Katie Dishes on Her Summer 2025 Wardrobe Staples

Katie’s loving this tiered shirtdress. The rich chocolate hue is fashion-forward without trying too hard, while the full button placket gives it some unexpected versatility: Wear it fully closed for a polished look, style it open as a lightweight duster, or unbutton the bottom for a little extra legroom (and drama). Quince has some similar-looking dresses, however the color options are different from the ones at Brochu Walker.

We’re all about pieces that can be worn a number of ways, like these huggies that transform into chainlink drop earrings in the flash of an eye. They make a statement without feeling gaudy, and they’re classic enough to be worn on a daily basis. Because these are gold-plated and not solid gold, we recommend taking these off before showering or hopping in the pool to avoid tarnishing.

Say hello to your new summer sidekick: This Italian leather and raffia crossbody. The classic shape and playful texture beautifully juxtapose one another, and the bag itself is roomy enough for all the essentials. The strap is adjustable and removable, so you’ll find new ways to wear it all season long.

Easy and breezy is the name of the game when the temps are so high you don’t even want to put clothes on. Aside from your birthday suit, this cotton dress is the coolest thing you can wear when it’s sweltering out. Made from stretch cotton, the fabric is extremely breathable and doesn’t cling to your body. And while the length allows the legs to breathe, it’s long enough that you won’t accidentally moon anyone if you have to bend over. We know the price point is a bit high, but you can find similar dresses at places like Nordstrom or Madewell.

Shorts are perhaps the trickiest summer staple to style: Too short and you risk showing off more than you intend, but too long and you’re teetering into basketball shorts territory. This pair by Argent effortlessly toes the line, and the front pleats and flowy twill give them a more formal feel than a similar denim style. We’ll be taking our inspiration from Katie, who recently wore Argent shorts with a matching blazer for her official UVA portrait. She kept it classic by completing the look with a white T-shirt and sneakers.

For a similar look at half the price, this pair at J.Crew has the same inseam length and silhouette as the ones from Argent. The fabric has a basketweave texture, which will help it stand out against everything from silky camisoles to plain white tees.

A sleek upgrade from Birkenstocks, these leather slides are Katie’s “it” shoe of the summer. Equal parts form, function, and foot-pampering comfort, these sandals are built to go the distance on sunny days in the city or during boardwalk strolls.

Known for its delicate floral prints and stunning fabrics, Liberty has been creating eye-popping textiles for over a century. When they paired with J.Crew for a collection, it was a match made in heaven. Katie picked up this ditsy floral number, which is currently on sale for under $100.

A little wedge never hurt anybody — especially when paired with a cloud-like padded footbed. These neutral sandals are putting in the work in Katie’s current shoe rotation, as she’s wearing them with dresses, skirts, shorts, and everything in between. They also come in black and brown if you prefer shoes that won’t show dirt.

As a petite gal, Katie always opts for a little extra height when shoe shopping. These espadrilles add some lift without being extremely high, meaning they’re not a nightmare to walk in. They look great paired with sun dresses or trousers, and you can adjust the fit with the tie strap. 

Everyone should own one high-quality silk dress — they’re timeless and can be worn across all different seasons and events. The key is to opt for something slinky like this one, because it won’t stick to your skin if you sweat. A creamy ivory color like this works year-round, and the mid-calf length is universally complementary. If the price tag scares you away from this one, you can find dresses in similar styles at places like Nordstrom.