28 Summer Capsule Wardrobe Staples That Are Just Impossibly Cool

 A closet overhaul—or restock—adds up, so save when you shop on wardrobe essentials with the best 4th of July clothing sales, and these Free People, Anthropologie, Madewell, Nordstrom, and Saks Fifth Avenue promo codes, as well as coupons from Shopbop and Net-a-Porter.

The Tank Top

White tank tops are a dime a dozen but a great one always stands out—and Glamour editors agree that Free People and Skims have some of the best around.

The White T-Shirt

Ditto for white T-shirts. Our editors can get very particular about the small details that set a good white tee apart from an excellent one. Here are a few at various price points we like to stock up on.

Good American Stretch-Cotton Baby Tee

The Summer Sneakers

Whether you’re at home or vacation, summer sneakers are a must for 10,000-plus-step days—and comfy white kicks are classics for a reason.

The Strapless Bra  

Along with nipple covers and boob tape, the best strapless bras can help you pull off a tricky summer ’fit. We’ve tried dozens to find ones that stay up and hidden for small breasts and large busts alike—Wacoal and Skims never disappoint. 

The Tube Top 

Somewhere between a longline bandeau and strapless top—this late-’90s, early-’00s staple has made a quiet comeback, managing to look both timeless and modern when paired with relaxed trousers or high-waist jeans. 

The One-Piece Swimsuit

Long sleeves, with tummy control, with UPF protection—we love a one-piece swimsuit around these parts. And not just because it takes the guesswork out of shopping for swimwear; it can also double as a bodysuit with denim shorts or a cute sarong. 

The High-Waist Two-Piece Swimsuit

Those in the market for a two-piece will appreciate the variety the best swimsuit brands have to offer. Gone are the days of finding only triangle bikinis and low-cut briefs; this new generation of bikinis has everything from interesting cutouts and strap placements to high-waist bottoms with cheeky coverage—all in a bevy of fun prints and colors.

The Statement Shades

Sunglasses are always a good idea—especially ones that can get coated with sand and seawater without you being too precious about them.

The Linen Button-Down

Naturally lightweight and breathable, linen is a quintessential summer fabric—and the best linen shirts look a little (or lot) lived-in.  

The Day Dress 

Sleeveless, puff-sleeved, smocked or strapless—the perfect summer dress instantly ups your level of excitement for getting dressed in the morning. It’s also a vacation must-have.

The Denim Shorts

Like an on-off relationship, feelings towards jorts have been hot and cold for the past few summers, but it seems the internet’s finally reached a consensus: They can stay. Blame it on Hailey Bieber and Gigi Hadid, who make them look so good with Sambas—but you’ll want to embrace these longer hems, ASAP. 

Citizens of Humanity Marlow High-Waist Long Organic-Cotton Denim Shorts

The Everyday Sandals

If you don’t already own a comfortable pair of walking sandals, now’s the time to get one. Madewell just introduced the Birdie, a strappy platform shoe, while Birkenstock’s Milano slingback sandal—with big buckles!—offers a fresh take on its ever-popular Arizona style.

The Beach Tote

A sturdy beach bag is a nonnegotiable for carrying towels, sunscreen, books, and snacks with style.

The Extra Sun Protection 

The window for wearing a straw boater is a short one, so make the most of summer hat season while you can. 

The Beach Coverup

The best beach coverup is an outfit unto itself. We love the way an oversized shirt looks over a one-piece swimsuit, or a printed sarong with a matching bikini. 

The Summer Skirt

Slip skirts will always have a place in our wardrobe, but there’s something about structured midis—in linen and jean—that we’re really into right now. 

The Cargo Pants

Utilitarian trousers may be reaching a fever pitch, but if you’re still as into them as we are, you’ll love Agolde’s and Leset’s sleek take on the trend.

The Tailored Vest

Equal parts cool and sophisticated, a vest is what you wear when the vibe is put-together but not super fussy. Skip layering and wear it sleeveless.

The Romantic Top

You may be living in T-shirts and tanks most of the time, but a cute summer top is great to have for dressing up casual bottoms.

The Airy Trousers 

If you’re going to wear pants at all, make it breezy, pull-on trousers—in linen, natch. 

The Linen Blazer 

Blazers get the linen treatment for summer too. Black always works, but it’s hard to go wrong with an off-white version slung carefree over a T-shirt. 

The Woven Bag

If summer were a bag, it’d be a charming little basket bag. (No? Just us?)

The Summer Knit

Perfect for windy beaches and A/C-filled offices, a lightweight knit you can toss in a big tote bag goes a long way.

The Event Dress

A special-occasion dress should make an impact—and have life beyond a single wear. You can find the best summer wedding guest dresses across all budgets and styles, though Tanya Taylor has some our favorite printed ones. 

The Heeled Sandals

Perfect for after-work events, weddings, or date nights, a kitten-heel sandal is a versatile addition that’ll get plenty of wear. 

The Claw Clip 

Cute claw clips to the rescue in the unrelenting heat and humidity. 

The Summer Jewelry Stack

Pile on the campy pieces—we love Martha Calvo’s and Crystal Haze’s playful creations—or mix metals for a colorful, layered look; celeb-loved brands like Jennifer Zeuner and Jenny Bird have great pieces for every day. 

The Belt

All eyes are on belts right now. Invest in a luxe leather one you’ll own for years to come, or have fun with a chain style that’ll pair nicely with slip dresses and denim skirts.


Talia Abbas is the senior commerce editor at Glamour. You can follow her @_taliaabbas on Instagram.


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