Now that we are about a month into summer, Marlee posed the question the other day, “What are everyone’s summer staples?” A big gab sesh started so naturally, we then thought that it was a pretty great blog post idea. So here we are! And much like a capsule wardrobe, it’s helpful to really pinpoint what types of pieces we gravitate towards and can wear with what we already own. It makes us better buyers and happier in the long run. No more “I’m sure I’ll find a place to wear this” and then never do. Each of us on the team has our own little style variations, so hopefully you’ll find some good inspo and/or pieces that will help you beat the heat. First up, our fearless leader…

Emily

Overall Summer Style:

I’m living casually per usual, but dialing in things that make me feel cute enough around town.

Great Flats – I’m still loving the Dolce Vita mesh leopard ballet flats – they strangely go with everything and are super flexible (not stiff, and therefore comfortable). The bright blue Nike sneakers are solid, and my new pointy clear jellies are strangely flattering and comfortable, and still loving these brown sandals from Anthropologie.
Jean Shorts (Multiple Lengths!) – We are all going baggier than we used to, and I’m still loving these Agolde shorties and the longer Gap Bermudas (I have in both white and light denim).
Blousy Tops – I really like the new one from Nordstroms I’m wearing in the opening shot. But my go-tos tend to be either Doen or Love Tomas (Emerson Fry). The delicate cotton is so breathable, and they are just so pretty and yet casual.
Head Scarves – I can not stop wearing scarves on my head, either as a triangle or a headband. Alex Mill, Madewell, and Urban Outfitters all have great ones. This one is super cute.
Aviator Sunglasses – I go mostly for knockoffs, but my last pair (Fetch) was from Consign Couture in Multnomah Village, where I sell a lot of my clothes, and I love them. These are great too!
Pearls – I like a light strand around my neck at all times – pops just the right way.
Patterned Dress – I’m sad my Evereve dress is sold out (snag it if it comes back), but this new Madewell one is FANTASTIC. Such a great drape, comfortable and versatile (and the pattern makes it so forgiving).
Baseball Hat – This hat (in the opener photo), from Anthro, is my new absolute favorite. It’s a trucker hat with mesh backing and is so cute (despite being a fake souvenir hat, which I think is hilarious – but it’s such a good hat that I ignore it).

Jess

Overall Summer Style:

Oversized Button Up – This has been a staple for me for many summers. What’s easier than throwing on an oversized button-up with some shorts, over a swimsuit, as a nighttime extra layer? It’s so versatile and effortless. Now, I got my first Frank & Eileen button-up as a surprise for Christmas, and it has been in heavy rotation ever since. It’s pretty perfect. Of course, that one is not all that budget-friendly, so here’s a great alternative for a fraction of the price.
Activewear Shorts – I’m new to the love of “activewear” pull-on shorts that Emily and likely many of you have been on for a minute. Remember this post Em wrote a few years ago? Well, I’m finally here and I am happy as a clam. It started with my new bright green Lululemon shorts and soon expanded. I love throwing those on with my Frank & Eileen button-up with my ballet jelly flats. It’s easy, casual, and a little fun. The other pair I bought is super similar to these (except these are a little less “activewear” and more “cute summer shorts”).
Jean Shorts – A jean short is a staple for many of us, so no shocker here. But to get specific, like Gretchen, I am a sucker for these Agolde Parker shorts. They are just the perfect fit, the perfect wash, and regardless of what my waistline has been (I’ve fluctuated a few sizes over the past few years), I’ve always felt confident in them. They do have a longer version if that’s more your preference. And speaking of longer jean shorts, these will also be in HEAVY rotation this summer and beyond.
Baseball Hat -Any ole regular baseball hat will do, but what I keep grabbing are my “local merch” ones. I got a great one when I was in Oaxaca from a cafe called Onnno that just says “Sándwich”. It’s fun, silly, and reminds me of my incredible trip with my friends. But there are also places like Altadena Beverage & Market that were thankfully able to reopen after the fire. They are selling these “Altadena” baseball hats, where 100% of the proceeds are going to fire victims. Just a small way to feel a little more connected to our communities and the businesses that we want to uplift. (Also, if you live close enough, Altadena Beverage & Market has the most incredible wine selection, a vast non-alcoholic spread, and a bunch of other delicious goodies and gifts.)
Jelly Ballet Flats – The true winner of the summer! I want to wear these shoes EVERYWHERE. I bought them in clear after seeing our photographer, Kaitlin, wear them on our retreat, and I haven’t looked back. They go with everything, are so easy to slip on, and are fun but cool at the same time. Ok, I’ve talked myself into it, and I need to get the red ones now.
Fun Tee – What can I say? I love a fun tee! I prefer either pretty fitted or fairly oversized. This “oranges” one is fitted and so cute (and those oranges sit ABOVE your boobs, in case you were wondering:))! I’ve gotten a ton of compliments on it. I know it’s not cheap, but it’s made from 100% deadstock cotton in Los Angeles by a women-run brand and sizes up to 3x. Happy to support these kinds of companies when I can.

Honorable Mention – A flowy dress you can dress up-ish or down. This is a no-brainer, but I don’t own any that I can link up, but it had to be said in case you see me in the street in a flowy dress and think, “but that wasn’t on her summer staples list?!” ;)

Caitlin

Overall Summer Style:

THE Sunglasses – I know the all the cool kids are doing tiny sunglasses, but I DON’T CARE. Wayfarers are classic for a reason! They’re universally flattering (especially if you have a big ol’ round face, like I do), polarized for extra protection, and they never get caught in my hair.
Hair Clip – You know that whole “reject modernity, embrace tradition” meme? Well, reject your modern plastic claw clip and embrace the vintage slide barrette!!! This $9 fish-shaped hair stick has been my most-used purchase of 2025 – it’s the simplest way to elevate your look with absolutely no effort. (My greasy 3-day hair has never looked more polished.)
Fun Sandals – Have I been sharing these fresh flip-flop alternatives incessantly for the last several weeks? Yes. Do I have any plans on stopping? NO. My pair gets better and better with wear – the leather footbeds have now molded to my feet, they’re divine for long walks, and they’ve been garnering so many compliments from cool women on the street!! I can’t believe they’re under $70 – I would have happily paid double that price because I love them so much.
Thigh Saver – I buy a few Thigh Rescue minis every year and scatter them amongst my tote bags, suitcases, and purses. I know some women like to wear shorts to prevent chafing, but I run hot and can’t handle extra layers in the summer – Thigh Rescue keeps me comfortable and pain-free whenever I throw on a dress or a pair of shorts. (PS. I’ve been relying on it since 2019, so this recommendation comes with lots of experience!)
Pull-On Linen Pants – Take it from someone whose ancient apartment lacks insulation and regularly tops 95 degrees: these linen pants are a dream to wear on extra-hot days. Gap really does a great job here – the 3 pairs I grabbed last summer have held up beautifully over countless wash and dry cycles.
Skort Dress – I bought my first skort dress in 2023, and I’ll never go back. It’s breezy, it’s simple, you can go bra-less (!!!,) and it’ll keep you cool when it counts most. (Seriously – this is what I wore to explore the blistering Australian outback.) Dress her up for date night! Dress her down for the beach! Wear her in the middle of a desert! Anything goes! This dress gets perfect marks from me – it’s likely the most versatile piece I own.

Arlyn

Overall Summer Style:

Classic Huaraches – Who am I kidding? As a SoCal resident, I wear these year-round, but they are, of course, most appropriate for summer. I’ve had my Nisolo’s Huarache Sandles in Almond since we did a sponsored post with them like…six years ago? They are my go-to shoe for basically everything. I wear them with dresses, shorts, jeans, even leggings to run out to the store. Because they are so good quality, they’re still kicking after what is likely 50,000 miles on them. They can’t be beat, seriously.
Short-Sleeve Linen Shirt – Thus begins my “broken record” summer fashion list, because basically all I wear from May until November is some variation of a button down camp shirt. I’ll admit I do not have this *exact* shirt from Quince, but I have many just like it I bought a while back and wear on rotation. The price ($35) on these is at least half if not more of the camp shirts I used to get at Madewell. They are so easy to throw on, don’t stick to my body when we’re in heatwave territory, and look great with basically everything and on everyone.
Boyfriend Button Down – I’ve had maybe four (?!?) of these boyfriend button down shirts from Old Navy over the last five or so years, and the linen one I have is on regular rotation now. I tend to grab a few during one of their many 50% off sales and just wear them into the ground. The best part about their loose fit is that you basically don’t even feel them touch your body, which is high on my priority list for summer attire. They are very roomy, so I’d size down if you don’t want to look like you’re wearing a parachute (though you do do!).
Barely There Cotton Blouse – Annnnd more button downs. I ended up at Kohl’s about a month or two ago hunting down the only Winnie the Pooh quilt I could find for my daughter’s upcoming big girl bed (at her request), and found this striped number which I’ve wear over and over again since I scooped it up. It weighs practically NOTHING, which ranks as #2 on that priority summer attire list I just mentioned above. Fair warning: the buttons are spaced further apart them I’m used to, but even with my large chest, it’s totally fine as long as you’re in the right size (I got a large).
Flowy Sun Dress – I have to take a break from all those buttons at some point, right? New to my wardrobe is this 100% cotton shell-print dress from a store called City Chic that sells sizes 12 – 24. I’ve never bought from them before but I was pleased with the quality and fit of this one I got on sale for about $50. In fact, the fit works so well on me that I just might venture out into the world…ready for it…sleeveless! ::Gasp:: (I am being serious, as someone who has hidden their arms away for decades.) Oh, and don’t even THINK of forgetting some thigh protection because giant chafing-induced inner thigh welts are no good for anyone. I love these cooling short from ThighSociety because they don’t squeeze you like shapewear, which is inconceivable on a 90-degree day. They come in three lengths (5″, 7″, 9″) and sizes from XS to 6x.
Chambray Button Down – Back to my regularly scheduled button down programming, this time with some chambray. I’ve bought this one from Loft twice already (and honestly, I should just go ahead and get a third one while it’s on sale right now because I wear it THAT much). I find some chambray to be either too heavy, too structured or too wispy, but this one is just right. The sides are a little higher than the front and back which results in more movement for any Hippy Helens out there (I just made that up, not sure it’s working but I’ll let it marinate).

Mallory

Overall Summer Style:

Jean Shorts – I reach for these jean shorts on the weekly (if not daily) during the summer. I love these so much, I snagged them in two different colors (also note I cut them to make them a bit shorter). They’re so roomy and not too tight on the thighs, but they fit perfectly at the waist (which has always been hard for me to find).
Lightweight Knit Shirts – I am a knit shirt lover, and that’s because they’re breezy and easy to walk around town in without sweating uncontrollably. I have a few different ones in my rotation, but currently I’m rocking this black and white one with the prettiest details and this affordable one from H&M (that has matching shorts!)
Statement Vacation-y Dress – I go to Palm Springs a lot, and when I do, I generally wear something from Farm Rio, so in the summers, if I have any fun vacations or getaways planned, I like to grab something fun, flowy, and statement-y from them. This year, I went to Hawaii (and truly had the vacation of a lifetime!!), so I snagged this dress, which I actually can’t stop wearing. It’s great for a fun brunch or resorty dinner, and I absolutely love how farm rio dresses can be casual or fancy depending on how you style them.
Button Down – I’ve always loved a button down (especially for bathing suit cover-ups!!) I have a blue pinstripe, a red pinstripe, and an electric blue color that I rotate between constantly throughout the summer. I usually buy mine secondhand at crossroads (they always have great options!) and bonus, you can always shop men’s shirts and they’re sometimes cheaper…but for an online resource that’s affordable, this one from Old Navy looks exactly like the one I have!

Gretchen

Overall Summer Style:

Jean Short – I reach for these shorts so often I may as well sleep in them. Yes, they are annoyingly expensive, but they’ve truly become my summer staple pair and I wear them SO OFTEN I’ve far surpassed the cost per wear. They are the perfect length, perfect distress, hug my butt just right and have a great button fly. A size 31 fits me just right!
Gauze Pants – I’ve been wearing these perfect pants since LAST summer and they have remained my go-to breezy pant option. And actually, I do wear these to bed from time to time. They are so soft and flowy and the gauze-y texture just hangs so nicely. They wash up really well and I think they get better the more you wear them. LL Bean has a variety of matching “Cloud Gauze” tops to make it a cute set as well! And I just saw that they also offer the pants in a really great, bright French Blue, and mysteriously, they’ve just found their way into my cart (I like a size large and am normally about a 12 in pants).
Canvas Cap – Nine times out of ten you will catch me wearing a baseball or trucker hat. I don’t know what it is about them but they seem to have a chokehold on me. Especially in the summer. Whether they’re working overtime to disguise a sweaty/bad hair day or just functioning to block out the sun, these Carhartt Canvas caps are ones I reach for all the time. They are simple, comfy, affordable, durable, easy to adjust–I could go on. I have them in a few different colors and love them all.
Sunglasses – I was gifted a pair of these polarized Ray Ban Wayfarers and just absolutely love them. Hard to go wrong with a classic! While I could never justify spending hundreds of dollars on say a Gucci pair of sunglasses or something similar, I would spend the money on these if I had to. They’re nice and heavy–great quality–and the polarized lenses are just the best. I grab for these every single day!
Sandals – I just bought these and like I predicted, am already wearing them to DEATH. I am a Birks-since-birth kind of gal because my dad was a big fan of them growing up. Like him, once I find a comfortable (and cute) shoe to wear, it becomes a daily staple. I really love the bigger buckle on these and that it’s not a shiny gold. The light leather goes with everything and I can wear them allllll day long without comfortability complaints. I’m a size 9.5 typically and the 40 is my preferred Birks size.
Bikini Top – This bikini top isn’t anything too special, but it IS inexpensive and also very cute! Comes in a lot of cute colors and patterns. I love wearing it with jean shorts and an open button-up in the summertime. Obviously great to wear in the water too! Lately, I’ve been tying the top so the straps each connect/tie to the back strap, rather than around my neck, and I love how it looks–slightly more comfy for the girls too.

Marlee

Overall Summer Style:

Sunglasses – I got these sunglasses in the spring and have not worn a different pair since. I’ve always loved Madewell sunglasses, but I think that the quality of them has gone up recently because these feel way less glare-y than pairs I’ve had from them in the past. I love the shape of these – they’re a smaller shape but not too small, wide enough to not feel like you’re wearing glasses made for a toddler!
Turkish Towels – I am deeply passionate about swimming as often as possible in the summer, which usually means packing a bag for a Sunday swim, then not unpacking it and just bringing the same bag for a quick river dip on a Monday after work. These towels are my favorite for these swims because they’re incredibly lightweight and they dry FAST. AKA no moldy wet towels in my bag:) They’re also just so fun and come in an infinite amount of colors.
Leave In Conditioner – This is also a bag essential – whenever I have wet river hair, I love to spray a few spritzes of this on my hair as it air dries. It smells so so yummy and is a super nice, lighter product that enhances my curls and reduces frizz. Highly recommend for anyone, but especially if you have wavier fine hair. It doesn’t weigh it down like other leave-ins.
Body Lotion – This is my favorite favorite summer lotion that I’ve been using for as long as I can remember. It’s such a yummy classic coconut scent and is super lightweight and “watery,” so it’s incredibly easy to layer and absorb. There’s no better feeling than showing after a day in the sun and then putting this lotion on with clean pajamas:)
Summer Shoes – These are some of my favorite summer shoes for river days (and just walking around). I have them in white, but they come in SO many fun colors. I feel like they stay on better than flip flops, which is great for trekking down to a swim spot. They’re also waterproof, so you can take them in the water or just hose them off if they get dirty. I’ve had the same pair for at least the last 6 years, and they’re still in amazing condition.
Summer Dress – My favorite summer dress is one that I’ve had for 4+ years, so it’s sadly not available – but my love for it is less about the specific dress and more about the shape + vibe. Enter shift dresses! Especially as a swim cover-up. I love how lightweight and breezy they are, and even though it’s so simple and has no shape to it, it screams “berry picking and then getting slurpees after,” which is incredibly specific but exactly what I want my summers to feel like. This one is the most similar to mine (love the ties), but I also LOVE this Doen x Gap dress and this one. Also, this – ah, there’s so many!

Hope this was fun and made you think more about your staples. Here’s to a happy and cool summer.

Love you, mean it.

Opening Image Photo Credits: Photo by Kaitlin Green