My Summer Shopping Shortlist: 46 Pieces That Have Taken Up Permanent Residence in My Brain
By Isabelle Adler
Published 26 May 2026
There’s something about summer dressing that feels like a deep exhale. The heavy layers get stuffed into the back of the closet, the silhouettes loosen up, and suddenly getting dressed stops feeling like a negotiation and starts feeling like second nature again. Right now, my brain is fully consumed with warm-weather shopping: breezy fabrics that actually let your skin breathe, elevated basics that do the heavy lifting without trying too hard, and those vacation pieces that somehow look just as right on a city sidewalk as they do on a beach boardwalk.
Consider this my ongoing, ever-expanding love letter to summer style—46 items I cannot stop thinking about, each one promising to make any outfit feel a little more intentional, a little more effortless, and a whole lot more fun.
The Foundation Pieces (That Don’t Feel Like Basics)
Let’s start with the unsung heroes. Vuori’s Villa Short ($74) has no business being this perfect—it’s the kind of closet staple you reach for on repeat without ever getting bored. Same goes for Express’s Airy Soft V-Neck Dolman Sleeve Sweater ($68), an oversized lightweight knit that I’d happily keep draped over my shoulders for aggressively air-conditioned restaurants and those unexpectedly chilly beach nights. And can we talk about the Perfect T-Shirt from nuuds ($52)? Yes, the name is bold. No, it’s not an exaggeration.
Shoes That Do the Walking (And the Talking)
My summer footwear wish list is honestly getting out of hand. Soludos’ Venetian Flat in Sorbet Pink ($129) makes even the laziest outfit feel deliberately polished—it’s magic in woven form. For something sleeker, Bared Footwear’s Cettia Flats ($289) offer that black-flat reliability with an unexpectedly refined edge. And then there’s Kurt Geiger’s Crystal Strap Flat Mule ($188), which is basically the shoe equivalent of an easy summer night out: low effort, high reward.
On the sneaker front, New Balance’s 204L ($120) has that retro-cool energy that looks especially fantastic with baggy denim. And yes, I’ve officially joined the Samba Og crowd ($110)—I keep seeing them everywhere, and resistance is feeling increasingly futile.
The Dresses and Tops That Steal the Show
Banana Republic’s Linen Scoop-Neck Maxi Dress ($198) is the kind of elevated staple that makes you look like you tried without actually having to try—a rare and valuable quality. For wedding guest duty, Karen Millen’s Cotton Linen 3D Floral Bubble Hem Midi Dress ($459) is an absolute knockout. And Free People’s Cherry Scallop Top ($88) is what I’d call a “wear on repeat” situation—the kind of shirt that ends up in every vacation photo because you just can’t stop reaching for it.
That slinky halter moment? Express delivers with a Halter Cowl Neck Open Back Tank ($48) that feels custom-made for rooftop drinks and warm summer nights. Helsa’s Slinky Jersey Off The Shoulder Top ($178) takes the elevated basic concept and executes it flawlessly. And Tibi’s Poplin Strappy Open Back Top ($435) went straight into my cart—no hesitation, no regrets.
Accessories That Actually Accessorize
Michael Kors’ Izzy Small Crocheted Barrel Pochette ($160) is vacation dressing distilled into bag form. That crocheted texture alone makes it a standout. For something with more movement, Kurt Geiger’s Oxford Fringe Drench Shoulder Bag ($298) adds just the right amount of swing and personality. Fossil’s Raquel Mini Three-Hand Gold-Tone Watch ($198) offers that tiny hit of polish that elevates a simple tank-and-jeans look or a stack of bracelets. And Vitamin A’s Tulum Bucket Hat ($120) is practically screaming for a summer getaway.
The “Living in This” Category
Cozy Earth’s Luxe Bath Robe (on sale for $118) is what I’d live in on slow mornings with nowhere to go. Roller Rabbit’s Florence Lace Pippa Dress ($248) balances romantic lace details with something that never feels overly sweet. For chillier evenings, Vuori’s Villa Everyday Wideleg ($128) seems like the perfect throw-on. And Aviator Nation’s New York Yankees relaxed hoodie ($175) has that perfectly worn-in feel that you can’t fake—you just have to earn it over time.
A Few Final Obsessions
Hunza G’s Blue Mia Beaded Swimsuit ($285) was basically made for vacation photos—bright, beaded, and unforgettable. Agolde’s Yellow Laria Pierced Jeans ($270) have claimed the title of color of the summer, and I’m not arguing. And because what’s summer without a glow, Petajane’s Self-Tanning Face & Body Mist ($42) rounds things out nicely.
Summer dressing, at its best, shouldn’t feel like work. These 46 pieces? They make it feel like play.
Isabelle Adler is a New York–based contributing writer covering fashion, beauty, and lifestyle for Elle, Esquire, Good Housekeeping, and other publications.
