Summer brings plenty of fun micro-trends, but the real stars are those timeless staples you reach for year after year. Think effortless linen shirts, classic sandals, and that trusty swimsuit you always feel good in—the kind of pieces you grab without thinking when packing for a weekend away or on those “I have nothing to wear” days.
Vogue Editors’ Summer Must-Haves:
– The Knit Tank: Róhe textured cotton tank ($360)
– The Drawstring Pant: Favorite Daughter’s Beach Walk wide-leg pants ($128)
– The Market Tote: Cos striped tote ($99)
– The Everyday Flip-Flop: St. Agni padded leather flip-flops ($305)
– The Leather Sandal: A. Emery Jalen sandals ($220)
– The Woven Basket Bag: Dragon Diffusion leather tote ($565)
– The Printed Scarf: Gucci silk twill carré ($520)
– The Shirtdress: Totême parachute maxi dress ($840)
Our editors have shared their tried-and-true favorites to help you build your own summer wardrobe. From seasonless dresses to versatile beach bags and signature sunglasses, these are the pieces Vogue staffers rely on all summer.
### Nicole Phelps, Global Director, Vogue Runway & Vogue Business
“I snagged these GU pants on my first visit to their new Broadway store. At just $39, I’m putting the savings toward 45R’s indigo-dyed tee. A simple sandal (like these from Ancient Greek) and a lightweight tote are NYC summer essentials—my husband and I have matching RTH bandana totes, but I’m eyeing this vibrant blue one next.”
– 45R Big Slit T-shirt ($256)
– GU Tech Pull-On Pants ($40)
– RTH Simple Tote ($125)
– Ancient Greek Sandals Ikesia ($345)
### Chloe Malle, Editor, Vogue.com
“After a rainy May and June, I’m hoping for pool-worthy weather! This summer, I’m channeling ‘cool mom’ vibes. Left on Friday’s swimsuits hold up for serious pool play while still looking chic, and this metallic crochet tote keeps toddler essentials stylishly hidden.”
– Left on Friday Fast Track Suit ($180)
– J.Crew Metallic Tote ($118)
– Jennifer Behr Calandra Necklace ($368)
– SunnyLife Dive Buddies ($30 at Target)
### Libby Page, Executive Shopping Director
“Summer in the city calls for easy, elevated basics. A drawstring waist and a giant tote (always packed with sunscreen) are musts. I swear by A. Emery sandals—when you find what works, stick with it!”
– The Row Cedar Top ($2,850)
– Cos Drawstring Pants ($109)
– A. Emery Jalen Sandals ($220)
– Cos Striped Tote ($99)
### Leah Faye Cooper, Digital Style Director
“Short dresses, white separates, bold sunglasses, and sky-high platforms—that’s summer dressing perfected.”
– Lisou Sofia AfroCamo Dress ($455)
– Arias New York Pearl Mini Skirt ($695)
– Tory Burch Studded Wedges ($428)
– Cubitts Matilda Sunglasses ($198)
### Talia Abbas, Associate Shopping Director
“Give me crisp cotton pants, a woven tote, and flip-flops, and I’m set. A white drawstring pant is the perfect blank canvas—pair it with Róhe’s knit tank or a ribbed Éterne top for effortless style.”
– With Nothing Underneath Boyfriend Shirt ($190)
– Cos Drawstring Pants ($109)
– Róhe Textured Tank ($360)
Wear, repeat, and enjoy summer in style!Dragon Diffusion
Eclipse woven leather tote
$565 | NET-A-PORTER
Ben-Amun
Exclusive oversized fish necklace
$205 | MODA OPERANDI
A. Emery
Kinto leather flip flops
$160 | NET-A-PORTER
Madeline Fass, Associate Fashion Director
There are a few summer staples I wear on repeat—after all, the season is all about ease. Flip-flops are my go-to shoes, pairing them with everything from linen trousers at the office to a beachside kaftan. This summer, I treated myself to a new pair from A. Emery in a wider silhouette. I also wear summer jewelry daily, especially shell pieces, along with my must-have sunglasses (Ahlem’s Villette—my signature pair!) and Tropic of C’s scoop one-piece swimsuit. These are the effortless, versatile items I always pack first.
Tropic of C
The Sculpting C bodysuit
$200 | TROPIC OF C
Ahlem Eyewear
Villette sunglasses
$525 | AHLEM EYEWEAR
Matteau
Cotton drawstring pants
$340 | BERGDORF GOODMAN
Renata.Q
Strom crocheted seashell necklace
$350 | MODA OPERANDI
A. Emery
Kinto leather thong sandals
$170 | MYTHERESA
Cortne Bonilla, Senior Shopping Writer
When summer arrives, I lean into lightweight, breezy dresses—oversized poplin styles, bandeau silhouettes—anything fuss-free for my daily commute. The best part? They’re versatile enough for work, dinner, or events without needing a change.
Totême
Parachute maxi shirt dress
$840 | NET-A-PORTER
Matteau
Gathered bodice dress
$560 | FWRD
Wardrobe.NYC
Cotton-blend T-shirt dress
$600 | MYTHERESA
Róhe
Harmonica plissé-crepe midi dress
$650 | NET-A-PORTER
Ciarra Lorren Zatoriski, Fashion Editor
“Easy and breezy” sums up my summer style. Matching sets for effortless dressing, slip-on flip-flops, and a roomy tote for all my essentials are my go-tos.
Deiji Studios
Linen shirt and pants set
$279 | NET-A-PORTER
St. Agni
Sumi padded leather flip flops
$305 | NET-A-PORTER
Métier
Vérité All Day woven straw tote
$4,050 | NET-A-PORTER
Zara Home
Striped velour beach towel
$60 | ZARA HOME
Elise Taylor, Senior Living Writer
How many white drawstring pants are too many? I own four pairs (and counting). Paired with a breezy button-down and a raffia tote, they’re my perfect summer uniform.
Favorite Daughter
The Beach Walk wide-leg pants
$128 | NORDSTROM
Totême
Fluid drawstring trousers
$420 | TOTÊME
Laia Furtado-Garcia, Senior Fashion News Editor
I usually love bold summer looks, but I’m trying something new with this shiny brown corset-style swimsuit from C.Design. It’s not too high-cut (no ’80s vibes here!) and would look great post-beach with acid-wash jeans and chunky sandals. I’m also into waist-tied scarves for a carefree touch—this Gucci one is perfect.
C Design
Corset maillot
$227 | C DESIGN
Eckhaus Latta
Baggy jeans
$425 | SSENSE
Hereu
Slingback sandals
$480 | HEREU
Gucci
Printed silk twill scarf
$520 | GUCCI
Florence O’Connor, Associate Content Manager
I live in flowy skirts and dresses in summer—this Madewell midi is ideal for transitioning from freezing offices to warm evening walks. A great pair of sunglasses (Jimmy Fairly is my new favorite) and a statement necklace (I wear my Spicy Dan one daily) add flair to NYC heat. And, of course, no summer is complete without… [text cut off]No summer wardrobe is complete without an easy button-down shirt, and this Gap x Dôen one will take me from Labor Day and beyond!
Jimmy Fairly
The Elvie sunglasses
$150 | JIMMY FAIRLY
Gap x DÔEN
Cotton poplin PJ shirt
$64 | GAP
Shop Spicy Dan
Bevo necklace
$195 | SHOP SPICY DAN
Madewell
Smocked-waist midi skirt
$138 | MADEWELL
— Hannah Jackson, fashion writer
The perfect New York summer outfit needs to be both stylish and practical, especially when you’re running around the city. (No one wants to turn down a spontaneous walk because their shoes are giving them blisters!) These Teva sandals, loved by the Olsens, and a pair of breezy linen pull-on pants are just the thing. I’ll also be wearing a silk scarf all summer—whether as a top, skirt, or headscarf.
Cou Cou Intimates
The baby tee regular
$58 | COU COU INTIMATES
J.Crew
New Soleil pants
$98 | J.CREW
Hermès
Astrologie forever scarf 90
$620 | HERMÈS
Teva
Midform Infinity sandals
$70 | FREE PEOPLE
$42 | AMAZON
— Sam Ravin, community manager, Vogue App
My oversized Mam raffia beach bag is my constant companion all season—it holds everything I need (and more!), plus it’s on sale right now. Style-wise, I go for breezy outfits that work just as well over a swimsuit as they do for lunch in town. Lately, that means my white poplin Hill House skirt paired with an oversized striped button-down. It’s a classic, effortless look that keeps me cool on scorching days when less is more. For sunglasses, I switch between tortoiseshell Le Specs, Gucci’s gold-accented rectangular frames, and timeless Ray-Ban Wayfarers. And I never skip the chunky poolside jewelry!
Faithfull
En Vau oversized shirt
$175 | FAITHFULL
Hill House Home
The Delphine nap skirt
$150 | HILL HOUSE HOME
Fulu Autumn
Pearl choker necklace
$17 | AMAZON
Gucci
Rectangular frame sunglasses
$420 | GUCCI