5 Summer Staples I Never Purge From My Closet
As I’ve mentioned several times in the recent past now, I’m quite big on cleaning out my closet. Whether it’s just to declutter, make space for new buys, find pieces I can donate, put together a selection to sell, or, oftentimes, all of the above, I find the experience not only rewarding but actually therapeutic as well. Of course, no matter how many times I organize, purge, and repeat, there are always certain pieces I simply refuse to part with because I know they will come in handy later. In the "summer staples” category, specifically, a solid five come to mind, so I thought I’d round them up for anyone looking to do some late spring cleaning, early summer shopping, or both. To see, read about, and (naturally) shop all the items that avoid the "go" pile time after time, just keep scrolling.
White Tops
Pretty white tops are always going to be the perfect addition to your favorite jeans, shorts, and skirts in the summer. And since somehow the category seems to have evaded the trend cycle, if you can keep them clean, you should keep them around.
Black Swimsuits
White swimwear can yellow, prints and colors come in and out of style, but black swimsuits—even the seemingly "trendier" styles—will always serve you well and look chic. Hence, I rarely get rid of them when cleaning out my swimwear drawer.
Denim Shorts
No matter how many shorts trends have come and gone, I've always ended up back in my favorite denim pairs at some point or another each summer. Even the pairs I bought in high school still serve me well from time to time, though these days I'm partial to slightly longer options.
Simple Sandals
Simple sandals—especially those in black–are another staple that is much less susceptible to changing trends and can last you for years if you opt for the right style and a high-quality pair. While I admittedly can't help but splurge on new ones every summer, they only get added to my growing collection of favorites.
Classic Dresses
I have summer dresses (half of which are probably from Reformation) that I bought five or more years ago but still look forward to wearing every time the temperatures rise again. A great find is forward-feeling but still classic enough to come back season after season.
Next: the three sneakers fashion girls will be wearing this summer.
Since starting as an intern back in 2013, Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour has held several roles here at Who What Wear, and she is currently Editor-at-Large. It was a less expected route, seeing as she was graduating from business school at USC when this all began, but it has turned out to be the best one for her. Fast-forward to 2024, and she's moved to NYC from her hometown of Beverly Hills and spends her workdays a little differently from when she was an intern starting out. Currently, she focuses on a weekly mélange of shopping content. As far as her personal style goes, she's largely drawn to classic pieces and neutral basics but will always make an exception for something colorful, printed, or bejeweled as long as it's deemed worthy enough. After all, the only thing she loves more than a good party is dressing up for one. On weekdays, she can usually be found at home eating something delicious for dinner and trying to force her husband to watch Summer House.
-
4 Anti-Trend Outfits I Spot Every Time I'm in Europe
Classic looks that are always in style.
By Natalie Cantell
-
3 Non-Holiday Ways to Wear Velvet This Winter
You're welcome.
By Eliza Huber
-
Hailey Bieber Just Used the TikTok Styling Hack That Will Actually Go the Distance
I'm going to use it this weekend.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
After 15 Years as a Fashion Writer, I Know These Free Style Tweaks Will Make a Big Impact
How to give your wardrobe a new lease on life.
By Emma Spedding
-
4 Dated Sweater Trends I'm Purging From My Small NYC Closet by the Year's End
And the chic knitwear I'm making room for.
By Natalie Cantell
-
Law Roach's World: His New Book, Bag of Choice, and What He Grabs on a Target Run
"[Styling] has made my world so much bigger."
By Jasmine Fox-Suliaman
-
I'm in My 20s—Here Are 6 Style Lessons I Learned to Look More Polished and Grown-Up
Sophisticated styling 101.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
8 Copenhagen Street Style Trends I Plan to Replicate in New York
Pared back yet never boring.
By Nikki Chwatt