skirts have changed my mind. Gone are the days of constantly wearing pants in the summer. Keep scrolling to shop 30 of the best skirts that won't break the bank to wear this summer from Zara, Madewell, and J.Crew.

Zara

From asymmetrical plaid skirts to simple bias-cut satin skirts, each selection is absolutely fabulous and budget-friendly. Zara is the ideal place to turn when you need ultra-luxe, runway-eque clothing for a fraction of the price. I've discovered other shapes, from a classic A-line shape in a rich blue to wrap skirts fitting for an elegant dinner. Keep scrolling to find the best one for you.

Shop Zara Skirts

Madewell

Madewell is the best place to shop for simple style pieces, from midi skirts to classic denim skirts. I've always been drawn to minimalist pieces to style, and this brand has always come through. Other styles include a casual drawstring skirt, a maxi slip skirt, and a woven miniskirt. Whether you need some staple pieces or want to experiment ever so slightly, Madewell is the best place to find the chic skirt that fits your personal style.

Shop Madewell Skirts

J.Crew

J.Crew is the unsung hero in many of our closets. If you haven't been privy to shopping there, I highly recommend pursuing the site for everyday staples. While scrolling through the site myself, I found an array of skirts in vacation-worthy prints, a wrap-style skirt, and a miniskirt with eye-catching embellishments. Shop all my chic finds below.

Shop J.Crew Skirts

Fashion people agree that J.Crew has been on a hot streak lately. The summer collections that continue to drop are no exception. Even better? Many of the best new arrivals are on sale right now. As I looked through the discounted items today, I kept thinking about how chic they all were. Now through June 8, you can get up to 50% off select pieces that are perfect for summer 2026.

I rounded up the highlights from the current J.Crew sale for you below. You'll find so many cool shorts, effortless dresses, elevated basic tops, and stylish shoes, to name a few. Many of the pieces can be seamlessly paired for the ultimate warm-weather look this season. Keep scrolling to check out 25 J.Crew sale standouts worthy of your closet for summer and beyond.

Shop Chic J.Crew Summer 2026 Sale Finds

It's June, which means summer is officially here. If you've been looking to make some meaningful wardrobe updates for the hotter days ahead, now's the perfect time. J.Crew's selection of new arrivals has been seriously impressive. From perfect breathable separates to easy summer dresses, it's safe to say summer has arrived at J.Crew. I've done what I do best: dug through the brand's latest offerings and highlighted some top picks ahead.

The best summer pieces can be mixed and matched endlessly, and there's so much like that in the latest J.Crew arrivals. On-trend finds you can expect to dig up in the curation ahead include chic pairs of long shorts, fun pops of red, vintage-inspired basics, and so much more. Keep scrolling to uncover your new favorite summer wardrobe items.

Shop J.Crew New Arrivals for June 2026

Denim shorts once dominated the fashion zeitgeist, but over the past few years, the style set has pivoted toward more chic and relaxed shorts trends that transition effortlessly between moods, shoes, and wardrobes. One standout style leading this shift is the cotton poplin short. While brands like Leset, Matteau, and Toteme have been perfecting this look for several seasons, J.Crew is now proving its place in the category with its Cruise shorts.

As one of J.Crew's most exciting new arrivals, these shorts follow the success of its viral Luna pants. The Cruise shorts are a cotton poplin style featuring an adjustable waistband, side pockets, and a slightly curved, mid-length hem. A rope drawstring adds a nautical, sporty vibe, while the crisp poplin provides enough structure to keep them looking and feeling polished. They are available in three neutrals—black, khaki, and white—along with a vibrant red, an easy, wearable option for those looking to experiment with color this summer. Best of all, they come in an inclusive size range from XXXS to 3X.

Like other elegant poplin options, the Cruise shorts offer incredible versatility. They can be worn on the weekend in the city with a lightweight sweater and loafers, poolside on vacation with a bikini and a straw tote, or even styled for the office with a button-down shirt and closed-toe kitten heels, depending on the work environment and attire.

At Who What Wear, we are J.Crew stans, so naturally, we track every new arrival, and we noticed these shorts the moment they debuted. While some of us have been procrastinating our purchase, senior fashion editor Allyson Payer immediately snapped them up in red.

She is so impressed by them that she's already planning to buy a second pair. "The fabric quality is great," she told me. "Usually, poplin shorts are thin and wrinkly, but these are the exception. They run large, but I like that they're a bit oversized."

If you want to get ahead of the curve and secure summer 2026's It shorts before the season officially begins, keep scrolling. Below, we've rounded up all four colorways along with more essential new arrivals from J.Crew.

Shop the J.Crew Cruise Shorts

Shop More J.Crew New Arrivals:

If you're looking for an easy and affordable way to inject your summer 2026 closet with a mix of chic and cool vibes, look no further than the current Gap and J.Crew sales. Both are filled with standout picks that will make you look like a fashion person. At J.Crew, from now until June 1, you can get up to 50% off selected pieces, plus an extra 20% off your purchase of $200 or more with the code ADDTOCART. At Gap, take 20% to 50% off a vacation-ready selection until June 2.

Ahead, I narrowed down a set of Gap and J.Crew sale picks that are guaranteed to get you compliments all summer long. Included are stylish dresses, linen pieces, cool pants, classic T-shirts, sleek sandals, and more elevated basics. While the pieces all feel very much on-trend, they all surprisingly lean timeless, which is a major plus since you can wear them from many more years to come.

Shop Chic Gap and J.Crew Summer Sale Picks

Gap

J.Crew

If there’s one thing that has shocked my fashion-editor colleagues the most about me, it’s that I don’t currently own a pair of jeans. To be clear, I’ve owned and worn jeans in my lifetime, just not in recent years. Instead, I gravitate toward skirts and dresses, and my summer uniform is no exception.

In the warmer months, I’m drawn to natural materials like cotton and silk because they feel lightweight and breathable in the heat. Some of my most-worn pieces last spring and summer were Cou Cou’s pointelle and cotton-voile midi dresses, along with its matching tank-top-and-knee-length-skirt sets.

As a minimalist dresser who tends to wear a lot of neutrals, I’ve also been looking for ways to incorporate more color into my wardrobe, especially after getting a color analysis from The Color Countess. I found out that I’m a true autumn, which means rich, earthy fall tones suit me best: tomato, orange, terra-cotta, moss green, teal blue, mulberry, and more. I think a solid-colored dress or skirt is one of the easiest, most approachable ways to introduce more color into a wardrobe.

For example, I recently bought the Olas cotton midi dress from the Sydney brand Faithfull in tomato, and it still feels polished and chic. I also love the mix-and-match tank tops and skirts from the Newcastle-based label Olga Joan. Below, shop skirts and dresses for summer 2026.

Dresses

Some of my favorite brands to shop for dresses include Brooke Callahan, Cou Cou, Rixo, Réalisation, Faithfull, and St. Agni.

In My Cart