16 Summer Fashion Must-Haves, According To R29 Editors

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16 Summer Fashion Must-Haves, According To R29 Editors

The days are getting longer (and hotter) and call for summer-friendly styles that can withstand long seaside strolls, day-to-night festivities, and all your travel plans. From lightweight summer dresses and comfortable walking shoes to versatile tote bags, your summer wardrobe deserves a refresh full of fashionable and functional pieces. And we have just the ones for you.

We’ve been updating our own closets with trendy clothing and accessories from our favorite brands that we’re excited to continue wearing throughout the summer season. From a R29 reader-favorite Free People carryall bag to waterproof travel sandals found on Amazon and pearl-adorned jewelry from Jenny Bird, we’re sharing some products we genuinely love and recommend checking out yourself.

Read through our top summer fashion must-haves to see what we’re reaching for, and pick which pieces to add to your own arsenal of hot-weather clothing, shoes, and accessories.

​​All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.

Frame Jetset Capri

“Love it or hate it, but capri pants are back. As someone who grew up in the ’00s, I scoffed at the idea last year when the trend started to pop up on the runways. This year, I’ve come around to the retro style, thanks to the many tailored and elevated options currently on the market (the baggy cargo versions are better left in the ’00s). This pair from Frame goes equally well with casual looks (polo shirts, button-downs, etc.) as with more formal looks (longline vests, blazers, etc.).” — Irina Grechko, Fashion Director

Shop Frame

Frame Jetset Capri, $, available at FramePhoto: Courtesy of Irina Grechko.

FP Movement Quilted Carryall

“I haven’t stopped using this Free People carryall bag since I got it, and I have another color of it in my cart that I’m tempted to buy. It fits my laptop, gym gear, lunch, and tons more — all while still feeling comfortable slung across my body, thanks to the quilting and wide strap. It’s waterproof in a light rain shower, too, which is important in London. With all the internal and external zip pockets making it ultra-functional, it’s one of the best bags I own.” — Tanyel Mustafa, Senior Writer

Shop Free People

FP Movement Quilted Carryall, $, available at Free PeoplePhoto: Courtesy of Tanyel Mustafa.

Pandora Essence Earrings

“I’ve had an arsenal of Pandora jewelry since I was a child, and my collection continues to expand. Most recently, I got to try several pieces from the new Pandora Essence collection, and while I know I’ll be wearing the stacking rings throughout the year, I’ll be reaching for these hoop earrings this season. The wavy shape and dangling freshwater pearls make for a great summer style. They complement the pearl rings I regularly wear and easily dress up any outfit.” — Victoria Montalti, Associate Fashion Writer

Shop Pandora

PANDORA Organically Shaped Circle & Baroque Treated Freshwater, $, available at PANDORAPhoto: Courtesy of Victoria Montalti.

Saylor Chantae Dress

“Summer is all about the all-white uniform. I love this white dress with all of its cutesy little touches, like the smocked neck, rope-tie belt, fluttery sleeves, and striped detailing. It’s giving sipping wine in the French countryside, and I feel so put together but also comfortable in it. The dress is a little short, so I would recommend wearing shorts underneath.” — Becca Sax, Affiliate Coordinator

Shop Saylor

Saylor Chantae Dress, $, available at SaylorPhoto: Courtesy of Becca Sax.

Reef Water Vista Sandals

“These waterproof Reef sandals were my go-to travel shoes last summer, and that won’t be changing this time around. Unlike other plastic shoes I’ve owned, the velcro-secured straps are very bendy and don’t cut into the back of my feet. The footbed is so cushiony, with great arch support, and since they’re waterproof, you can just run the whole pair under the tap after a day at the beach. I also have them handy for torrential downpours.” — Venus Wong, Senior Writer

Shop Amazon

Reef Water Vista Sandal, $, available at AmazonPhoto: Courtesy of Venus Wong.

Babaton Nouvelle Poplin Dress

“One of my favorite TikTok creators is @.marisamartins because she has the flowiest, most effortless collection of chic maxi and midi dresses. Now that summer’s here, I’m inspired to build my own roster of everyday dresses that can be dressed up or down and make for the perfect travel companions. I am positive that this low-cut maxi dress — with its ever-so-slightly cinched waist — will be a wardrobe staple for years to come. I expect to wear it with sneakers, summer sandals, and the occasional waist belt and boots.” — Ebony-Renee Baker, Fashion Editor

Shop Aritiza

Babaton Nouvelle Poplin Dress, $, available at AritziaPhoto: Courtesy of Ebony-Renee Baker.

Jenny Bird Capri Anklet 

“I love taking trends that were once popular in our youths and updating and styling them to be modern (hello, overalls). In the ankle department, no one’s offering more variety than Jenny Bird. This dainty silver chain has a tiny pearl at the end of the clasp, and a few different length settings, and it has been so fun to style now that my footwear wardrobe consists mostly of sandals and ballet flats.” Kate Spencer, Senior Affiliate Partnerships Manager

Shop Jenny Bird

Jenny Bird Capri Anklet, $, available at Jenny BirdPhoto: Courtesy of Kate Spencer.

Vuori Volley Skirt

“Ever since I reviewed this Vuori tennis skort, it’s been my go-to on hot, activity-filled days. The material is buttery soft, the hidden mesh shorts help prevent thigh chafing, and this periwinkle color is so cheery. It’s also subtle and versatile enough that it doesn’t look like a kitschy tennis skirt if I don’t style it in a tenniscore outfit.” — Victoria Montalti, Associate Affiliate Writer

Shop Vuori

Vuori Volley Skirt, $, available at VuoriPhoto: Courtesy of Victoria Montalti.

Lucy & Yak Alfie Shirt

“I love the print on this — it’s so summery and fun, while looking like a retro bowling shirt. It’s light and airy without being at all see-through (which so much summer wear seems to be?). I pair this with jeans, shorts, and skirts; it works with just about anything. It’ll continue to get a lot of wear over the summer.” — Tanyel Mustafa, Senior Writer

Shop Lucy & Yak

Lucy and Yak Alfie Shirt, $, available at Lucy and YakPhoto: Courtesy of Tanyel Mustafa.

MZ Wallace Micro Woven Box Tote

“Usually, I go through phases of purses, where I use one for a really long time, then get a different one. Right now, my purse of the year is the MZ Wallace Micro Woven Box Tote in Black Lacquer. This chic black patent ‘micro’ tote is more spacious than it looks, making it the perfect day-to-night purse and carrying everything from lip gloss to a toothbrush. I love how there are so many compartments, so I can organize all my essentials and know exactly where everything is. The option to use it as a crossbody bag or a tote bag makes it super convenient.” — Becca Sax, Affiliate Coordinator

Shop MZ Wallace

MZ WALLACE Micro Woven Box Tote, $, available at MZ WallacePhoto: Courtesy of Becca Sax.

Buck Mason Surplus Rib Scoop Neck Tank Dress

“Ever since the Skims long slip dress went viral on TikTok, I have been meaning to invest in a figure-hugging summer maxi dress. I finally found my chosen one in this Buck Mason ribbed number. The scoop neckline accentuates my figure in a lovely way, and the straps are wide enough to conceal my bra straps. I love how it feels like wearing a long cotton camisole. I will probably get the hemline shortened eventually (I am 5’1”), but for now, I’ve been enjoying wearing the dress as is with a pair of wedge espadrilles.” — Venus Wong, Senior Writer

Shop Buck Mason

Buck Mason Surplus Rib Scoop Neck Tank Dress, $, available at Buck MasonPhoto: Courtesy of Venus Wong.

Keen Jasper Suede Sneakers in Year Of The Dragon

“All of my shoes are either black or white — but no more! I’ve been on the hunt for a pair of colorful shoes, and I couldn’t be happier with my choice. Not only are these Keens the most comfortable sneakers I now own, but this colorway pairs seamlessly with my wardrobe, making them very easy to style. I’ll be wearing these all summer long!” — Kristine Romano, Associate Editor, Photo & Design

Shop Keen

KEEN Jasper Suede Sneakers, $, available at KeenPhoto: Courtesy of Kristine Romano.

Ramy Brook Minnie Ruffle Halter Top

“This investment piece has become one of my favorite new additions to my summer wardrobe thanks to its vibrant hue. And while it’s such a statement blouse  — from the tiered silhouette and halter neckline to the large 3-D rosette — it’s very wearable. I’ve worn it with matching yellow pants and wide-leg jeans, and plan on wearing it next with a satin skirt.” — Victoria Montalti, Associate Fashion Writer

Shop Ramy Brook

Ramy Brook Minnie Ruffle Halter Top, $, available at Ramy BrookPhoto: Courtesy of Victoria Montalti.

Albaray Denim Midi Dress

“This is my first Albaray piece, and I’m so impressed with the quality. The denim is thick, so it’s not for hot sweaty days, but it’s perfect for cooler summer evenings and overcast weather. This makes it a great transitional piece, so I know I’ll wear it all year round, layered or by itself. It looks good with sandals, sneakers, and boots, and I’ve received compliments when I’ve worn it.” — Tanyel Mustafa, Senior Writer

Shop Albaray

Albaray Denim Collar Midi Dress, $, available at AlbarayPhoto: Courtesy of Tanyel Mustafa.

Naot Fiord Buffalo Leather Clogs

“I’m not usually one for comfort over style, but I am totally in love with my clogs. Yes, they are men’s shoes, and they are big and clunky, but they’re my big and clunky shoes. They are so comfortable and actually have a seal of approval from the American Podiatric Medical Association for promoting good foot health. Plus, I love the visible signs of wear on the leather, which makes them look pre-loved. I’ll have this pair for years to come.” — Becca Sax, Affiliate Coordinator

Shop Naot

Naot Fiord Buffalo Leather Clogs, $, available at NaotPhoto: Courtesy of Becca Sax.

Munthe Lemon Omi Skirt

“During the summer, when it’s too hot to even think about what to wear, I rely on my collection of fancy-ish skirts, paired with a simple cotton T-shirt or tank top, for a foolproof outfit formula. My standout piece this season has been this floral sequin midi number from Copenhagen Fashion Week-approved brand Munthe. Based on the number of compliments I’ve gotten this past month alone, I am not the only one who agrees it’s a statement-maker.” — Irina Grechko, Fashion Director

Shop Munthe

Munthe Omi Skirt,, $, available at MunthePhoto: Courtesy of Irina Grechko.

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