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
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.
Shop the Open-Back Styles
So flirty.
Made for summer.
Compliments on repeat.
A crisscross halter? So chic.
Lace Slip Skirts
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.
Shop the Skirts
Flawless.
Unexpectedly versatile.
Anything but basic.
Elegant.
Strappy Sandals
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…
Shop the Sandals
Cute and comfortable.
Minimal.
Easy to style.
Love.
Boatneck Tops
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.
Shop the Styles
Crewneck alternative.
The asymmetrical hem is so effortless.
Sleek.
Very Audrey Hepburn.
Slouchy Linen Trousers
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.
Shop the Trousers
Oversize Totes
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
So roomy.
Add on some bag charms and voila!
Built for life.
Can handle it all.
Poplin Dresses
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
Summer uniform.
So crisp.
Lightweight and lovely.
Strapless moment.
Add a pair of sandals and you're ready to go.
-
This Is the Skirt Fashion People Are Going to Be Wearing for the Next 3 MonthsHere's how to style yours.
-
If You're Going to Wear All Black This Summer, at Least Try This Almost-Neutral Shoe ColorJulianne Moore gets it.
-
J.Crew Is Having a Major Sale RN—Here Are 29 Pieces I Immediately Added to My CartUp to 50% off.
-
People With Cool Style Are All Wearing These 11 Dress Trends This SummerAnd it's hard to pick a favorite.
-
No Need to Look Anywhere Else—These 36 Revolve Summer Accessories Are All You Really NeedIncluding pretty jewelry, colorful headscarves, and chic sunglasses.
-
Fashion People in Their 30s and 60s Are Deprioritizing White Tees and Wearing This Chic Color Trend InsteadZoë Kravitz and Julianne Moore approve.
-
I'm a Corporate Girlie Now—32 J.Crew Pieces That Have Me Excited for My Morning CommuteFor a fashionable 9-to-5.
-
Overnight, These Became Fashion's Most Wanted Sandals for Summer 2025The Row lovers, listen up.
