Women’s 2024 Summer Wardrobe Essentials
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Refreshing your summer wardrobe is all about scoring the right pieces that effortlessly mix and match with what’s already in your closet while dabbling in summer 2024 trends to bring a dash of excitement to your summer style. Whether you are building a summer capsule or you simply need to update your closet with new summer essentials, we’ve curated a 2024 summer wardrobe essentials checklist for women to ensure you’re never left wondering what to wear in the warm weather. From timeless classics like a linen blazer and sundress to this year’s hottest trends like rosette accents and a trendy bucket hat, these are the must-have items for summer 2024.
Summer Wardrobe Essentials
SUMMER ESSENTIAL
White or Cream Denim Jeans
Cream denim jeans are a must-have in the summer months. Whether you are going for a cream monochrome look or embracing bright summer colors, cream denim complements a variety of summer tops, creating chic outfits that always look put together. In terms of style, wide-leg and straight-leg denim jeans are trending this summer, offering both comfort and a relaxed, effortlessly chic look.
Editor’s Pick:
Dr. Denim Echo Straight Jeans – $100
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Levi’s Ribcage Wide Leg Denim – $98
SUMMER ESSENTIAL
White Linen Button-Down Shirt
A white linen button-down shirt is a summer staple with light and airy fabric that keeps you cool on hot days. We love the versatility of a white linen shirt, especially for a summer capsule wardrobe — you can dress it up with tailored trousers for a chic look or go casual with shorts or denim for a more relaxed vibe.
Editor’s Pick:
The Shirt White Linen Button-Down – $122
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SUMMER ESSENTIAL
Tan or White Shorts
Another summer staple is a pair of white or tan tailored shorts in fabrics like linen or breathable cotton. Their neutral colors can be effortlessly paired with any top, making outfit planning a breeze. Go for pleated linen shorts for a more polished and put together look, or go for a non-pleated pair for a more casual “lived in” look.
Editor’s Pick:
DÔEN White Cotton Pleated Shorts – $168
Banana Republic Pleated Shorts – $90
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JCrew Stretch Linen Pleated Short – $98
SUMMER TREND
Rosette Top
Rosette tops are a major trend for summer 2024, bringing a touch of romantic flair to any outfit, as seen in the collections of designers like Alexander McQueen and Carolina Herrera during their Spring/Summer 2024 runway shows. These intricate floral embellishments add a delicate yet striking detail that elevates both casual and dressy summer looks.
Editor’s Pick:
Karen Millen Rosette Bodysuit – $75
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JCREW Ribbed Rosette T-Shirt – $59
SUMMER ESSENTIAL
Quality Flip Flops
When warmer weather hits, it’s no secret that flip-flops are a summer essential, especially for beach vacations and lounging by the pool. Instead of buying cheaper flip-flops that you’ll have to replace each summer, we recommend investing in a great pair of premium quality sandals that will look effortlessly chic and last for summers to come.
Editor’s Pick:
TKEES LIly Pigment Flip-Flops – $60
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JCREW Capri Leather Thong Sandal – $87
SUMMER ESSENTIAL
Striped Tank Top
Add a touch of nautical charm to your summer look with a striped tank top perfect for both beach days and city outings. Its classic stripes bring a polished yet relaxed vibe to any outfit, ensuring you look effortlessly chic and stay cool all season long.
Editor’s Pick:
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SUMMER TREND
Cream or Tan Vest
Vests have been trending since Spring. It’s perfect for staying cool and stylish, especially when paired with matching linen pants or shorts for a chic, coordinated look. The best part about investing in a matching set is you can easily mix and match each separate to create a variety of summer outfits.
Editor’s Pick:
L’Agence Drina Linen Vest – $325
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Graham & Spencer Linen Vest – $198
SUMMER ESSENTIAL
White Linen Blazer
White linen blazers have always been a summer staple. This summer, oversized blazers are making room for more tailored styles with cinched-waist blazers and tailored silhouettes trending on the Spring/Summer 2024 runways. The perfect linen blazer is all about fit, so we found tailored styles at various price points.
Editor’s Pick:
Karen Millen Stretch Linen Blazer – $190
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SUMMER ESSENTIAL
T-Shirts & Tank Tops
Classic t-shirts and tank tops are simply a must for putting together your summer outfits. We love the affordable t-shirts and tank tops from NA-KD and Banana Republic Factory while AYR makes amazing basics if you are looking to splurge. For more figure-hugging tanks, Intimissi makes a great option in a variety of colors.
Editor’s Pick:
Intimissi Cotton Tank Top – $19
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NA-KD Double Folded Tank – $29
SUMMER TREND
Yellow Slip Dress
A yellow slip dress is a standout piece for your summer closet, as pastel yellow is one of the hottest colors of the season. Spotted on the Spring/Summer 2024 runways of designers like Jacquemus and Bottega Veneta, this soft hue brings a cheerful and feminine statement to your look. Whether for a sunny brunch or an evening out, a yellow slip dress ensures you stay effortlessly on-trend and radiant.
Editor’s Pick:
eiko ai yellow slip dress – $279
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SUMMER ESSENTIAL
Black or Tan Slides
No wardrobe would be complete without chic slides to slip on and go. Perfect for pairing with jeans, trousers, shorts, and skirts, black or tan slides play the perfect companion to pretty much any summer outfit.
Editor’s Pick:
Aeyde Anna Tan Leather Sandals – $295
Aeyde Anna Black Leather Sandals – $295
More Buying Options:
M Gemi The Amalia Slide – $198
SUMMER ESSENTIAL
Maxi or Midi Skirt
Whether you go for a classic cream, floral, or vibrant color, midi skirts have long been wardrobe essentials to dress up any outfit. For a more casual summer outfit, a denim maxi skirt is not only on-trend for summer – it will become a wardrobe staple for seasons to come.
Editor’s Pick:
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SUMMER TREND
Tie-Front Knit
Tie-front knits are making a cameo in the season’s hottest collections. Perfect for pairing with shorts, maxi skirts, and jeans, they add a unique flair to any summer outfit. You can go for neutrals for a more classic look or opt for bold colors and patterns for a more maximalist summer outfit.
Editor’s Pick:
Aligne Isla Knitted Tie Tank – $128
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SUMMER ESSENTIAL
A sundress is an indispensable summer staple due to its effortless elegance and the ease with which it transitions from casual daywear to date night. Brands like DÔEN, Farm Rio, Ulla Johnson, and Aje offer beautifully crafted sundresses that combine timeless charm with modern sophistication.
Sundress
Editor’s Pick:
DÔEN Ametrine Dress – $398
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Ulla Johnson Anisa Dress – $450
SUMMER ESSENTIAL
Romper
A romper is a must-have for summer, offering a fun and stylish look that’s perfect for any activity. Its one-piece design makes it incredibly convenient, letting you effortlessly go from a beach day to a casual dinner without missing a beat. We love this classic romper from Karen Millen available in multiple colors.
Editor’s Pick:
Karen Millen Linen Belted Romper – $121
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Seafolly LInen Playsuit – $158
SUMMER TREND
Polo Tee
Polo tees are on trend for summer, appearing on the runways of brands like Lacoste, Prada, and Michael Kors during their Spring/Summer 2024 shows. A polo tee blends casual comfort with a preppy and polished look that can take you from the farmer’s market to the Hamptons. We love the quality of this silk knit polo so much that we included it in our designer finds under $200.
Editor’s Pick:
LilySilk Ribbed Silk Knit Polo – $189
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SUMMER ESSENTIAL
Strappy Heels
Strappy heels are a summer staple, effortlessly adding a chic accent to any look while keeping things light and breezy. Whether you’re heading to a garden party or a night out, their delicate straps and sleek design will instantly elevate your summer look.
Editor’s Pick:
Marcella NY Greta Sandals – $168
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Schutz Aimee Block Heel – $138
SUMMER ESSENTIAL
White Linen Trousers
White linen trousers are a summer favorite – they keep you cool while looking effortlessly stylish. Their crisp, clean look pairs beautifully with everything from a casual tee to a more formal blouse.
Editor’s Pick:
Favorite Daughter Linen Trousers – $240
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SUMMER ESSENTIAL
Bathing Suit & Cover Up
A classic swimsuit is a must for lounging by the pool and summer vacations. Whether you opt for a one-piece or bikini, we love the swim collections at Anthropologie, L Space, Vitamin A, Monday Swimwear, and Maaji. When it comes to bathing suit cover-ups, comfort is key. You can go classic in a chic button-down cover-up or a more lavish knit or pattern.
Editor’s Pick:
Same Los Angeles One-Piece – $156
JCREW Relaxed Beach Shirt – $45
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SUMMER TREND
Bucket Hat
Bucket hats are having a major moment this summer, popping up everywhere from high fashion runways to street style. Their playful yet practical design makes them perfect for sunny days, adding a trendy edge to any outfit while keeping you cool and protected.
Editor’s Pick:
Lack of Color Raffia Bucket hat – $150
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Nanushka White Bucket Hat – $115
SUMMER ESSENTIAL
Beach Bag
A beach bag is a summer must-have, perfect for stashing all your seaside essentials like sunscreen, towels, and snacks. With its spacious design and stylish look, it’s the ideal companion for a day of fun in the sun, keeping you organized and ready for anything.
Editor’s Pick:
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Demellier London Maxi Santorini – $344
SUMMER ESSENTIAL
Sunglasses
Whether you prefer independent sunglasses brands or well-known designers like Prada and Yves Saint Laurent, there’s no question that sunglasses are a summer staple.
Editor’s Pick:
Saint Laurent Black Sunglasses – $475
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Illesteva Mary Lou Sunglasses – $278
Summer Style on Social
Get inspired by seeing how the summer essentials and trends are being styled on social.
