In a few weeks, I'll be flying to England to visit my family, then hopping on a train to visit a friend in Paris and hopefully getting to Mallorca for a little sunshine and sangria. I'll be away for a month, and while the overpacker in me wants to stuff my entire wardrobe into my suitcase, my goal is to take the load off and travel light. This means really honing in on the essentials. Having an arsenal of elevated and versatile basics is a must. I'm talking about the items that I can lean on day or night, that aren't too bulky (especially for summer travel), and that can be easily mixed and matched throughout my stay.
Below, I'm sharing some of the easy and effortless basics that I'll be packing this summer. From crisp button-downs to day-to-night dresses, these picks below are the perfect blend of practical and stylish and will see you through any vacation in style.
Tank Tops
A white tank is perhaps the most essential item of your summer wardrobe.
A chic silhouette you can wear day or night.
I love the idea of pairing this with crisp white pants and a chic belt.
A good scoop-neck top will never go amiss.
Basic Tees
A crewneck tee you can pair with white shorts and jeans alike.
A summer essential.
A striped tee is perfect for mixing and matching with different bottoms.
I recently got this, and it looks even better in person. I 100% recommend it for wherever you're traveling to.
Button-Downs
A relaxed blue button-down oozes effortless French-girl vibes.
A white linen button-down to style over bikinis and tank tops alike.
A striped button-down will add instant polish.
Classic and timeless.
Linen Vests Blazers
The color is incredibly versatile.
Perfect from sunrise to sunset.
The vest that instantly says you're a fashion person.
A linen blazer is a must to throw on over tops and dresses on breezy summer evenings. This one is a favorite of mine.
A white linen blazer always looks so sophisticated.
Simple Skirts
Full skirts are trending, and this one is a WWW best seller.
Wear with flat sandals and heels alike.
So many ways to wear it.
When you don't have time to think, simply style this chic floral midi skirt with a tank top and sandals.
Effortless Pants
Don't travel without a pair of easy and chic white linen pants this summer.
Striped pants are trending and are also incredibly versatile.
Add a sophisticated touch to your look.
Comfy, relaxed jeans are ideal for city escapes.
Casual Shorts
The fashion set can't get enough of boxer-style shorts.
A no-brainer for any summer vacation.
The ones you'll throw on and go.
These vintage-inspired denim shorts get rave reviews.
Day-to-Night Dresses
A-line fit-and-flare dresses are everywhere this season, and they're incredibly versatile for day or night.
Time for an LWD update.
You just can't go wrong with a black silk slip dress.
For exploring, for dining, for the pool. Wear it everywhere.
The little black dress you'll come back to time and again.
I love this effortless and easy silhouette.
Comfy and Versatile Shoes
Mesh flats are trending hard this summer. Pair these with skirts, denim shorts, dresses—the list goes on.
Honestly, you'll never regret packing a pair of black ballet flats.
When you want to be comfy and cool.
Guaranteed, I'll be reaching for these of-the-moment sneakers on repeat.
Everyday Accessories
An ivory belt adds a luxe touch to your look.
Chic '90s sunglasses are all you need.
The perfect-size gold hoops you can wear both day and night.
The chic bag you can wear for every occasion.
-
The 2 Tank Top Trends That Make Every Outfit Look Peak 2025It's all in the details—er, necklines.
-
I'm a Shopping Editor—These 31 Under-$50 Amazon Finds Are Giving Main Character EnergyThese were really hard not to gatekeep.
-
'90s Minimalism Is My Summer Aesthetic—This Is My Capsule WardrobeTimeless.
-
I'm Swapping Out My Crewneck Tees for These 7 Rich-Looking Neckline SilhouettesUltra-cool and ultra-chic.
-
Don't Pack Up Your Sweaters Just Yet—Cool Fashion People Are Repurposing Them in the Chicest Way for SummerAll the outfit inspiration is inside.
-
10 Summer Outfit Ideas That Will Make Anyone Look Like a Fashion PersonGet ready for endless compliments.
-
How to Style Your Basics So They Look Like The Row (But Cost $390 or Less)Prepare to bookmark every outfit.
-
My Friend Wanted to Know the 5 Chic Items I Think Are Worth Buying—Here's My Short ListThe staples.
