Summer Mode Activated—8 Fresh Basics That Just Hit Different

Summer is basically here, and as your trusty Who What Wear editors, we'd never miss an opportunity to bring you some style inspiration for the season ahead. We're back this month with our try-on series to showcase our styling capabilities and the newest pieces from our namesake clothing line. If you're familiar with this series of editor outfits, then just keep scrolling to fill up on outfit inspiration and affordable shopping picks. But if you happen to be new here, then let me fill you in. 

We drop new pieces for our Who What Wear line at the top of each month, and today's roundup highlights the warm weather–ready frocks, summer tops, and fresh lounge looks from the May collection. Even though nothing rings up for more than $40 in this edit, the looks our editors put together with these new summer basics are making the affordable buys look far pricier. Ahead, see how we each wear our picks, and then shop our favorites if you're so inspired.

"When it comes to the summertime, I live in two things: oversize button-downs and midi skirts. This one has seams running across the skirt to add a fashion-girl flair to classic gingham, so it’ll definitely be on high rotation for me this summer.” 

"This knit vest is the perfect spring-to-summer piece. You can wear it buttoned all the way up as a top layered under a jacket or style it open as I did here. So if you’ve been looking for something to liven up your wardrobe, look no further.”

"You can’t beat gingham for summer. I love the short sleeves and midi length, which make this dress so easy to throw on with absolutely anything. I styled it with a fun visor, cat-eye sunglasses, and zebra-print sandals."

"Nothing really screams summer for me quite like a tiered minidress. I love this Who What Wear version because the fabric is breezy, the cut is comfortable enough to wear as we re-emerge into the world, and it's super easy to style up or down based on your plans. Basically, it's your not-so-basic LBD."

"This wonderfully lightweight and effortless trapeze dress is perfect for the summer months ahead. I can see myself wearing this everywhere from the beach to a nice al fresco dinner with the right accessories. I love the fact it has pockets too. It also happens to be perfect for my growing baby bump right now! Roomy and comfortable."

Meet my summer loungewear uniform. I'm not sure how I ever lived without sweatshorts before WFH, but they're now a key part of my wardrobe. With the matching sweatshirt, this duo is the perfect casual outfit for warmer weather. Wearing them together is a no-brainer, but I also like the idea of throwing on the shorts as a swimsuit coverup.

"Gingham? At a picnic? Groundbreaking. (Said in my best Miranda Priestly voice.) But in all seriousness, I feel like I can wear this top to a picnic or barbecue and not feel like a complete cliché. I think it's the very dramatic sleeves that help give it some oomph and character. It's just an easy summer top that makes a statement without much effort."

More pieces we're eyeing for summer:

Up next: These Shoes Were Starting to Feel Dated, so I'm Replacing Them With These 6