Rummage Through Our Editors’ Summer Wardrobe Essentials

“When it comes to curating my wardrobe, I tend to stick to the basics: Lots of black and white, neutrals, and easy-to-style pieces. But, there is something I simply cannot resist about a quirky print. This dress is printed with colorful oysters, sardines, and olives (the print is aptly called “tapas”), and it’s everything I could ever want in a summer dress. Lightweight fabric and a loose silhouette will keep me cool on the sweatiest of days, and I see myself styling this with everything from sneakers to sandals this season, and I’ll be layering a turtleneck and tights beneath it once temps drop.” — Katie Pittman, Commerce Editor

“As a certified cold-weather lover, I hate sweating through synthetic, constricting fabrics (polyester is more of a winter material for me). So when it comes to summer, I stick to a simple formula: I pair an oversized top with structured shorts. And I prefer a natural material like linen or cotton that gives me some much-needed breathing room and feels extra soothing when I’m too hot for something skintight. This linen button down from Free People is just what I need to keep cool while looking put together.” — Diana Valenzuela, Editorial Assistant

“After eyeing them for years, I finally bit the bullet and got a pair of Chaco sandals. I designed my own pair so that I could choose what colors they were (I went with mustard, evergreen, and sky blue if you were curious), mainly because I was overwhelmed by the premade options available on the site. After receiving them in the mail, I’ve hardly taken them off my feet. The straps are totally adjustable and keep your feet secure without discomfort, and the comfortable soles have high arches for extra support. Tens all around!” — Katie Pittman, Commerce Editor

“After years of hard wear, I finally had to replace my beloved MIA Ellen sandals for this coming season. I went with the Lunnas, which are identical but have a more flexible sole for improved walking comfort and a slightly bolder appearance. Otherwise, they have the same well-cushioned sole that feels heavenly under your feet — seriously, I could wear these for miles of walking in New York City — and even though the uppers are synthetic leather, they’re lined with a suede-like material that’s soft and forgiving on the ankles. These perfectly bridge the gap between casual and dressed up, and they look amazing with the majority of my summer closet, from sundresses to white jeans and flowy pants. DSW and Zappos have them at the best price, but Nordstrom has a wider selection of colors and sizes. Happy shopping!” — Ciara Hopkinson, Marketplace Associate

“Call me basic, but as soon as the Air Force Ones became popular among the youths I went out and bought a pair (which probably means I missed the boat on being a sneaker influencer, but whatever). They’re the comfiest sneakers I have ever worn. I feel like I could run a marathon in these shoes (just kidding — I could never run a marathon). Even though they’re popular with the teenage crowd, they’re subtle enough that people of any age can wear them. You don’t have to break them in — through some sort of Nike witchcraft, they immediately mold to your feet. For summer, I bought this cool new pair: They’re off-white with fancy laces and some fun, subtle diamond details that the classics don’t have. I wore these on the subway and a Gen-Zer said to me, “Oh, you got the diamond tips? Bet.” I don’t even know what this means, but Urban Dictionary tells me it’s positive. It was one of the greatest moments of my life thus far.” — Emily Pinto, Senior Producer and Creative Director 

“It might sound like a random summer essential, but hear me out — what’s worse than feeling sucked into an underwire contraption that you’re also sweating through? Not everyone can go braless in the summer, and EBY’s Only Bra is the next best thing to freedom. It’s supportive without any wires and super comfortable. You might even forget you’re wearing it.” – Sara Levine, Newsletter Editor

“I discovered the Pitusa pool cover-ups a few years ago, and have added one to my collection each summer since. They come in great colors and styles: maxi, short, short sleeve, and sleeveless. Plus, the gauze material is perfect for super hot summer days. I currently own the neon orange and the electric blue, but I’ll be adding this classic black maxi version to my collection this year.” — Sara Sajadi, Head of Marketing

“This L.L. Bean has to be what inspired the term “carry-all.” Having grown up five minutes from the original L.L. Bean store, I’ve seen many of these totes come, but not many of them go: They’re nearly indestructible. As a kid, I used them as soccer bags, tennis bags, picnic bags, and for stashing immense amounts of LEGOs. As an adult, I’ve used them as diaper bags, pool bags, kids sports bags, and for stashing immense amounts of LEGOs. Plus, I’ve even used them as actual boat bags. And if you’re really cool, you can get them embroidered with a quirky phrase and become Insta-famous.”  — Matthew Sobocinski, Senior Producer

“My peers have flocked to the Birkenstock Arizona style as their sandal of choice. But being the little contrarian I am, I’ve fallen in love with the Gizeh as a subversive option for my toss-on summer shoe. Going to grab groceries? Summer beach day? Heading to the office? The Gizeh always has my feet covered.” — Sam Vastis, Senior Associate, Account Management

“I adore a good pair of shorts, but I can be a bit picky. My love for denim hot pants peaked at age 19 and I haven’t been a super short-short girlie since. That said, knee-length shorts send me into fever dreams of the Old Navy Bermuda shorts campaign of my childhood. I cherish the middle ground of slightly long line shorts that are comfy but won’t result in weird tan lines. That’s why I love this breathable, 100 percent cotton pair that strikes the perfect balance between ‘up for anything this summer’ and ‘let’s be a little bit realistic.’ — Diana Valenzuela, Editorial Assistant

“When you’re stuck in NYC for the summer, you have to ‘find your beach’ wherever you can get it. 😅 Luckily, there are plenty of green spaces near the Hudson or East River, so you can get creative with your summer sesh setup. That’s where this Crazy Creek chair comes in. It’s foldable, lightweight, and comfortable, which makes it super easy to carry around the city. This bad boy will elevate your average blanket on the grass set up — and you can eat, drink, and read (!) without your arms getting tired (we’ve all been there) or getting cramps in your back or legs from trying to sit up straight.” — Julia Lewis, Producer

“A few years back, my parents took a trip to Hawaii and brought me back a pair of rubber Jesus sandals. I’ve worn them every summer since. I know what you’re thinking, but let me make my case: They’re perfect for the beach — waterproof, durable, easy to clean — and they look great with pretty much any summer outfit, from jeans to a maxi dress. Plus, they’re so damn comfortable. I’ve gotten a ton of compliments, and a few people have asked me where they’re from, to which I reply: ‘A gas station in Oahu, apparently.’ But they’re also available on Amazon, for real cheap.” — Rachel Uda, Senior Writer

“My thighs are BFFs — which is usually cute, but the absolute worst when it’s 85 degrees outside. Enter megababe’s anti-friction stick. After trying out all of the internet ‘hacks’ on ways to get my thighs to stop chafing during hot and humid summers, I’ve finally found the one product that works. A few swipes of this superstar stick on my thighs in the morning and I say ‘so long’ to chafing all day. Yep, all day. Plus, megababe products are vegan; never tested on animals; and free of talc, aluminum, parabens, phthalates, and sulfates. Pop one in your beach bag, your backpack, and your purse.” — Meredith Struewing, Social Media Producer 

“Sandals with a block heel are my go-to summer footwear — whether it’s to a brunch, bridal shower, or even the office. These have the perfect heel height, at a little over two inches, and have a little cushion so I can walk around all day without having to switch shoes. The gold accent adds a little unexpected touch, which I love.” — Sara Levine, Newsletter Editor

“I’m not exaggerating when I say I own five of Silk Laundry’s perfect slip dresses. I’ve worn them to weddings, the beach, and even on long plane rides (wearing a silk dress and compression socks is a traveling hack that is not exactly stylish, but insanely comfortable). I’ve collected them since I discovered the Aussie brand about 8 years ago, and I’m still a loyal fan. They started out by making the ideal, 90s slip dress — the silk is super durable and my dresses still look brand new. But the brand’s other styles are what I’m most curious about, so I’m finally about to branch out beyond the slip and invest in this elegant style that’ll probably prove to be just as dependable. It combines my love of quality clothes I’ll own for life with an unhealthy obsession with mycology. I admit that it’s a pretty big investment, but this Quince style is an affordable alternative (minus the mushrooms). — Justine Carreon, Affiliate Content Manager