At the start of this year, I decided to seriously curb my impulsive purchases and actually save up for worthwhile wardrobe investments that will outlast trends and outsmart seasons. It's definitely easier said than done, but this year, I'm setting out to make my closet stronger and last much longer.
I know I'm not the only one feeling this way, either. We're reaching a point in fashion where many of us are experiencing trend fatigue, and while I don't foresee trends ever ceasing to exist, I think the answer to this exhaustion is twofold: narrowing in on a personal style that isn't so easily swayed by fleeting trends and being a pickier shopper—a much pickier shopper. For me, that means I'm focused on building a wardrobe that's timeless and trend agnostic and, most importantly, feels like me.
When it comes to shopping, I'm navigating things with a "fewer but better" mindset, and now that summer's new arrivals are finally hitting the market, I figured I'd share what I'm currently eyeing in case you, too, want to shop like me. With that, here are the 30 best summer investment buys for the season ahead. They're cool, they're classic, and they're designed to last.
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Khaite
Olivia Medium Raffia Hobo Bag
We're still weeks away from the summer equinox, but there's no question this is already the It bag of the summer.
H&M
Wide-Leg Linen-Blend Pants
Ditch your jeans. Wearing linen trousers is just as easy but so much more elevated.
SIR
Giacomo Halter Top
If I had it my way, I'd have a closet full of SIR's understated tailoring.
The Row
Chocolate Leather Slides
TikTok users are in shambles over these sandals, and for good reason.
Is it even summer if you don't have a pair of white jeans secured? This exaggerated barrel-leg shape feels so fresh and unexpected.
Jeffrey Campbell
Dancerina Ballet Flat
Hold on, these aren't designer? News to me.
Jenny Bird
Ola Bangle
If you want a chic anchor to all your outfits and a piece that will earn compliments left and right, look no further.
Gap
Linen-Cotton Vest
How to look polished when it's 90-degrees out, a visual guide.
Mango
Croc-Effect Sandals
The square toe makes this look so luxe.
Devon Windsor
Latte Sarong
Look up "how to wear a sarong," and you'll see the styling ideas are endless. I like this print because it matches so many different neutral tones.
Hunza G
Domino Embellished Seersucker Swimsuit
Hunza G's seersucker fabric is something you have to experience to fully understand. It's beyond comfortable and looks good on everyone. I'm convinced it's the ultimate swimwear investment.
Skims
Soft Lounge Ribbed Stretch-Modal Maxi Dress
The versatile LBD you were looking for.
Agolde
Parker Long Shorts
Longer and looser denim shorts are the only ones that matter to me right now.
J.Crew
New Favorite Tank Top
I'm picky about tank tops, but I can tell this is a really good one.
Gap
Modern Strapless Split-Hem Midi Dress
The easiest way to wear the It color of the moment.
Saint Laurent
Carla Leather Mules
These have been on my Net-a-Porter wish list for far too long.
Ray Ban
Mega Wayfarer
An updated classic.
Stone and Strand
Diamond Drizzle Drops
These are dainty enough to be able to wear everyday and special enough to keep on for dressier occasions.
Birkenstock
Arizona Big Buckle Slide Sandal
Snag a pair now while they're still in stock.
Mango
Striped Crochet Dress
Crochet is everywhere I look, but this strikes me as timeless.
Significant Other
Neve Blazer
That hardware!
Ferragamo
Prisma Glossed-Leather Shoulder Bag
The things I would do for this bag...
Reformation
Alden Knit Dress
It's giving major Carrie Bradshaw energy.
Levi's
501 '90s Straight Leg Jeans
Relaxed but not baggy. The difference is key.
Abercrombie
Faux Silk Column Maxi Skirt
This looks like luxury without the hefty price tag.
Anna is an NYC-based senior fashion editor who has been a member of the Who What Wear team for over eight years, having begun her career in L.A. at brands like Michael Kors and A.L.C. As an editor, she has earned a reputation for her coverage of breaking trends, emerging brands, luxury shopping curations, fashion features, and more. Anna has penned a number Who What Wear cover interviews, including Megan Fox, Julia Garner, and Lilly Collins. She also leads the site’s emerging travel vertical that highlights all things travel and lifestyle through a fashion-person lens.