FYI, This Summer Wish List Is Actually Perfect (I'd Know—It's Mine)
As I write this, it's 45ºF and gearing up for a downpour on the Upper West Side where I live in Manhattan. It was 75ºF and sunny yesterday. That's spring in New York for you. It's because of this constant weather whiplash this time of year that I find myself daydreaming about summer, when practically every day is hot and sunny and I can wear white linen pants and poplin skirts without fear of them turning see-through à la a wet T-shirt contest or, worse, getting soaked in muddy street water from a rogue truck-puddle collision. And the only thing that I could think of to wake myself up from that alternate reality is to put pen to paper (aka fingers to keyboard) and start planning my summer wish list.
I'm sure it'll come as no surprise to you given what I just said that summer is my favorite season for dressing, which I know many people will disagree with, but that's life. I wish I were a skilled layerer, but sadly, I'm not, which is why the hot weather is ideal for my styling preferences, which tend to include things like sheer fabrics, short shorts, and all things sleeveless (bonus points if it's strapless). Ahead, see what purchases I'm planning on making for the fashion season I wait all year long for, from linen skirt sets to 2024's most-wanted handbag.
This set has been on my mind for weeks now, and with my trip to Monaco coming up, I feel like I simply have to get it and wear it while I'm there.
The red leather strap on these simple slide sandals adds the perfect touch of fun to an otherwise minimalist design.
IMO, balconette bikinis are the chicest and most elegant swimsuit choice of all, which is why I've had this J.Crew style in my cart for weeks in both black and natural. I also love the no-string bottoms because they result in none of those bow-shaped tan lines that haunt me in the summertime.
Shop the matching '90s No-Tie String Bikini Bottom ($20).
I love how lightweight and billowy this linen skirt from Massimo Dutti is. It's great for pairing with a bikini at the beach or tossing on with a tee or button-down for a breezy dinner or lunch.
If my budget allowed for this entire wish list to be Carven's S/S 24 collection, I'd do it. Alas, I'll probably only be able to afford one piece from the just-released offering for now, and that's okay. This jade-colored trench will keep me company.
In the summer, there's nothing better than tossing on a shapeless, lightweight frock and some flats or slides and being on your merry way.
Just wait until you see the back of this Diana-blue, cap-sleeve tee. It's incredible.
I have plenty of pairs of 501s, but I don't have any white 501s, so of course, I need them.
This bag could easily cost over $500, and I'd want it just the same. It's a work of art.
I'll probably end up buying five of these before summer ends. I'm a sucker for a fresh white tee.
This skirt is giving strong Prada vibes, and I'm so here for it.
I'm loving the big-sunglasses renaissance, especially when they look like these $70 cat-eye shades from Zara.
I honestly wish this dress didn't take up so much of my brain space. Once I saw it at Tory Burch's spring runway show, I never forgot it.
I've tried this hourglass blazer on, and let me tell you it's just as incredible as people are saying it is online.
Okay, fine. I already own capris. These denim ones are so tempting. I might have to add them to my collection.
These sleek $50 Nordstrom sandals come in three colors, all of which I plan on buying.
I've wanted this dress for over a year now, but it wasn't until my friend wore it to dinner last week that I became convinced that I actually needed it. It's so Carrie Bradshaw.
I can't get over the price of this perfect summer tote. Forty-five dollars? Please, I'll get one for all of my friends.
High-neck vests have a way of looking elevated. This linen one from Reformation is perfect for the summer heat.
I own basically every item from Cou Cou Intimates besides this adorable bralette. It's for sure being added to the collection.
My dream of owning this sheer, silk cape from Prada *will* come to fruition this summer (at some point).
There isn't an item from Kallmeyer's spring collection that I don't want. Not a single one.
My co-worker Anna LaPlaca and I agreed that we needed these desperately—black for her and this natural shade for me.
This belt can be worn in so many ways, with dresses, skirts, trousers—you name it.
If I were getting married and heading on a honeymoon this summer, this would be the first swimsuit I'd buy. Even so, I'm not getting married nor am I heading on a honeymoon this summer, and I'm still planning on buying it.
I have this Agolde tank in another color, and truly, I think it's the best tank top on the market. It's such a snug fit that never stretches out.
I honestly can't believe this skirt isn't getting more hype. It looks designer and is beyond chic.
I know it's controversial, but I'm so here for sleek leather flip-flops in the summer paired with tailored trousers, sundresses, and A-line skirts.
There is not a single bag on the market right now that's more desired than Alaïa's Le Teckel—period.
Sofia Richie Grainge's collaboration with Solid & Striped isn't getting enough attention in my opinion. Every piece is absolutely perfect.
I already own these in a washed-black color and talk about them constantly. They're my favorite jeans, so for the warmer months, I'm excited to test out this lighter blue wash.
Madewell's selling so many of these chunky metal belts that they recently debuted a number of new colors.
I wasn't convinced that I needed this mixed-media white sundress until I felt it IRL. The top especially is very luxe.
I know, I know—cashmere in the summer is crazy. But for me, there's no better outfit than some vintage Levi's cutoff shorts and a tucked-in cashmere knit with ballet flats or loafers.
I have the midi-length version of this, but the mini for summer is just irresistible. I don't know if you can tell, but it's padded like a pillow, making anything you pair with it look unique and interesting.
These marked-down Coach mules caught my eye a few weeks ago at Nordstrom, and I'm still shocked that they haven't sold out. The shape is so timeless and elevated, especially for the price.
Sculptural gold earrings can make any outfit look intentional and cool.
I have this peplum jacket in red velvet and wear it constantly in the winter. This denim version feels like a perfect summer alt.
I'm planning on wearing these linen pants on every airplane I ride this summer.
This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Eliza Huber is an NYC-based senior fashion editor who specializes in trend reporting, brand discovery, and the intersection of sports and fashion. She joined Who What Wear in 2021 from Refinery29, the job she took after graduating with a business degree from the University of Iowa. She's launched two columns, Let's Get a Room and Ways to Wear; profiled Dakota Fanning, Diane Kruger, Katie Holmes, Gracie Abrams, and Sabrina Carpenter; and reported on everything from the relationship between Formula One and fashion to the top runway trends each season. Eliza lives on the Upper West Side and spends her free time researching F1 fashion imagery for her side Instagram accounts @thepinnacleoffashion and @f1paddockfits, watching WNBA games, and scouring The RealReal for discounted Prada.
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