I have a confession to make: I’ve spent the last few weeks shopping up a storm. I’m ready for scorching temps, diving into the ocean and afternoons spent drinking rosé...or at least my revamped wardrobe is. Wondering what you should stock up on for summer 2024? Take some cues from my shopping list, including French-inspired blouses, ‘60s sunglasses and lots of breezy dresses, to inspire your most stylish summer yet. Here, 19 items I plan to add to my shopping cart ASAP, before the season hits full swing.
19 Things PureWow’s Fashion Editor Is Buying for Summer 2024
Bring on the heat
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Published May 9, 2024
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Abby Hepworth for PureWow
1. Ann Taylor Floral Wrap Skirt
Ann Taylor
I’ve had my eye on this breezy stand-out skirt for some time now and feel like it will be a perfect addition to my summer wardrobe. The lower portion silhouette is pleated, adding an extra dimension to the style, and the polyester/cotton blend material is reportedly wonderfully lightweight so I’m unlikely to overheat. Plus, it just looks oh-so luxe and the dark blue color is absolutely gorgeous. Oh, and it also comes in petite sizes too!
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: US 00 to 14, also Petite
- Materials: 65% polyester, 35% cotton
This cotton blouse is just the right balance between sweet and polished, with a ruffled Peter Pan color and sexy looped buttons up the front. It comes in a handful of dainty florals, as well as classic white, but I think the black version is most chic, and feels very French, especially if you leave a few buttons at the top and bottom undone. Reviewers say it fits true to size, and, as a bonus, the textured material packs super well for any summer travel plans you may have coming up.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: XXS to 3X, also Petite
- Materials: 100 percent cotton
3. OluKai Tiara Strappy Sandals
OluKai
I’ve been a fan of OluKai shoes for years, but recently the design team really upped the ante with a flurry of new women’s styles that are supremely chic with all the same comfort, durability and waterproofing the brand is known for. These strappy flats are incredibly easy to dress up or down, and have a cushioned footbed to keep your arches happy all day long. Just note, these sandals are only available in whole sizes, so if you typically wear a half size, OluKai recommends you round down to the nearest whole number.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: US 5 to 11
4. Abercrombie & Fitch Sloane Tailored Pants
Abercrombie & Fitch
These best-selling pants come in a range of fun colors, but for summer I am leaning toward purchasing a sleek white pair for a White Lotus tropical resort vibe. Both PureWow editors and readers rave about how comfortable and chic these pants feel, so I think it’s about time I hop on the bandwagon. Plus, they’re machine washable and dryer safe, and even come in linen for when peak summer heat hits.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: US 23 to 37, also Curve
- Inseam Length: extra short, short, regular or long
- Materials: 75 percent polyester, 22 percent viscose, 3 percent elastane
Cleobella
Wedding season is in fully swing and I need a dress I can make work for multiple different dress codes. This floral beauty is lightweight, can be worn with a regular bra, is fully lined and is just the right length to flatter folks of any height. And I love that the colorful floral print looks great with other bright hues, like cobalt blue or Barbie pink, as well as neutrals and metallics.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: XS to XL
- Materials: 100 percent organic cotton
I am determined to pack light for my summer travels, which means limiting the number of accessories I bring along. Luckily, this classic half-moon bag by Madewell can easily switch from a crossbody for day to a shoulder bag or top handle bag for evening. And it fits a surprising amount of items—including my phone, card case, sunglasses, lip balm, portable charger, ear buds and more—for its compact size. Plus, it comes in lots of color options, like classic black or brown as well as sunny yellow, metallic silver and even white with silver studs.
FAST FACTS
- Materials: 100 percent leather
Varley
This open-weave knit immediately caught my eye as a chic T-shirt alternative that’s just as breathable and easy, but far more chic. It’s made of 100 percent cotton, just like my beloved white tees, so won’t feel nearly as heavy or stifling as other knitwear. And the fact that it’s slightly sheer means I can have fun playing around with layers, whether I want to go for a nude hue, matching white or an unexpected pop of red.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: XXS to XL
- Materials: 100 percent cotton
Shashi
Mob wife, stealth wealth, Parisian chic—all of these hot trends revolve around classic gold statement earrings, like this trio of interlocking hoops. They are classic enough to outlast any fleeting fads, but feel different from the usual gold knots, doorknockers or minimalist hoops. Plus, reviewers say they’re surprisingly lightweight, which is a major bonus when you’re rocking so much bling.
FAST FACTS
- Materials: 14k gold plated brass
9. Everlane A-Line Denim Shorts
Everlane
My friend Laura packed these shorts for a trip last summer and they looked so fabulous on her I immediately forced her to spill the deets on where I could pick up a pair for myself. As the name suggests, they have a slight A-line silhouette which means the legs flare away from the body. This ends up creating the illusion of a cinched-in waist, but also gives your legs some extra wiggle room which is a major plus once that summer humidity starts creeping in. P.S. They also come in a lighter blue wash, black, white and a pale beige hue.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: US 23 to 33
- Materials: 100 percent organic cotton
Tuckernuck
I’ll always like a good little black dress, but the botanical print on this floaty mini is exactly the kind of twist that turned my “like” into “love.” The material is breezy and light, but with enough weight to avoid being see through or running the risk of blowing upward in the wind. And the little gold buttons on the shoulders make the whole thing feel oh-so posh. It’s also machine washable and dryer safe for easy care throughout the summer, and beyond.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: XXS to XXXXL
- Materials: 100 percent polyester
11. Reformation Will Button-Up Shirt
Reformation
Assistant Commerce Editor Natalie LaBarbera turned me on to this oversize shirt, which she owns in at least two colors. “This is a go-to of mine,” she explains. “It has a nice oversize fit so I can wear it on its own or layered, and I even use it as a super lightweight jacket sometimes! It’s super soft and breathable, too, since it’s made from organic cotton with a hint of spandex.” As she says, and numerous reviewers agree, it’s that Goldilocks level of oversize, making it a super versatile piece you can wear all year round.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: XS to XL, also 1X to 3X
- Materials: 98 percent organic cotton, 2 percent spandex
AMO
Rugby shirts are gearing up to be a major trend this summer (the latest in the evolution of atheisure), and while I’ve been eyeing a handful of men’s styles from Ralph Lauren for a truly classic look, the orange-and-pink color combo on this AMO pullover is just too fun to pass on. It’s designed for a slightly oversize fit, but I plan to go up one full size to really maximize the coziness, and so it can double as a coverup for pool and beach days.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: XS to L
- Materials: 100 percent cotton
13. Left On Friday Sunday Suit
Left On Friday
I am somewhat obsessed with swimwear, and there are few brands I adore more than Left On Friday. Every suit I own fits like a dream and is incredibly comfortable, and the color options are just spectacular. And while they don’t come cheap, I can attest, they are well worth the investment as they wash beautifully and last incredibly well year after year. This best-selling Sunday Suit one-piece is a fabulous mix of sexy but not too skimpy, with a super-flattering high-cut leg. The only challenge? Trying to decide which of the 20 colors I want to add to cart first.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: XS to XXL, also Tall
- Materials: 46 percent nylon, 38 percent polyester, 16 percent Lycra
14. L.L.Bean x Summersalt Cloud Gauze Midi Dress
L.L.Bean
Every bathing suit needs a cover-up to match, which is why I’m definitely adding this breezy midi to my shopping cart. It’s made of L.L.Bean’s signature Cloud Gauze material—an incredibly lightweight, breathable cotton that feels like a dream to the touch—in collaboration with another swimwear brand I adore, Summersalt. It also comes in black and navy, both of which are fully opaque, but I kind of like the oh-so-subtle sheerness of the white version to show off my swimwear even when I’m buttoned all the way up.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: XS to 3X
- Materials: cotton
M.Gemi
I love that this raffia tote feels casual enough to use as a beach bag, but also posh enough to double as a work bag during the week. It’s also the ideal size for carrying all the essentials—a laptop, water bottle and planner, or a towel, lunch and sunscreen, plus more—without feeling too enormous. It comes with a canvas lining and two inner pockets to keep small things safe and handy. P.S. You can also opt for white with beige or black and white, if you prefer.
FAST FACTS
- Materials: raffia with Italian leather detailing
16. Le Specs Outta Trash Sunglasses
Le Specs
I’ve become somewhat obsessed with Kristen Wiig’s new show, Palm Royale, and all its glorious ‘60s fashion. (Seriously, if I could swap my entire closet for all the costumes from the show, I would in a heartbeat.) These round sunglasses, which also come in black and lavender, are so just so fun, and such a great vintage-inspired piece that I can easily incorporate into my existing wardrobe. Plus, they’re made partially of recycled materials.
FAST FACTS
- Materials: recycled PET plastic
17. J.Crew Claudia Linen Dress
J.Crew
Another ‘60s-inspired pick, this easy mini dress from J.Crew is made of lightweight linen with gold buttons down the front. It comes in white, navy and black linen, as well as an indigo denim, but I just can’t stop thinking about this sunning red hue to really stand out from the crowd. And while some reviewers note the dress runs a little large, it also comes in tall lengths to ensure enough coverage for the 5’10”-and-up crew.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: XXS to 3X, also Tall
- Materials: 100 percent linen
18. Never Fully Dressed Fish Tank Top
Never Fully Dresses
Tinned fish is having a major moment this summer, and I’m not just talking about recipes. I’ve seen sardine-themed clothing and accessories popping up everywhere I look and I don’t think the trend is going to slow down any time soon. This comfy tank top feels a bit more elevated, with the black block print fish, than many of the more vibrant spins on the trend, making it much more likely I’ll keep wearing it long after we’ve moved on to the next big thing in 2025.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: S to XXXL
- Materials: 92 percent viscose, 8 percent elastane
Everlane
I own a pair of Everlane’s Mary Jane Day flats and adore the supple leather and surprisingly supportive insole. So it feels like a no-brainer to add a second style to my collection with these bow-adorned cuties. They have a slightly squared toe that adds an elevated touch to an otherwise sweet silhouette, and they come in multiple neutral hues, as well as a more fashion-forward black mesh for anyone hoping to hop on the see-though shoe trend.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: US 5 to 11
Why You Should Trust Us
PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.