The 7 Best Summer Basics for Every Budget
While I’m all about a cool, statement-making piece here and there, the real backbones of any wardrobe—both seasonally and year-round—are undoubtedly the basics. If you don’t have those covered, it’s almost impossible to get dressed, so today, we’re focusing on those summer items that you can’t (and really shouldn’t want to) live without: sunglasses, dresses, bags, bikinis, tanks, shorts, and sandals.
No matter your budget, I’ve got you covered with my pick of the aforementioned pieces at a range of prices. From the $11 tank I’m loving at Nordstrom to the $80 Levi’s shorts I even added to my own cart to the $320 Sleeper dress I would splurge on in a heartbeat, below, you’ll find 35 items I stand behind completely for the months and years ahead. To get started, simply keep scrolling, and then be sure to check out these summer-ready outfits you probably already own.
Under $50
Sunglasses:
Dress:
I think I actually gasped out loud when I came across this dress on the Zara site.
Bag:
Bikini:
Tank:
Shorts:
Sandals:
Under $100
Sunglasses:
Dress:
It comes in four colors, so don't worry if green isn't your thing.
Bag:
Bikini:
Good American always gets it right.
Shop the matching bottoms.
Tank:
I have this tank in black, and now I'm thinking I need it in white, too.
Shorts:
Sandals:
Under $150
Sunglasses:
Dress:
Bag:
Bikini:
A little sporty in the best way.
Shop the matching bottoms.
Tank:
Sandals:
Under $250
Sunglasses:
Dress:
Bag:
Bikini:
Tank:
Shorts:
This brand is a go-to for all things summer.
Sandals:
Under $350
Sunglasses:
These sunglasses are a favorite among the fashion set and for good reason.
Dress:
Bag:
Bikini:
Tank:
Shorts:
Sandals:
Wear these with everything from dresses to jeans to shorts.
Next: 42 summer finds you have to see from Zara, H&M, and Nordstrom right now.
Since starting as an intern back in 2013, Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour has held several roles here at Who What Wear, and she is currently Editor-at-Large. It was a less expected route, seeing as she was graduating from business school at USC when this all began, but it has turned out to be the best one for her. Fast-forward to 2024, and she's moved to NYC from her hometown of Beverly Hills and spends her workdays a little differently from when she was an intern starting out. Currently, she focuses on a weekly mélange of shopping content. As far as her personal style goes, she's largely drawn to classic pieces and neutral basics but will always make an exception for something colorful, printed, or bejeweled as long as it's deemed worthy enough. After all, the only thing she loves more than a good party is dressing up for one. On weekdays, she can usually be found at home eating something delicious for dinner and trying to force her husband to watch Summer House.
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