As the summer progresses, the days are getting hotter. These heat waves call for cooling styles that can withstand long seaside strolls, day-to-night festivities, and travel plans. From bright-white summer dresses and comfortable sandals to spacious tote bags and trendy sunglasses, over the last month, R29 editors have been stocking up on essentials that are fashionable and functional to build our summer outfits. And we’re not gatekeeping them!
We’ve been refreshing our closets with trendy summer accessories and breezy clothing items from our (and your) favorite brands. From a R29 reader-favorite Free People carryall bag to J.Crew espadrilles and a Saylor mini dress, we’re wearing and sharing products we genuinely love and recommend checking out yourself.
Read through our top summer fashion must-haves to see what we’ve been reaching for, and to pick pieces you want 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.
Damson Madder Iris Bow Midi Dress
“A small, woman-led team runs Damson Madder in North London, releasing limited collections of around 15 to 35 pieces per drop. The brand never misses, but this might be the best dress I’ve seen it create. The dropped waist and midi length are perfect for my petite frame, as it’s full length on me. Made with 100% organic cotton, the dress is structured but hangs elegantly with bow detailing. I can already tell I’ll wear this wardrobe staple for many years to come.” — Kelly Washington, Senior Social Editor
Shop Damson Madder
Damson Madder Iris Bow Midi Dress, $, available at Damson MadderPhoto: Courtesy of Kelly Washington.
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.
Aldo Spinella Sandals
“Ever since I’ve gotten these Aldo sandals, they’ve become my go-to summer shoe. I love that they look like a modern gladiator sandal and how easily I can wrap them around my leg. The soles are also super cushiony, making them comfortable to wear all day long. I picked the tan colorway because of how versatile it is; however, I also love the gold option, which could serve as an eveningwear shoe with the right styling.” — Victoria Montalti, Associate Fashion Writer
Shop Aldo
Aldo Spinella Strappy flat sandal, $, available at AldoPhoto: Courtesy of Victoria Montalti.
A. Kjaerbede Macy Smoke Transparent Sunglasses
“With summer finally here, so, too, is sunglasses season! I’ve been wanting a pair that is tinted and/or transparent, and these ones from A Kjaerbede were an instant yes. I love the ‘90s-inspired silhouette and feel like they go nicely with my hair.” — Kristine Romano, Associate Editor, Photo & Design
Shop A. Kjaerbede
A.Kjaerbede Macy Smoke Transparent Sunglasses, $, available at A. KjaerbedePhoto: Courtesy of Kristine Romano.
Reformation Sadey Linen Dress
“It’s linen season, and no dress has gotten more use in my closet this summer than this style from Reformation. The halter neckline is interesting enough to distinguish it from other linen midis in my wardrobe rotation, the slit looks equally appropriate at a party (with heels) as a vacation (with sandals), and the ruched bodice is just fitted enough to be form-fitting without being too tight on a hot summer day. I’ve been wearing it nonstop with the rose-tinted sunglasses from Reformation’s Jimmy Fairly collab.” — Irina Grechko, Fashion Director
Shop Reformation
Reformation Sadey Linen Dress, $, available at ReformationPhoto: Courtesy of Irina Grechko.
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.
Bandolier Tote Bag
“I’ve been looking far and wide for a leather carryall bag that looks expensive but without the designer-level price tag, and my search was finally over when I found this Bandolier tote. The pebbled leather material is sturdy without weighing down on my shoulders, and the gold-tone hardware and embossed logo have such an elegant, office-appropriate look (I’ve been tying my favorite skinny silk scarves to the handle for a splash of color). What sets it apart from other tote bags is the interior compartment design: Not only is there a generously spaced laptop sleeve, but there are also zip pockets galore, a space for your sunglasses, and an attachment for your keys.” — Venus Wong, Senior Writer
Shop Bandolier
Bandolier Tote Bag, $, available at BandolierPhoto: Courtesy of Venus Wong.
Dynamite Daisy Tiered Maxi Skirt
“Maxi skirts scare me as I’ve always gravitated towards cropped bottoms, but I finally tried one out… and I don’t hate it. In fact, I love how breezy it is for swampy New York weather and how easy it is to style. I’ve worn the skirt with white and other bright-colored cropped tops paired with sneakers or sandals. This skirt really goes with everything. However, I would recommend sizing down as the skirt sits on my hips rather than on my waist.” — Becca Sax, Affiliate Coordinator
Shop Dynamite
Dynamite Daisy Tiered Maxi Skirt, $, available at DynamitePhoto: Courtesy of Becca Sax.
J.Crew Leather Mary Jane Espadrilles
“I knew I needed these J.Crew shoes as soon as I saw them on the Instagram feed of the brand’s head of womenswear and kids design, Olympia Gayot. Part espadrille, part ballet flat, part Mary Jane, this style combines all the hottest footwear trends of the year.” — Irina Grechko, Fashion Director
Shop J.Crew
J.Crew Made-in-Spain Mary Jane Espadrilles in Leather, $, available at J. CrewPhoto: Courtesy of Irina Grechko.
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.
Astrid & Miyu Initial Bold Pendant Necklace
“I usually avoid initial necklaces with the letter ‘T’ as they can often look like a cross (I’m not religious). This necklace, however, thanks to the chunky lettering, is clearly a T — there’s no mistaking it. It layers nicely with other necklaces but also holds its own. My favorite jewelry pieces in general are from Astrid & Miyu, so I can attest to them not fading or discoloring.” — Tanyel Mustafa, Senior Writer
Shop Astrid & Miyu
Astrid and Miyu T Initial Bold Pendant Necklace, $, available at Astrid and MiyuPhoto: Courtesy of Tanyel Mustafa.
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.
Pandora Essence Organically Shaped Circle & Freshwater Pearl 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 & Freshwater Pearl Earrings, $, available at PANDORAPhoto: Courtesy of Victoria Montalti.
Rails Paris Map Boyfriend T-Shirt
“I find myself popping on this graphic tee from Rails every time the weekend comes around. The cotton jersey is cozy, breathable, and gets softer with every wash. The Paris map motif is adorable and yet edgy enough to pass off as a band tee. I wore the shirt to a rock concert with a denim cutoff maxi skirt and felt so rock-n-roll. I plan on collecting other tees from the brand’s City Tees collection, such as Amsterdam, London, and New York. They all come in quirky illustrations and an oversized fit.” — Venus Wong, Senior Writer
Shop Rails
Rails Boyfriend T-Shirt, $, available at RailsPhoto: Courtesy of Venus Wong.
Ace & Tate Oshin Tigerwood Sunglasses
“I love these sunglasses. The slight cat eye shape in dark tortoiseshell makes them timeless in my opinion (I was tempted to go for more rectangular ones, but I don’t think they’ll look cool in a few years), which is important for me as these have my prescription in them, so I want them to last me for ages. I’ve even had a few Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast At Tiffany’s comments when styled with a bun!” — Tanyel Mustafa, Senior Writer
Shop Ace & Tate
Ace and Tate Oshin Sunglasses, $, available at Ace and TatePhoto: Courtesy of Tanyel Mustafa.
Marrow Fine White Diamond Seven Stars Nesting Ring
“I have a hexagon-shaped diamond engagement ring, which made figuring out a wedding band that could go on the same finger a puzzle. After I resigned to wearing a band on my other hand, I was introduced to the brand Marrow Fine, which has since become my favorite recommendation for untraditional engagement rings and bands (for proof, see this impossibly cool ‘Til Death’ enamel style). Two years after I got married and have complemented my engagement ring with the Quinn Wave Band (bottom ring in the photo), I’ve added a second band, the Seven Stars Nesting ring (top ring), for a three-piece stack.” — Irina Grechko, Fashion Director
Shop Marrow Fine
Marrow Fine White Diamond Seven Stars Nesting Ring, $, available at Marrow Fine
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 for 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.
Birkenstock Milano Sandals
“I’ll admit that I am rather late to the Birkenstock game. I’m used to the sense of security afforded by strappy sandals, so I wasn’t sold on the idea of slides until I discovered Birkenstock’s Milano sandal. The EVA soles provide arch support, as all Birks do, and the back buckle straps keep my feet firmly in place. The fact that they are so versatile makes me completely sold on the hype: I have been wearing these shoes with sundresses, cut-off shorts, and leggings — and they will likely continue to be worn on repeat for the rest of summer.” — Venus Wong, Senior Writer
Shop Zappos
Birkenstock Milano Oiled Leather Sandals, $, available at ZapposPhoto: Courtesy of Venus Wong.
Meller Ayira Sunglasses
“At Glastonbury Festival, you couldn’t walk around without seeing Meller sunnies — and for good reason. Durable, affordable, and protective from UV rays, they’ve become a staple in many peoples’ sunglasses collections. Meller is also ahead of the curve when it comes to what styles are about to trend. I love this olive green pair, which adds a perfect pop of color to a jet black or minimal outfit.” — Kelly Washington, Senior Social Editor
Shop Meller
Meller Ayira Sunglasses, $, available at MellerPhoto: Courtesy of Kelly Washington.
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 white 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.
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.
Missoma Ovate Hoop Earrings
“I love me a pair of hoop earrings, and this rectangular oval shape is so cool and unique. They look great stacked with other earrings and also on their own, and I tend to wear them as the ‘fancier’ versions of my everyday silver hoops.” — Ebony-Renee Baker, Fashion Editor
Shop Missoma
Missoma Ovate Hoop Earrings, $, available at MissomaPhoto: Courtesy of Ebony-Renee Baker
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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