I love to shop just as much as the next person. (My boyfriend would argue probably more.) But lately, I've been trying my best to keep my spending and consumption habits to a minimum. In the beginning, I'll be the first to admit, it was trickier than I expected. I practically shop for a living, so the temptation levels are high on a daily basis. After some getting used to, though, I began to realize that my closet doesn't actually need to be filled to the brim at all times. Really, I only need a few handfuls of items to make interesting outfits every week, especially in the summer, when the hot weather in New York makes wearing minimal clothing your only viable option.
Specifically, I've narrowed down my warm-weather wish list to just nine items—including dresses, bottoms, tops, shoes, and handbags—that can be easily mixed and matched so that no one has to know that I'm a total outfit repeater (guilty!). Not to brag, but it's pretty much the perfect summer capsule wardrobe. Below, discover which styles in each category made the cut, and shop them all in various price categories, starting with under $100 and going up to $1000+.
Under $100
White Dress
Fifty dollars is more than worth it for this beauty of a LWD.
Thong Sandals
I know they're controversial, but simple thong sandals will always work in the summer.
Button-Down Shirt
Snag one of these (or 10 of them) while they're on sale.
Linen Pants
Nothing's easier than a pair of linen pull-on pants when it's hot out and you're lazy but you want to look chic.
Raffia Bag
I'm so here for this $80 carryall.
Halter Top
I've already convinced two of my fellow WWW editors to buy this top—it's that good.
Capri Pants
Say yes to capris, especially when they're $18.
Mesh Flats
You don't have to spend major dollars on the mesh-flats trend. This $70 pair from Mango is elite and completely affordable.
A-Line Skirt
I'm telling you this skirt will sell out by EOM.
$100 to $200
White Dress
Every summer, I buy one white linen Madewell dress, and in 2024, I'm picking this adorable eyelet option.
Thong Sandals
*Orders with rush shipping.*
Button-Down Shirt
The perfect pop of red.
Linen Pants
Reformation making perfect linen staples? Big surprise there.
Raffia Bag
The strap on this Banana Republic bag makes it look 10 times pricier than it is.
Halter Top
Give me all the halter tops.
Capri Pants
The fit on these Frame capris is elite, I must say.
Mesh Flats
I simply can't get over these. They're perfect.
A-Line Skirt
When it comes to timeless poplin pieces that you'll wear again and again, you simply cannot go wrong with COS.
$200 to $500
White Dress
I recently tried on the shirt version of this flowy, button-up Staud dress and was amazed. I need both, like, yesterday.
Thong Sandals
This cream color option is so minimalist and gorgeous.
Button-Down Shirt
The more oversized the shirt is, the better.
Linen Pants
These wide-leg trousers will make even the chicest European women jealous of your outfit.
Raffia Bag
My work bag is Demellier, and I get more compliments on it than any other bag I own (including Prada and Bottega Veneta). This raffia tote is next on my buy list.
Halter Top
Sofia Richie Grainge really ate with her Solid & Striped collaboration.
Capri Pants
When in doubt, pick The Frankie Shop.
Mesh Flats
The mesh flats that started it all.
A-Line Skirt
I think about this white Róhe skirt a lot. Probably too much.
$500 to $1000
White Dress
Do I say screw my budget and buy this absolutely beautiful Tove halter dress that I've been drooling over since it debuted on the runway? If you're going to say no, go away.
Thong Sandals
These burgundy flip-flops take up 99.99% of my brain space at the moment.
Button-Down Shirt
Whoa, this pattern is pretty.
Linen Pants
Linen has finally entered the barrel-leg-pants chat.
Raffia Bag
Altuzarra's straw totes are huge in NYC in the summertime. They're practically everywhere.
Halter Top
Someone help. My jaw's been permanently on the floor ever since I first saw this beauty of a Tae Park halter top.
Capri Pants
Zoom in for some adorable waist details.
Mesh Flats
I keep seeing these at fashion events around NYC, a surefire sign that they'll be a massive, sellout hit in a few weeks.
A-Line Skirt
The floral details on this A-line skirt are even prettier IRL.
$1000+
White Dress
If you're going to spend over $1000 on a dress, you want it to work for you and be able to be worn in multiple ways. This Proenza Schouler dress goes from a long-sleeve number to a tie-front halter with a few easy steps, practically cutting the price of it in half (girl math!).
Thong Sandals
Okay, so these aren't quite $1000, but with tax, they will be.
Button-Down Shirt
This Gucci poplin shirt isn't just any white button-down. It's better.
Linen Pants
If you want great, high-quality trousers, The Row will always be the brand I recommend.
Raffia Bag
Is that a raffia version of Ferragamo's Hug bag? Yes, yes it is.
Halter Top
Wow, this on-trend butter-yellow halter simply must make its way into my summer wardrobe. I'll do whatever it takes.
Capri Pants
Bella Hadid just wore these, so of course, I want a pair too.
Mesh Flats
These might be the prettiest mesh flats I've seen yet—and I've seen a lot of mesh flats.
A-Line Skirt
If Prada makes it, I want it. Period.
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