I Consider These 6 Affordable Items My True Summer Staples

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(Image credit: @jordanrisa)

When dressing in the summer, it's essential to have a robust arsenal of basics and a few foolproof outfit formulas for mixing and matching these minimal pieces. While getting dressed can sometimes be overwhelming, building a wardrobe full of elevated essentials and wear-on-repeat summer staples makes it exceptionally easy to look effortlessly polished.

I've dug through Who What Wear Reader's favorite online retailers like NordstromShopbop, and H&M to select the most stylish summer basics and staples to refresh your look. Most of my selects are under $100, with an occasional investment item thrown into the mix. You can expect an array of classic tanks and tees, linen shirts, relaxed pants, easy shorts, minimal skirts, and simple dresses. Keep scrolling to uncover your new summer wardrobe.

Tanks & Tees 

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(Image credit: @aishafarida)

It's essential to stock up on an array of simple tops. They're perfect for pairing with virtually any bottoms, from skirts to pants. 

Breezy Button-Downs

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(Image credit: @giasinatra)

From cotton-poplin blends to breezy linen, you can't go wrong with a button-down shirt. They're the perfect lightweight layer for warm days and pair well with virtually all basics.

Minimal Skirts

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(Image credit: @hannahcrosskey)

From A-line pleated skirts to long and flowy options, there's a skirt for every occasion. Pair them with a simple top and your favorite sandals for an effortless look. 

Versatile Shorts

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(Image credit: @chiarasatelier)

From long denim shorts to sleek linen pairs, I believe everyone should own a reliable pair of shorts (or two). 

Easy Dresses

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(Image credit: @marina_torres)

Easy dresses are the perfect one-piece summer outfit. When shopping for dresses, aim for simple options you can layer with a chic button-down or pair with fun accessories. 

Relaxed Pants

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(Image credit: @coco_floflo)

The roominess of relaxed pants makes them ideal for the sometimes hot and sticky summertime weather. Pair your favorite baggy jeans or oversize cargo pants with a black or white tank top for a super easy yet sleek outfit. 

Next, 30 Casual-Chic Items From Shopbop and H&M That Will Upgrade Your Wardrobe

Associate Shopping Editor
Chinazor "Chichi" Offor is a Georgia-born, Los Angeles–based associate editor and model who has recently relocated from Brooklyn, New York, and joined Who What Wear's West Coast offices. For WWW, she utilizes her love of personal style to dish out shopping advice to the masses.After graduating from the University of Georgia's Grady College of Journalism, Chichi moved to Brooklyn and began hustling to make it in the NYC media world. Before landing at WWW, she spent some time at Vice Media Group, where she helped revolutionize Refinery29's plus-size and inclusive fashion coverage and even co-hosted a summer styling series. Prior to R29, she supported Bustle Digital Group's commerce team and freelanced for various publications.Chichi is a multi-passionate, pop culture–obsessed television and music lover who enjoys a good concert and a yummy meal just as much as she loves analyzing cultural trends and throwing together a solid outfit. After work, you can probably find her bopping around the best L.A. restaurants talking about her latest ADHD-fueled hyper-fixation (e.g., Jesse McCartney's underrated career, TikTok black hole discoveries, and theories on the emo-rock music revival).