7 Summer Basics You Can Wear All Season Without Getting Bored

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On the left a woman wearing a plaid trench coat, straw bag, and jeans. In the middle, a woman wearing a backless black top and jeans. On the right, a woman wearing a white lace top, white tie-waist trousers, and black strappy sandals.

(Image credit: @nlmarilyn; @sylviemus_; @lizzyhadfield)

Fact: Feeling comfortable and confident in your basics is the secret to looking effortlessly chic. When shopping for summer basics, I look for pieces that pique my interest—aka items I can mix and match with what I already own in silhouettes that make me feel good and look good. I've found that collecting quality pieces that you love and will reach for time and time again ensures you’ll have a closet full of summer staples that not only last all season long but also make getting dressed a joy.

Below, I’ve made a shoppable list of the seven summer basics I always come back to: open-back tops, romantic lace slip skirts, strappy sandals, boatneck tops, slouchy linen trousers, polished poplin dresses, and, of course, oversize totes. And as always, I’ve included some chic outfit ideas for your inspiration.

Open-Back Tops

A woman wearing jeans and backless black top with black pointed-toe kitten heels.

(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

My signifier that summer's arrived? A backless top. Its existence is proof that summer style can be cute and comfy. Here are a few of my favorite open-back moments.

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Lace Slip Skirts

A woman wearing a yellow slip skirt and a white halter top.

(Image credit: @laurenelson)

The soft, silky silhouette is a chic alternative to a tailored trouser or short, instantly elevating the look with elegance. A lace slip skirt is an essential summer basic—it adds contrast when paired with a boxy, oversize tee or serves as a seamless continuation of grace when styled with something equally fluid.

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Strappy Sandals

A woman wearing white tie-waist pants, lace top, and strappy black sandals.

(Image credit: @lizzyhadfield)

Thin-strapped sandals and heels are having their moment this summer, and I couldn't be more on board. The '90s silhouette adds a dainty elegance to any look. Here are four sleek pairs I'm contemplating adding to my shoe collection…

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Boatneck Tops

A woman wearing a linen boatneck blouse and black trousers.

(Image credit: @theannaedit)

A boatneck is my go-to for looking polished without trying too hard. The timeless silhouette shows the right amount of collarbone to look chic and sultry all at once. If there's one thing you shop from these basics, let it be these boatneck styles. I promise you won't regret it.

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Slouchy Linen Trousers

A woman wearing green flip flops, yellow linen trousers, and a green crewneck.

(Image credit: @monikh)

These nonchalant trousers are the epitome of effortlessly chic. Take a page out of French women's style playbook and shop these luxe-looking linen trousers.

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Oversize Totes

A woman wearing a plaid trench coat, a large woven bag, jeans, and black flip flops.

(Image credit: @nlmarilyn)

I don't know what I'd do without my ginormous tote—it's my life. The woven bag holds all my secrets (aka my countless lip liners and glosses). I'm fiercely loyal to my oversize bag collection and would never be caught with a mini baguette. Below are five ludicrously capacious bags currently on my wish list.

Shop the Totes

Poplin Dresses

A woman wearing a white dress, baseball cap, and flip flops.

(Image credit: @caitlinmiyako)

Poplin dresses are quickly rising in rank as my favorite summer style. I've rounded up five pretty summer dresses that will make your morning get-ready routine blissful and beautiful.

Shop the Dresses

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Josephine Hadjiloucas
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