15 Best Style Essentials for Summer 2025, According to Editors

“Like everyone else, I love a loose linen pant in the summer. Typically I wear white or off-white linen pants, but this summer I want to opt for a fun color and I’ve been gravitating towards this light yellow pair!” —Tess Donlevie, Senior Designer

“There are few pieces that achieve summer wardrobe workhorse status like a good pair of shorts. J.Crew’s classic chino style is the sweet spot—easy to wear with casual outfits, but polished enough to dress up with a more formal top. I personally own them in half a dozen colors and turn to them over and over through the season.” —Lauren Hubbard, Contributor

“I have my eye on this block heel sandal, which seems to go with every summer dress I own.” —Danielle Stein Chizzik, Deputy Editor

“I can’t resist a fun mini in the summer, especially this Rebecca Vallance one that’s butter yellow—the color of the season!” —Emily Burack, Senior News Editor

“Now that summer’s here, I’m in need of some seaside jewelry. Like a mermaid spotting treasure in the deep blue sea, I’ve fallen head over ‘fins’ for this gorgeous multi-shell and stone necklace from Chan Luu.” —Mayra Morales, Fashion Assistant

“Comfortable shoes in the city are a must. I’ve been loving A. Emery’s shoes recently, and these are next on my wishlist. I’m a big ankle wrap person, and I love that these have a buckle instead of a tie for a secure strap.” —Hannah Morrolf, Assistant Fashion Editor

“This Jacquie Aiche lapis bottle necklace will bring bohemian chic into your summer wardrobe, and you’ll be smelling good through the sweat-inducing warm temperatures.” —Dania Ortiz, Fashion & Accessories Director

“I think Massimo Dutti is so underrated in the States (although I really hope it stays that way). Last summer I bought a satin brown midi that I pretty much wore every other day so this year I’m going back to expand the repertoire.” —Leena Kim, Editor

“Good polo shirts are suprisingly hard to find. I like Vince’s pima cotton polos in a solid color (optic white is my favorite on hot, sunny days). The fabric is just the right weight and the length is perfect.” —Norman Vanamee, Articles Director

“The moment I laid on eyes on these earrings from Jennifer Behr’s sea-inspired Tied and Time Collection, I knew I had to have them. They are so friggin’ adorable and work like a charm to elevate any looks. Prepare for the constant compliments to roll in.” —Sophie Dweck, Shopping Editor

“This simple white mini dress (that’s actually a romper!) is the perfect blank canvas for styling this summer. I already see myself dressing it casually with white sneakers and a sun hat and dressing it up with a cute pair of sandals and killer accessories. So versatile.” —Sophie Dweck, Shopping Editor

“A good summer bag is essential. I like mine to be roomy, but still somewhat structured, so I can carry what I need with me (longer days of light mean I’m less likely to head home to change) but still look put together. Il Bisonte’s latest from the Archive 1970 capsule is classic, through and through, and has all the details that makes a summer carryall perfection.”—Roxanne Adamiyatt, Digital Lifestyle Director

“Doên is great year round, but for summer? They always deliver a collection so good that I struggle to choose. This season, I’m playing with sheer elements, and this gorgeous lace skirt is at the top of my list. I can think of a million ways to style it. And trust me, between now and September you’ll see them all.”—Roxanne Adamiyatt, Digital Lifestyle Director