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Out of all the flashy and fun micro-trends summertime brings, what shouldn’t be overlooked are those key staples that are worn repeatedly season after season. Think: versatile linen shirting, classic sandals, and the kind of swimsuit you’ll always feel comfortable in. These are the types of practical summer essentials you reach for every time you pack your weekender or when you don’t want to think about what you’re going to wear.
Vogue Editors’ Summer Essentials:
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Luckily, our editors have shared their tried-and-trues (and their go-tos) in hopes to help you find yours. Here you’ll find everything from reliable dresses brought to the front of the wardrobe each season to practical and stylish beach bags and totes that pass the every occasion wear test, plus, the signature sunglasses silhouettes from a handful of editors. All of that and more of the staples Vogue staffers depend on all summer long.
Nicole Phelps, global director, Vogue Runway and Vogue Business
I bought these easy-wearing GU pants on my first trip to the brand’s new Broadway store. The money I saved on their low-low price of $39 I will put to 45RPM’s deluxe indigo dyed tee. A simple sandal like this pair from Ancient Greek is a New York City summer essential, as is a lightweight bag. My husband and I have matching RTH bandana totes, but I’m eyeing a fresh one in this vibrant blue color.
Chloe Malle, editor Vogue.com
It has been the rainiest May and June in memory but here’s hoping for a sunny, pool-appropriate second half of the month! The vibe I’m going for this summer is, I’m not a regular mom, I’m a cool mom. The Left on Friday swimsuits stay on for intense mermaid diving and also look great and I can tote all my toddler essentials in this crochet bag but make it a bit buried treasure in gold.
Libby Page, executive shopping director
Getting the foundations of your wardrobe right ahead of a summer in the city is essential. For me, it’s about easy, comfortable but elevated pieces that can be worn in multiple ways that are fuss-free and act as a great backdrop for more playful accessories. A drawstring waistband is a must, as is a giant tote that I can throw virtually anything in (sunscreen always). I am an A. Emery hoarder and own several styles in several colors. When you find something that works, stick to it!
Leah Faye Cooper, digital style director
Short dresses, white separates, bold sunglasses, and very high platform sandals. For me, when it comes to summer dressing, nothing is better.
Talia Abbas, associate shopping director
Give me a crisp cotton pant, a woven tote, flip-flop and I’m all set. A white drawstring pant is perfect blank canvas for any kind of top or irreverent accessory; for texture, I love Róhe’s crafty knit, otherwise, it’s a ribbed Éterne tank and a button-down. Wear and repeat!
Madeline Fass, associate fashion director
There are a handful of go-to items I wear on repeat during the summer, after all, the season is all about ease. For shoes, I pair flip-flops with ultimately every outfit. I love the laid-back feeling they exude no matter if I’m in a linen trouser at the office or in a kaftan beachside. For this summer, I got myself another pair from A. Emery’s in a new, wider silhouette. You can find me in some version of summer jewelry everyday of the season, shells are my favorite! Plus, a reliable pair of sunglasses and swimsuits are a must. For me, it’s Ahlem’s Villette (my signature pair!) and Tropic of C’s scoop one-piece. The kinds of versatile, feel-good items you always end up packing in your suitcase first!
Cortne Bonilla, senior shopping writer
When summer rolls around, I can’t help but to gravitate toward easy, breezy, weightless dresses—from oversized poplin styles to bandeau silhouettes. I don’t like extreme heat, and the only thing that keeps me from feeling suffocated on my daily commute is to have as little fuss as possible. Plus, the versatility of these pieces! I can wear them to work, for post-work dinner dates, or events, without having to change a single thing.
Ciarra Lorren Zatoriski, fashion editor
Easy and breezy, just like the calm of summer, are two words synonymous with my style staples for the season. Think matching sets for a stress-free dressing, grab-and-go flip flops, and a carryall to tote around all of my summer essentials!
Elise Taylor, senior living writer
How many pairs of white drawstring pants are too many pairs of white drawstring pants? Don’t ask me...I own four pairs and counting. Pair it with an easy, breezy button-down and a raffia tote for the perfect summer off-duty uniform.
Laia Furtado-Garcia, senior fashion news editor
I am usually a bright-and-bold summer style girl, but I’m feeling the pull to try something new after I got this shiny brown swimsuit by C.Design when I was in Sydney recently—I love the slight corset-style on the bodice and the fact that it’s not the leg isn’t too high-cut (I hate an ’80s style high-cut leg!). Feel like it would look so cool aprés beach with these acid wash green jeans from Eckhaus Latta, and these super groovy Hereu sandals. Another thing I’m really into is just tying a scarf around the waist or hips for a lil carefree dose of visual interest, and this Gucci scarf could certainly do the trick.
Florence O’Connor, associate content manager
I basically live in long flowy skirts and dresses in the summer and this smoked midi skirt from Madewell is perfect for transitioning from frigid A/C-blasting offices to evening strolls back home in 80 degree weather. I also find an easy way to spice up your outfits in the New York City heat is with a great pair of sunglasses (Jimmy Fairly are my new favorites) and a fun statement necklace (I pretty much wear my Spicy Dan necklace everyday at this point.) And of course, no summer season is complete without an easy button down and this Gap x Dôen one will carry me through Labor Day and beyond!
Hannah Jackson, fashion writer
The ideal New York summer outfit must be as functional as it is chic, especially on days when you re running around town. (You never want to be the person who has to decline a spontaneous walk around town because your shoes are giving you blisters!) Perhaps nothing fits the bill better than these Olsen-approved Teva sandals and a pair of breathable, pull-on linen pants. You ll also catch me in a silk scarf all summer long, be it as a top, a skirt, or a headscarf.
Sam Ravin, community manager, Vogue App
My giant Mam raffia beach bag is truly by my side all season. It fits everything I could possibly need and then some (and it’s on sale right now!). Style-wise, I tend to opt for breezy pairings that work just as well over a bikini as they do for lunch in town. Lately, that’s meant my white poplin Hill House skirt paired with an oversized striped button-down. It’s a timeless combo that keeps me cool and pulled together, especially on those especially hot days when less is definitely more. For eyewear, I typically rotate between my tortoiseshell Le Specs, Gucci’s rectangular frames with gold accents, and classic Ray-Ban Wayfarers. Oh, and I never forget the oversized pool jewelry!
