I have a confession to make: I’ve spent the last few weeks at home 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 2022? Take some cues from my shopping list, including duchess-approved handbags, sweat-proof dresses and some super comfy sandals, to inspire your most stylish summer yet.
I’m a Fashion Editor & Here’s What I’m Buying for Summer
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1. Who What Wear Collection Cristina Button-front Dress
I actually already own this dress in white and wore it at least once a week the past two summers, so I know I’ll get plenty of use out of the black version as well. It’s fully lined, so I don’t need to stress over my undergarments (the bust is even supportive and opaque enough to forgo a bra if you’d like), but it does run a touch small, so if you’re between sizes I’d suggest going for the larger.
2. Agolde Baggy Taper Jeans
Veri Peri is Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2022 and a top color trend for the summer, making these jeans a total no brainer, in my opinion. The baggier leg is a Goldilocks fit—not too loose, not too fitted—that’s both comfortable and flattering, and a high-waist means I can wear these with tucked-in tops and cropped styles alike.
3. Freedom Moses Slides
These sandals were everywhere last summer and I’m betting they’re going to be even bigger in 2022. They’re waterproof, comfy, affordable and come in basically every color and print you can imagine, so even if my preferred leopard spots aren’t your favorite there’s bound to be a style you love.
4. Everlane The Clean Silk Relaxed Shirt
This luxe silk blouse is wonderfully breathable but looks super posh, making it the ultimate option for hot, humid days when I still need to look professional.
5. Strathberry Mini Crescent Bag
This Kate Middleton-beloved brand has been on my radar for years now, but I think this is the season I finally splurge and pick myself up a duchess-approved bag. The crochet stitching adds a summery finish to timeless camel brown, and I love that the shoulder strap is removable so I could potentially swap it out for an event more colorful variation, or even a gold chain, if I wanted to switch things up.
6. Tuckernuck Champagne Collier Dress
This beige mini can be dressed up for drinks with friends or down for a beachside lunch. There’s a chance it might be a bit short on us tall gals, but that’s nothing a coordinating pair of white linen shorts can’t fix.
7. Andie The Malibu One-piece
Maybe it’s because I’ve been seeing references to Pamela Anderson everywhere I look, but I am itching for a red once-piece swimsuit to sport on the beach this summer. This Andie number is the perfect balance between sexy and modest with a medium-coverage rear and adjustable snaps that give me the option of showing a little cleavage or a lot.
8. Polène Béri Bag With Chain Strap
Another brand spotted on the arm of Kate Middleton, Polène makes gorgeous minimalistic handbags that I simply can’t get over. The Béri bag in particular comes in five neutral hues, all of which will go with just about everything in your wardrobe, but it’s the white leather that feels most appropriate for summer.
9. Conditions Apply Katalia Printed Smocked Peplum Tank
I love that this tank is bra-friendly—too many are not, both because of the straps and the neckline—plus the smocked fabric is wonderfully stretchy for a comfy, flexible fit. Now all that’s left to decide is which of the four adorable prints I want most.
10. Enesea Tear Drop Earrings
I’ve always loved pearl jewelry (real and faux), so I’m very on board with the recent pearlcore trend. These mixed-media earrings are made with real freshwater pearls and that have some slight variations in shape to give them a little edge and prevent them from looking old-fashioned or stuffy.
11. Ayr The Flex Tank Top
This super-soft tank is a perfect base for all the kooky florals and super-bright accessories in my wardrobe, but will also look great under a cardigan come fall. There are even two different shades of white to choose from (or you can buy both to get 20 percent off).
12. Anthropologie Somerset Mini Dress
Can you ever really have too many breezy summer dresses? Realistically, yes, but that won’t stop me from buying another adorable patterned mini to wear all over town from now until Labor Day. Oh, and did I mention this beauty has pockets, too?
13. Marc Fisher Hadais Mules
I love a good all-purpose heel and these Marc Fisher mules are exactly that. The closed toe makes them appropriate for all seasons, and the 3.5-inch heel (plus a supportive strap across the top of your foot) is surprisingly comfortable so I can wear these to the office, for wedding receptions or out to dinner with my BFF.
14. J.crew Cadiz Hand-knotted Rope Tote
I’ve been seeing Prada’s new raffia tote popping up all over TikTok and Instagram, but don’t feel it’s truly worth the splurge. Luckily, J.Crew’s Cadiz rope tote is remarkably similar, and won’t feel dated after just one season. I also won’t feel nearly as guilty tossing groceries, wet bathing suits or sandy towels in a $70 bag instead of a $1,450 one.