From June to August, These 18 Staples Are Always by Our Side
Get the editor-approved inside scoop.

Ah, summer—the season many of us have been eagerly awaiting so we can enjoy summer Fridays, swim in the ocean, frolic in Europe, and wear pretty dresses and skirts that keep us looking cool and feeling comfortable. When it comes to summer wardrobe choices, finding the lightest, most breathable pieces is a top priority so we can do everything we love easily. That's why the "less is more" approach in fashion has never been more relevant. Instead of layering with leather jackets and trench coats, we're simplifying things and making space for a few pieces we can wear on repeat, like linen minidresses, poplin midi skirts, elegant flip-flops, raffia bags, and elevated tank tops.
Since the first heat wave of the season (at least in the eastern half of the U.S.) already hit during the first week of summer, it's clear we should prepare our minds and our closets for the hot months ahead. To gather inspiration for what should be part of your rotation from June to August, I reached out to the stylish and savvy editors here at Who What Wear to see what trusty pieces help them get through each summer. Keep scrolling to shop their must-have warm-weather fashion essentials.
Shop Editor-Approved Summer Wardrobe Essentials
"I always have some sort of airy white skirt in rotation this time of year. This summer, it's this gorgeous poplin skirt from Scanlan Theodore that I wear constantly and get so many compliments on. I love how the elastic waistband can be worn high or low depending on what top I want to pair it with."
"This tank top is so much chicer than an average scoop-neck tank. I own it in a few colors, but the black one definitely gets the most use. In fact, I'm wearing it as we speak with a lace-trim slip skirt."
I'm not usually a girl who wears denim shorts because they can feel restrictive, but everything changed when I discovered Levi's High Rise Baggy Shorts. I love how they cinch at the waist while flaring out slightly at the thighs. While they come in many washes, I'm partial to the dark blue because it looks the most expensive. Size up to get a looser, more comfortable fit.
Every summer, when I'm in a style rut and just want to throw on something cute and head out the door, this one-and-done piece from Everlane is what I reach for. The linen fabric makes it lightweight and breathable, but the lining ensures it's not see-through. It's also the perfect length for the office and has pockets, which is the cherry on top.
Since I tend to misplace my sunglasses, I no longer invest in designer pairs. Instead, I choose styles from my go-to brand Le Specs. I own about five pairs from the label, but The Whisperer is my favorite because of its sleek, retro-inspired cat-eye design, which is similar to Saint Laurent's SL 557 sunglasses that Hailey Bieber always wears. Plus, they are very sturdy and have a weight that makes them feel worth more than $99.
"My go-to summer piece is a sheer skirt. It goes platinum in my wardrobe every June, July, and August. It's lightweight and sexy but also so deeply versatile. When I pack one on vacation, I can wear it out to dinner with a fun corset top or with a bikini as a beach cover-up. I also love how I can layer it with thicker pieces on top once summer is over. Every time I see a sheer skirt, I buy it and never regret it."
"I have super-long, thick hair that I refuse to cut. I love wearing it down, but when it's hot out, it easily makes me overheat and sweat. I always need a nice collection of fun hair accessories to tie my hair back or put half up when I need to. My go-to scrunchies are by Sandy Liang. I own at least 10 from the brand, and I swear they make every outfit better by adding some whimsy. I also swear by the Maryam Nassir Zadeh carnation scrunchie that makes me look like I'm wearing flowers in my hair, which is the exact kind of ethereal vibe I want to be giving off every summer."
"I am not the most practical shoe person. I am always opting for tall boots in the heat or something that gives me blisters during long walks. In the summer, I really can't stand to be uncomfortable on top of being hot, so I always make sure I have some funky sandals that are a vibe and add to a look without doing too much. These Tory Burch Pierced Slides do exactly that and will be on repeat all summer."
Shop More Summer Essentials
Nikki Chwatt is an associate fashion editor based in New York City. She joined Who What Wear in 2024 after writing fashion, beauty, and lifestyle content for WWD, Well+Good, Editorialist, and more. With a passion for personal style and the creativity that comes with it, one of Chwatt's goals is to help others understand that there is no such thing as a “good” or “bad” style; it’s just about putting an outfit together that makes you feel confident in yourself. When she's not writing, you can find her taking a Pilates class, reading a powerful romance novel, or exploring a new wellness spot in Manhattan.
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