69 Items of Summer: The Extensive Wardrobe Checklist You Didn't Know You Needed
Curating a versatile, well-rounded wardrobe is no easy feat. It might seem simple, but between basics, statement pieces, and those in-between items that bring everything together, there's a lot to take into account before entering a single credit-card digit. Plus, apart from those core year-round pieces, it's essential to consider how styles change every season and every year, meaning that one always has to stay on their toes, prepped and ready to add or remove garments, shoes, and accessories at any given moment.
If only there was a checklist like the one we all got on the first day of school that listed off every notebook, marker, and folder that was paramount to our success in the 180 days ahead, but instead of school supplies, it would name wardrobe items for each of the four seasons. That way, no one would ever get caught up unexpectedly mid-season and have to scramble to find a core piece of their wardrobe after every option has already sold out.
That was my train of thought at least, which is why I went ahead and made one myself—starting with summer, of course. This list will allow you to easily and in a very organized manner (can you tell I'm extremely type A?) check off this season's most necessary garments, shoes, and accessories one by one until your warm-weather wardrobe is complete. From every variation of ballet flats to the perfect white denim, scroll through the ultimate summer checklist below.
T-Shirts and Tanks
Muscle tees are the new crop tops. You heard it here first.
Tops and Sweaters
J.Crew has so many color options. Take advantage of that.
Nothing beats wearing shorts and a cashmere knit on a summer evening. Add some loafers for maximum effect.
The layering possibilities are truly endless.
Dresses
Skims dresses are baby soft, shockingly flattering, and priced perfectly. What more could you ask for?
This is the kind of dress you keep on you at all times just in case of emergency dinners, dates, and parties that call for a pretty all-occasion ensemble.
Summer looks good on you when this dress is what you're wearing.
If it's daring, short, and fun to dance in, you've found a keeper.
Outerwear
If vintage is your vibe, though, just type "vintage Yves Saint Laurent Rivé Gauche blazer" into the search bar on The RealReal's app.
It wouldn't be wrong to add ivory and navy alternatives to your collection as well.
Pants and Shorts
The fold-over waist makes these timeless trousers feel modern and unexpected.
There's a great pair from Khaite, too, but these are just as chic and a fraction of the price.
It's only summer once a year. Don't shy away from taking advantage of it.
For anyone on a budget, go for this more affordable alt from Free People. That said, as a proud owner of Tibi's Sid jeans, I can say with certainty that they're worth the price.
But in the summer, nothing beats a crisp white pair.
Skirts
Nobody will expect you to pick a skirt in this shade. But that's exactly why you should.
This season, style this skirt underneath a longline top or minidress for an interesting twist.
There's a reason why Vince continues to make this skirt season after season. It's perfect just the way it is.
Shoes
Since you already got mesh flats from The Row, you might as well save in the Mary Jane department by choosing this chic and affordable Sam Edelman style over the luxury brand's take on the retro footwear silhouette.
If you're not ready to splurge on a designer pair of loafers, either go with this on-sale pair from J.Crew or one from G.H. Bass—period.
Chic, classic, and utterly timeless, black point-toe kitten heels will always warrant a purchase.
Bags
Add a zero and you'll get the price I thought this bag would be when I first saw it.
It's a big purchase certainly, but it's one you won't soon regret. (Trust me—I just made it myself.)
Accessories
If you're one to lose sunglasses on a monthly basis, it's paramount that you find chic pairs that cost next to nothing.
However, if you can hold onto your shades, timeless Wayfarers will last you forever.
To wear when you want to impress people and/or transform an otherwise boring ensemble. We love a versatile accessory.
Beachwear
May the tan lines be minimal and the beach pics go viral.
Shop the matching The Essential Bikini Bottoms ($70).
Shop the matching Bikini Bottom ($28).
Any time you need more coverage or support, a bra-style bikini top will save the day.
Shop the matching Hipster Full-Coverage Bikini Bottom ($25).
If you're going on vacation and don't take a picture in this dress by The Garment, was it even worth traveling?
Next up: Someone Stop Me Before I Buy These 40 Zara, H&M, andReplica Store Finds
Eliza Huber is a New York City based fashion editor who specializes in trend reporting, brand discovery, and Replica Handbags . She joinedBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing in 2021 after almost four years on the fashion editorial team at Refinery29, the job she took after graduating with a marketing degree from the University of Iowa. She has since launched two monthly columns, Let's Get a Room and Ways to Wear; profiled the likes of Dakota Fanning, Diane Kruger, Katie Holmes, and Sabrina Carpenter for WWW's monthly cover features; and reported on everything from the relationship between Formula One and fashion to the top trends from fashion month, season after season. Eliza now lives on the Upper West Side and spends her free time researching F1 fashion imagery for her side Instagram accounts @thepinnacleoffashion and @f1paddockfits, running in Central Park, and scouring eBay for '90s Prada and '80s Yves Saint Laurent.
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