Summer is now in full swing, which means the days are mostly being spent outdoors. Whether you prefer the beach or the country, summertime fashion needs to be as reliable as the SPF you apply, in order to make the most out of the warm-weather season.
This year, there’s no shortage of options. Take it from our team, who spent the last month trying out all the summer fashion essentials in their wardrobes to recommend the absolute best. From roomy handbags and life-changing (yes, you read that right) dresses to shoes made to walk miles, here are the best fashion items our team can’t get enough of this season.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Larroudé Goldie Mule
“I’ve been living in a uniform of tank tops, linen pants, and these (slightly) heeled sandals from Larroudé — the brand also responsible for my favorite winter booties — that are minimal enough without looking boring and comfortable to spend all day in.” — Irina Grechko, fashion director
Larroudé Goldie Mule, $, available at Revolve
Levi’s XL Trucker Jacket
“Ever wanted to wear a jacket that feels like a warm hug? This jacket by Levi’s is my first-ever piece of denim outerwear (weird, I know), and I wasn’t expecting it to feel as soft as it does. The oversized silhouette makes it super roomy for layering in the fall and winter seasons but is light enough to wear over dresses for spring days and T-shirts for summer nights, too. I’ve loved styling mine with skirts, as well as layered with a sweater over the shoulder.” — Frances Solá-Santiago, fashion writer
Levi’s Xl Trucker Jacket, $, available at Levi’s
Soda chunky sandals
“I haven’t thought of the brand Soda in close to two decades, but after a recent search for cute sandals that passed the comfy test, I was drawn in by this cream platform-heeled pair. Believe it or not, these are the most comfortable sandals I own. I’m not sure how, but these babies got me through a full day stomping around at a music festival with nary an issue. It feels like every time I wear them, someone comments, ‘Wow, I can’t believe you’re wearing those heels all day,’ and every time I shrug it off because in this case, beauty is not pain.” — Annie Black, senior social editor
Soda Soda Open Toe Lug Sole Block Heel Sandals, $, available at Walmart
Abercrombie Pleated Dress
“A few years ago, I definitively gave up dresses. For gender expression and aesthetic reasons, I became a jumpsuit-only girly. That is, until I came across this dress in blue while searching for a bridesmaid look and had a full existential crisis. When I put it on my body it felt so right I nearly screamed in the dressing room of Abercrombie. My body looked exactly how I always pictured it in my head. Most importantly, the cut-outs and the pleats made me feel beautiful without feeling too feminine. Basically, this dress changed my life.” — Hannah Rimm, senior editor, Money Diaries
Abercrombie Satin Pleated Cutout Maxi Dress, $, available at Abercrombie
Mini Leather Basket
“This black woven bag from Little Liffner is the perfect day-to-night summer accessory for me. It’s big enough to fit all of my essentials during the day (including a book!), but small enough to dress up for a dinner or night out. I particularly love the soft woven leather and unique metal toggle closure. It’s super high-quality and durable and at a price point that isn’t outrageous for something that should last a lifetime.” — Kate Spencer, senior affiliate strategistLittle Liffner Mini Leather Basket, $, available at Little Liffner
Sleeper Flower Power Jacket
“While this blazer is technically from Sleeper’s wedding line — and I can’t wait to see an IRL bride style it for their big day! — it’s also perfect for any summer occasion. The poppy flower appliqués, created in collaboration with Ukrainian designer Anton Belinskiy, and the pink satin bow closure make it dressy enough to go with full skirts and dresses but are also perfect for quickly elevating a more casual pant or even a jeans look.” — Irina Grechko, fashion director
Sleeper Flower Power Jacket in White, $, available at Sleeper
Caribelle Batik sarong
“I was recently invited to visit the Park Hyatt in St. Kitts and Nevis. One of my favorite stops was Romney Manor, where we got to see how Batik was made, a time-consuming yet supremely rewarding process involving wax that results in brightly colored fabrics. During the trip, I was gifted a sarong — in thee color of the moment. Not only did it come in handy as a cover-up while out on the water, but I used it later on as a shawl to block the afternoon sun. I will absolutely be bringing this along for the rest of my beach trips this summer.” — Annie Black, senior social editor
Caribelle Batik Sarong, $, available at Caribelle Batik
HOKA Hopara
“Would you believe that I receive the most compliments on this pair of shoes? They may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but they’re the perfect chunky ‘ugly’ sandal-sneaker combo that allows me to walk miles on end in ultimate comfort.” — Kate Spencer, senior affiliate strategistHoka Hopara, $, available at Hoka
Gymshark Quilted Mini Tote Bag
“While I’ve long enjoyed the outdoors, I’ve also struggled with dressing for a day in nature. Backpacks have never quite felt right for me, while canvas tote bags are too flimsy to withstand the elements. But this Gymshark quilted bag has all the qualities I’ve long wanted in a nature-ready carry-all. Although it’s small, it still has room for all my essentials like a wallet, sunscreen, keys, and phone. Plus, the quilted texture adds a touch of chicness to any outdoorsy look.” — Frances Solá-Santiago, fashion writer
Gymshark Quilted Mini Tote Bag, $, available at Gymshark
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