Cue the Makeover Montage: My Bestie Wants a Closet Refresh, so I Sent This List of 11 Must-Have Basics

Lace-trimmed skirts and mesh ballet flats ahead.

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Influencer Anna wears a white linen shift dress with loafers and a cheetah print bag. Influencer Sarah Louise Blythe wears a cropped black pant, flip-flops, and a white scoop neck top. Influencer Poppy wears polka dot long shorts with a black crewneck top, a woven bag, and mesh ballet flats. Influencer Nnenna wears black capri pants with a white tank, trench coat, and flip-flop heels.

(Image credit: @theannaedit; @sarahlouiseblythe; @poppyalmond; @nnennaechem)

I live for a makeover montage. It’s my favorite part of any film, so when I got the chance to live it out, I jumped at the opportunity. My bestie asked me for a complete closet refresh. She’s tired of her worn-out summer pieces and is looking for something fresh and new. While there was no budget for a cinematic shopping sequence with a Y2K pop track looping in the background (a girl can dream, can’t she?), I sent her a list of the 11 basics I believe can revive any summer wardrobe. What’s on the list, you ask? The slip skirt every fashion person owns (aka a lace-trim midi), low-profile sneakers, Parisian-chic capris, an oversize tote (because in NYC your bag is your car), and so much more.

She’s a visual learner, so I’ve included some outfit inspiration from my favorite fashion people across the globe, from Paris to London and beyond. If you need a closet refresh, keep on scrolling to see the 11 editor-approved basics and how I’d style them.

Scoop-Neck Tanks

Influencer Sarah wears a white scoop neck tank with a pair of cropped black pants and flip-flops.

(Image credit: @sarahlouiseblythe)

I’ve vocalized my distaste for crew necks before, so I’m here today to focus on one of my favorite necklines: scoop necks. The curved plunge beautifully frames the collarbone, which is why I prefer to wear this style of tank with no necklace. London-based fashion person Sarah Louise-Blyth styles her tank with minimal jewelry, which means this rich-looking neckline isn’t competing for attention—it’s the star.

Capri Pants

Influencer Nnenna wears black capri pants with a white tank, trench coat, and flip-flop heels.

(Image credit: @nnennaechem)

Controversial or not, this Parisian-chic staple has become one of the most loved bottoms of the summer. More importantly, it’s for those who get the vision. Channel the Parisian aesthetic even if you’re miles away from the croissant capital of the world with these three capris below.

Linen Shift Dresses

Influencer Anna wears a white linen shift dress with loafers and a cheetah print bag.

(Image credit: @theannaedit)

We all know fashion is cyclical. I’m a big supporter of the linen shift dress, as it combines two of my favorite things, 1960s mod fashion and the use of linen. Anything and everything linen is my go-to in the summer, especially in NYC when the heat feels inescapable. I’m loving these styles from Reformation and Quince.

Silk Scarves

Influencer Poppy Almond wears a silk scarf tied around her waist with a brown poplin skirt and white crewneck tee.

(Image credit: @poppyalmond)

Who would have thought one of the biggest fashion trends of the summer would be the scarf belt? Now I’m not saying I invented this, but high school me was rocking this long before Alexa Chung and fashion people everywhere made it cool. I’m so happy it’s getting the love it deserves. It’s even got me thinking of other unique ways to style a silk scarf.

Mesh Ballet Flats

Influencer Poppy wears polka dot long shorts with a black crewneck top, a woven bag, and mesh ballet flats.

(Image credit: @poppyalmond)

If you haven’t jumped on the mesh-ballet-flats bandwagon, now is the time. Cop these see-through flats before the summer ends so you can enjoy them to the fullest. They look best when paired with polka dots, full skirts, and capris.

White Denim

Influencer Marilyn wears a pair of white denim jeans, a white crewneck tank, and a butter yellow long coat.

(Image credit: @nlmarilyn)

White denim is entirely underrated, in my opinion. Below are my favorite all-white styles from Levi’s in iconic silhouettes. No wonder it’s Hollywood’s go-to denim brand, as it’s trusted for its excellent quality and fit.

Oversize Totes

Influencer Sarah Louise-Blythe wears a white scoop neck top with baggy jeans, sandals, and an oversized woven bag.

(Image credit: @sarahlouiseblythe)

If you live in NYC, you know that your bag is your car. As the day goes on, you accumulate more and more stuff. The oversize tote is my favorite city companion to hold all my things. Here are three styles I couldn’t recommend more. PS, the Coach Brooklyn 28 is my favorite.

Lace-Trimmed Skirts

Influencer Laura wears a lace-trim skirt and a blue and white striped shirt with flip-flops.

(Image credit: @lauravidrequin)

Not only is this trending skirt style all over my FYP, but I’ve also spotted it on the streets of NYC, grabbing coffee on the Upper East Side, taking a stroll in Madison Square Park, and even in line at the Murray Hill Trader Joe’s. I’ve got a feeling this lace-trim obsession isn’t just a summer fling, but will be worn by the fashion crowd all autumn long.

Colorful Button-Downs

Influencer Marianne Smyth wears barrel leg jeans with a blue button-down, leather tote, and suede sandals.

(Image credit: @smythsisters)

Put your white-button downs down. It needs a break, and so do you. Opt for a colorful style instead to bring a sense of whimsy to your look. Style it like Marianne Smyth with barrel-leg jeans and suede sandals for a relaxed and casual look.

Low-Profile Sneakers

Influencer Susie wears Adidas pants and Adidas Taekwondo sneakers.

(Image credit: @susiegarvie)

While high-tops had their moment, low-profile sneakers are doing numbers on IG. From the Adidas Gazelle Lo Pro to the new Dolce Vita Serina sneaker (which to me looks oddly similar to a designer style), the sleek, slim silhouettes have everyone talking.

Halter Dresses

Influencer Sylvie Mus wears a halter dress with white pants and kitten heels.

(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

This halter dress is my go-to summer fit when I don’t know what to wear. I can always count on it to look put together. Simply step in, tie up, and walk out the door. Bonus points if you style it with flip-flops for extra ease.

Josephine Hadjiloucas
Assistant Shopping Editor
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