You're Done: 11 Summer Staples I'm Tired Of and Their Fresher Alternatives

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I might be jumping the gun here, but I'm already looking ahead to my favorite time of year: summer. I'm looking forward to long days and warm nights that will hopefully be peppered with beach trips, rooftop happy hours, and picnics in the park. While I sit here and daydream about the rising temperatures and outdoor activities to come, I'm also examining my summer wardrobe and doing a good bit of gutting.

I think we can all agree the last two summer seasons haven't felt exactly normal, so the staples I used to wear between June and September could definitely use an update. After examing my closet, I plan to remove 11 outdated summer fashion staples that no longer feel fresh. Items like tiny crop tops and kitschy beaded bags that I hoarded for years are getting the boot while I set my sights on a few 2023 updates that will make all my summer 'fits feel more aligned with where my style is at today.

Keep reading to see which staples I'm cutting out for good and which I'll rely on to get me through the next few months. 

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(Image credit: @vivianhoorn)

You might not think that cabana shirts are on par with crochet dresses. However, in my mind, they both serve the same purpose as swim cover-ups. This summer, I'm gravitating toward the retro Jane Birkin-inspired feel of a crochet dress to throw on over my bikini instead of the printed shirts I used to be such a fan of.

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(Image credit: @sasha.mei)

Who doesn't love a matching set? For me, summer style is all about easy dressing, and sets that pair a button-down shirt with boxer shorts are effortless and cool. I'll be wearing them on repeat while phasing out sets with biker shorts.

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(Image credit: @sofiarichiegrainge)

I somehow racked up several fanny packs I don't wear anymore. I'll be replacing them with elevated straw and woven bags that are truly timeless. 

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(Image credit: @clairerose)

While I love the look of strappy sandals, I'm done with anything overly complicated and frankly uncomfortable. Instead, elevated flip-flops feel timeless and undeniable walkable. I know I'll reach for them a ton this summer.

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(Image credit: @lefevrediary)

Seeing as white tanks are a staple that's both forward and classic, I'm continuing with my affection for them by taking them from my spring closet into my summer wardrobe. I'll be adding some high neck options to my arsenal for the warmer weather and saying goodbye to the crop tanks that once filled my dresser drawers.

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(Image credit: @amaka.hamelijnck)

Recently, I went to do a swimwear audit and realized the bikinis I reached for the most all had one thing in common: they featured underwire tops and high-cut bottoms. I find these features so flattering and comfortable, so I'll be leaning into it all summer and phasing out anything super-strappy that threatens to leave me with a tricky tan line.

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(Image credit: @tylynnnguyen)

If you know me at all, you know I'm a tailoring girl. Waiscoats, especially in summer-ready linen and cream colors, are the "fancy" top I'll wear with everything from jeans to skirts. On the other hand, I'm retiring my milkmaid-style tops since I think these vests serve the same purpose of adding interest to a simple outfit.

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(Image credit: @nnennaechem)

Slip skirts are a timeless staple, but lately mine have been collecting dust as I reach for longer and more streamlined column skirts in fabrics like cotton and linen.

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(Image credit: @emnitta)

There's no time like the summer to show off over-the-top jewelry. My vehicle of choice is a stack of bangles, and I'm a fan of wearing them with everything from a going-out look to a bikini for a chic accent. On the other hand, I'm tired of all the chunky beads that have been trending the last few summers. 

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(Image credit: @angelafink)

I may get hate for this, but I don't care. I'm over nap dresses. Since my style leans streamlined, I never quite felt like myself in the voluminous shapes, even though they were extremely comfortable. A lace-trimmed slip dress is an equally easy-to-wear piece, but it has so much more styling potential. Wear one from day to night or layering them with tees and knits.

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(Image credit: @symphonyofsilk)

Classic wayfarers are just that, classic. I used to be one to try out every new sunglass trend, and because of it, I've amassed way too many pairs even though I reach for the same pair of Ray-Bans over and over. This summer, I'm vowing to stick with the classics and remove those kitschier styles that don't get as much wear.

Next, see the cult-favorite flats Zoë Kravitz just wore (and shop them before they inevitably sell out).

Editor

Anna is an editor on the fashion team at Who What Wear and has been at the company for over five years, having begun her career in the Los Angeles office before relocating to New York, where she's currently based. Having always been passionate about pursuing a career in fashion, she built up her experience interning at the likes of Michael Kors, A.L.C., and College Fashionista before joining the team as a post-graduate assistant editor. Anna has penned a number of interviews with Who What Wear's cover stars over the years, including A-listers Megan Fox, Issa Rae, and Emma Chamberlain. She's earned a reputation for scouting new and emerging brands from across the globe and championing them to our audience of millions. While fashion is her main wheelhouse, Anna led the launch of WWW Travels last year, a new lifestyle vertical that highlights all things travel through a fashion-person lens. She is passionate about shopping vintage, whether it be at a favorite local outpost or an on-the-road discovery, and has amassed a wardrobe full of unique finds. When she's not writing, you can find her shooting street imagery on her film camera, attempting to learn a fourth or fifth language, or planning her next trip across the globe.