I'm a Shopping Specialist—Here's What to Add to Your Wardrobe in July

It’s my job to scour high and low for the newest, most desirable, bound-to-sell-out items on the internet’s best fashion sites. And every month I love to share my favorite finds with you, our dear readers. Now that summer is in full swing—the next few months will (hopefully!) be filled with weekends at the beach, alfresco brunches, summer Friday happy hours, and quite possibly an ice cream (or two) after work.

Whatever your summer plans—whether you’re headed on a vacation or staying in the city—there are plenty of sartorial treats to get us excited this balmy month of July. Today I’m sharing some of my favorite pieces with you that’ll see you through every event on your google cal in style. From affordable (but expensive-looking) swimsuits to summer frocks for every occasion and accessories to get you in the summer mood, these are the must-have pieces to add to your cart this month.

The Day-to-Night Summer Dress 

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I love a dress that works hard. This pretty lilac number is perfect for so many occasions. A chic option for work (paired with a blazer and kitten heels), perfect for a special event such as a wedding or bridal shower (paired with strappy sandals and statement accessories), and easy to wear on vacation (with flat sandals or sneakers), this flattering frock will take you will from day-to-night in style no matter where summer takes you. Moreover, purple is a huge color trend for fall (just add tights and a sweater when the weather gets cooler). 

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The Affordable Swimsuit (That Looks Expensive)

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I've already purchased this swimsuit for summer and can't say enough great things. The belted waist adds a chic touch, and the silhouette is super-flattering. The sage green print is really pretty, plus, it looks way more expensive than its price tag.

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The Versatile (and Walkable!) Strappy Sandals

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Our fashionable friends on Instagram can't get enough of the minimal strappy sandal trend. These comfortable ones from ATP Atelier will go with everything in your closet (they also come in white) and possess a walkable heel height for your summer strolls.

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The Little White Dress

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A little white dress is a summer must. The flattering neckline and puff sleeves are so pretty. It's striking in its simplicity and so easy to wear for relaxed summer settings.

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The Straw Tote

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We're officially calling this the most Instagrammed bag of the summer—and it's time to get your hands on one! It adds a relaxed French-girl vibe to every summer look and is perfect for toting around your warm-weather essentials.

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The City Shorts

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For a modern look this summer, sport a pair of loose yet polished high-waisted beige linen shorts with a white tee for your easiest and chicest outfit to beat the beat in style.

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The Sophisticated Slip Skirt

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A slip skirt you can wear to work and after hours is a great piece to have in your summer arsenal. This particular one looks luxurious and is perfect for that after-work dinner date.

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The Linen Pants to Wear With All Your Summer Tops

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Swap your heavy denim for a pair of sunny lightweight linen pants instead. The high-waisted belted silhouette of this expensive-looking pair works great with your bodysuits, tank tops, work shirts, and breezy blouses.

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The Playful Summer Accessory

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Get your outfit in the summer mood by wearing colorful beaded accessories that will instantly brighten your look. We can't get enough of this fun eyewear chain to attach to your sunglasses this season. Expect lots of compliments!

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The Pretty Summer Blouse

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A pretty summer blouse will solve any fashion conundrum. Just pair with your jeans or linen pants for an effortless summer look.

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The Vacation Dress

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Whether you're headed to a beach vacation or city getaway, this charming wrap midi dress is the perfect casual frock no matter the location. We love the billowy sleeves and chic button details.

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The Cool-Girl Sun Hat

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Protect your visage from the sun in style with the bucket hat every cool girl is wearing this season.

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The Work-to-Weekend Dress

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It can be tricky to navigate appropriate work outfits in summer, but this smart linen midi dress will keep you looking chic and cool as you commute into work on those sweltering summer days. Just add a blazer or cardigan when the AC hits in the office.

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Up next, I'm a shopping specialist—these are the under-$100 shoes I'm adding to my cart.

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Judith Jones
Senior Fashion Market Editor

Judith Jones is the senior fashion market editor at Who What Wear who specializes in shopping content and trend stories with high-affiliate impact. She shares the coolest, most desirable fashion market finds and brands for every budget. Previous to working in fashion, Judith worked as a TV host on the PBS travel show Globe Trekker (airing on Netflix and Amazon Prime) sharing her passion for travel and culture.