Getting ready is not always easy, especially in the hotter months. At least, that’s my experience. There’s something about the heat that makes it hard to want to put in too much effort. Thankfully, there are some key pieces this season that make getting ready effortless—keeping you looking chic without any heavy lifting. I narrowed it down to eight items that can seamlessly fit into just about any closet.
In my highly curated list below, you’ll find a mix of classic yet trendy finds, including timeless linen pieces, elevated dresses, pretty skirts, polished shorts, and sleek sandals. I’m partial to the kitten-heel sandals, in particular. Scroll on to discover and shop eight key pieces that are the secret sauce to an incredibly chic summer outfit rotation.
Sleek Sandals
I often plan my outfits around my shoes, and right now, simple yet sleek sandals have my attention, especially in kitten-heel and strappy form.
Shop Sandals
Reformation
Stacy Heeled Sandal
TKEES
Square Toe Twiggy Sandal
Steve Madden
Cary Heeled Sandal
ZARA
Flat Strappy Sandals With Metal Ornament
Open Edit
Tori Kitten Heel Sandal
Classic Linen Pieces
Linen fashion is not groundbreaking, but that’s for a reason: It’s a forever classic. Opt for everything from linen pants to tops, dresses, skirts, and more.
Shop Linen Pieces
J.Crew
Cutaway Vest Top in Linen
Reformation
Olina Linen Pant
Reiss
Belle Linen Button-Up Shirt
Caslon
Wide Leg Pull-On Linen Blend Pants
ZW Collection
100% Linen Tunic Dress
Pretty Skirts
I’ve never been super into skirts, but with options this chic—lace, poplin, polka dots— it’s hard not to jump on the bandwagon for summer.
Shop Skirts
Anthropologie
The Tilda Mini Slip Skirt: Lace Edition
Open Edit
Cotton Poplin Maxi Skirt
With Jéan
Maeve Midi Skirt
Madewell
Linen Maxi Slip Skirt
Elevated Dresses
It’s officially dress season, and the selection is top-notch. You can’t go wrong with an elevated pick that you can wear for a lifetime in black, white, or neutral tones.
Shop Dresses
DISSH
Gabby White Cotton Midi Dress
J.Crew
Hyacinth V-Neck Dress in Ramie
Madewell
Seamed Poplin Midi Sundress
Polished Shorts
A great way to stay cool without sacrificing style is to go for a polished pair of shorts. Try a high waist, a longer length, an interesting hem, or a mix of everything.
Shop Shorts
Open Edit
Everyday Pleated Linen Blend Shorts
ZARA
High-Waisted Linen Shorts
Favorite Daughter
The Tommy Low Slung Denim Bermuda
Zw Collection
Crochet Shorts
Nordstrom
Pleated Linen Blend Shorts
Standout Basic Tops
Basic tops are likely the most-worn pieces in your closet, so why not reach for some standout styles? Think picks with interesting necklines and rich colors.
Shop Basic Tops
H&M
Microfiber Sleeveless Top
Open Edit
Drape Back Sleeveless Top
ELOQUII
Twist Sleeve One Shoulder Top
ZARA
Smooth Knit Basic Top
Effortless Bags
A great bag can really pull an outfit together. This season, it’s all about effortless bags, including woven details, east-west styles, beach-ready totes, and cool silhouettes.
Shop Bags
Madewell
Handwoven Leather Tote
AQUA
East West Medium Shoulder Bag
MANGO
Braided Leather Top Handle Bag
Eye-Catching Necklaces
It’s time to set aside the dainty necklaces for eye-catching picks. Seashells and cord necklaces with pendants are fashion-set favorites at the moment.
Shop Necklaces
JUJU VERA
Petra Shell Necklace Silver
Heaven Mayhem
Julia Necklace
Madewell
Seashell Pendant Necklace
j.crew
Faux-Pearl and Leather Cord Necklace
Mayamar
Beaded Swirl Necklace