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
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
Shop the matching Wide-Leg Essential Pant in Linen.
Pretty Skirts
I've never been super into skirts, but with options this chic—lace, poplin, polka-dot—it's hard not to jump on the bandwagon for summer.
Shop Skirts
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
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
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
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
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
This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
-
5 Street Style Trends from Milan Fashion Week That Will Be Everywhere This FallThe go-to It items.
-
Giorgio Armani's 50th—and Final—Collection Paid Homage to the Late Designer's LegacyEighties supermodels, core house codes, and plenty of Armani gray were the capstone to a half-century of the iconic Italian house.
-
Fashion People With Good Taste Are Obsessed With These Trendy Denim Styles for Fall 2025See the outfit inspo and shop the jeans.
-
FromReplica Store to Zara—Meet the New Fall Items That Will Sell Out By October 15These finds don't stand a chance of making it to November.
-
Cool-Girl Fall Era Loading—31 Picks From Zara, J.Crew, and Gap That Fit the BillI'm a senior shopping editor and these have my stamp of approval.
-
I'm a Stylist—These Are the Only Bags You Need for a Foolproof Capsule CollectionFrom Balenciaga to Phoebe Philo.
-
Sorry to the Black Pieces in My Closet—I'm Obsessed With This Equally Chic, Classic Color for FallFashion people from London to Paris agree.
-
These 12 Fall Skirt Outfit Combos Are Giving Serious Cool Girl EnergyRecreating immediately.
-
Fine, I Won’t Gatekeep—These 27 Abercrombie Finds Are Too Chic to Miss (and They're All On Sale)I can't decide which fall pick is my favorite.
-
I’m a Senior Shopping Editor—These 29 On-SaleReplica Store Basics Are Instant Closet StaplesBring on chic, effortless fall outfits.
