Welcome to 10 Things to Buy, a monthly shopping list that helps you shop smarter by focusing on the 10 key items to add to your cart that month if your wardrobe is in need of a boost. As a Who What Wear editor for the past 11 years, I’ve spent many hours advising people on what to shop for during any given season, so you’re in good hands. Whether you’re shopping for cold weather, warm weather, a vacation, or a wedding, I’m here to offer up the most seasonally appropriate suggestions. Be sure to return at the start of each month for more.
In my opinion, there are far too many other things to do in May than spend a lot of time figuring out what to wear each day. That’s exactly why I’m taking some time at the start of the month to see what my wardrobe is missing, and that will make my outfits a bit cooler and more fun as we enter the warmest part of spring.
The internet is an overwhelming place with millions of different things to buy, but I’m cutting out all the noise and zoning in on the most important buys of May 2025—from shorts (lots of them) to accessories, and everything in between. Scroll on to shop the goods along with me.
Swimwear
If you want first dibs of all the best swimsuits of the season, my advice is to order your favorites now. You don’t want to wait until you actually need a new one ASAP, as your favorites might be sold out.
FAITHFULL
Bandol Recycled Bandeau Bikini
ZARA
Contrast Solid Swimsuit
Matching Set
The easiest outfit you could possibly wear this time of year is undoubtedly a coordinating matching set, so I recommend ordering a couple now for those impending I-have-no-idea-what-to-wear days.
Reformation
Kristen Linen Two Piece
ZARA
Embroidered Eyelet Vest Top
Lightweight Tee
I’ve mistakenly worn heavyweight tees on enough hot days to know that it’s not a pleasant experience—but it’s an easily avoidable one. Don’t make the same mistake as me.
Éterne
Short Sleeve Boyfriend T-Shirt
J.Crew
New Relaxed Linen T-Shirt
Elevated Flip-Flops
Everyone wants fancy flip-flops these days, which is why they keep selling out left and right.
Ancient Greek Sandals
Saionara Jelly Sandals
Madewell
Greene Flip Flops
THE ROW
Dune Cotton Flat Thong Sandals
Summer Going-Out Top
The beauty of warm-weather going-out tops are that there are no rules and that you don’t have to cover them up with a jacket, so have fun.
POSSE
Rosalie Top Rose Bud
ZARA
Contrast Bandeau Top
Bermuda Shorts
If you want your shorts outfits to look the most “2025”, step away from the denim cut-offs and order a pair of bermuda shorts STAT.
J.Crew
Pleated 9″ Trouser Short in Stretch Linen Blend
Still Here
Cool Shorts in Classic Blue
LOEWE
+ Paula’s Ibiza Anagram Cutout Frayed Pleated Cotton-Twill Shorts
Fun Jewelry
Save the serious jewelry for fall and winter. The best jewelry to wear with a cute spring or summer outfit or a swimsuit is something colorful and with an ocean motif.
Juju Vera
Exclusive Riviera Petra Tasseled Brass Necklace
Annele
Orange Drop Earrings in Silver
Julietta
Tortoise Bead Necklace
Wedding Guest Dress
The 2025 wedding invitations have probably started coming in, so instead of waiting until the last minute to find something to wear, get ahead of it and place your orders now.
& Other Stories
Floral-Appliqué Maxi Dress
Reformation
Frankie Dress
Posse
Paloma Square Neck Dress
Beach Cover-Up
Like swimsuits, the best cover-ups are already selling out, so don’t delay.
jcrew
Crochet Beach Skirt
Skort
I’ve rediscovered the functionality of skorts and have already added three to my wardrobe this spring. Care to join me?
Favorite Daughter
The Favorite Skort
Madewell
Denim Micro Mini Skort in Northam Wash
Free People
My Little Micro Mini Cotton-Linen Skort