8 Summer Wardrobe Staples Every Woman Should Have, According to Stacy London

Breezy, flattering pieces, breathable fabrics, and versatile silhouettes to help you stay cool, comfortable, and stylish all summer long.

Getting dressed during the summer months shouldn’t be complicated, and yet, that’s exactly how it feels sometimes. We all want to blend comfort and style, especially when the blistering heat is taking over. That’s why we turned to visionary stylist, designer, author, and midlife advocate Stacy London, for advice on how women can build a summer wardrobe with a few pieces. First things first: Go through your existing clothing to see what you have, what needs an updated style, and what hole is glaring at you begging to be filled.

“We start to question and wonder whether or not the same thing that looked great on us at 25 is going to look great at 45. And for some people, that will be the case,” says London. “But for a lot of people, it’s sort of like, well, how does my style evolve, especially, let’s say, if I’m dealing with hot flashes and night sweats and it’s 90 degrees outside and 90% humidity?”

8 Summer Wardrobe Staples Every Woman Should Have

A key consideration when deciding on your summer clothing staples is the fabric. London looks for at least a 95% makeup of a natural fiber, like cotton or linen, and the other 5% can be spandex, rayon, or modal for stretch. From there, don’t be afraid to venture from the same old items.

“I really want to encourage people to be curious about what works for them and what doesn’t, instead of being worried about what doesn’t work,” London says. “Never stop trying new things. Never stop.”

With the help of London, here are eight summer wardrobe staples that’ll be on solid rotation all season long.

T-Shirt: Sold Out NYC The Ironically Soft Perfect Tee

Don’t underestimate the power of a quality T-shirt. The Sold Out NYC The Ironically Soft Perfect Tee has a slightly relaxed fit and is lightweight without being sheer. Basically, it has everything you want.

“I think T-shirts and tank tops are a must, and to say they’re basic and they don’t matter is to not really understand the range in T-shirts and tanks,” London says. “You want your tank or your tee to look like it is chic enough to be part of an outfit that you don’t have to do anything but maybe add accessories to.”

How do you do that? Well, London says to look for the most modern and contemporary fit. The length shouldn’t go past the button on your pants. And keep in mind that the higher the armholes, the tighter the sleeves tend to be on the arms, but that tends to make for a more flattering torso.

More T-Shirts We Love:

• With a more boxy silhouette, the Everlane The Box-Cut Tee has a relaxed fit and is made of 100% organic cotton.
• For a classic fit that can be tucked in, the Madewell Cotton Perfect Crewneck Tee is reliable for whatever bottoms you pair it with.
• The Tuckernuck White Parker Classic Fit Tee has a more relaxed fit with a slightly cropped length, so you can wear it wherever you need to go.

Cotton Pants: Veronica Beard Dunford Wide-Leg Drawstring Pant

For the days you don’t want to show your leg, a pair of cotton pants offer coverage without also adding heat. The lightweight material is ideal for summer, and the style can be worn with T-shirts, tank tops, flowy tops, and other options. Try the Veronica Beard Dunford Wide-Leg Drawstring Pant. It has a drawstring waist for comfort and a denim-like design for a polished look.

“Cotton pants are also very good. I have a pair of paper thin cotton trousers just with a little bit of stretch in army green. They look great. You can roll them up when they’re straight leg. They’re very easy to wear,” London says.

Again, this is another summer wardrobe staple that can be dressed up or down. It all depends on what top, shoes, and accessories you pair them with.

More Cotton Pants We Love:

• You’ll look effortlessly cool in the J.Crew Relaxed Utility Pant that blends cotton and linen for a breathable bottom.
• When you want to look polished but feel comfortable, reach for the Everlane The Easy Pant that’s available in six colors.
• As if the 100% cotton build wasn’t breezy enough, the side slits on the Pact Coastal Double Gauze Split Hem Pant keep you cool (and can even be tied up for a fun look).

White Shorts: Everlane The Pleated Chino Short

There are many different types of shorts, but no matter which you like best — linen, denim, etc. — getting them in a white color instantly gives them an elevated look. The Everlane The Pleated Chino Short has double pleats and a cuffed hem, so they look super put together. Still, they can be worn with flip-flops or pumps to fit the occasion.

“Look, I don’t love wearing shorts, but that’s because me,” London says. “For women who love shorts, there are incredible shorts out there. So, if you wear shorts, fantastic. I think white shorts are great in the summer.”

Shorts come in a range of inseam lengths, so while you may have leaned toward the 3-inch options in your 20s, you may find that a 5-inch pick suits you better now. Don’t be afraid to change up what you’re used to in order to feel more comfortable now.

More White Shorts We Love:

• The RE/DONE Low Slung Short will never go out of style, as they have a 90s-inspired fit with a comfortable hem length.
• With a relaxed, high-rise fit, you can wear the Agolde Rhoda Pleated A-Line Short when you’re looking for a more refined look.
• The J.Crew Lucia Short looks polished, but it has some stretch for a pair you can wear all day long.

Flowy Top: DÔEN Frederica Top

Keep things light, both material and design-wise, with a flowy top. The DÔEN Frederica Top is made with organic cotton, has a looser fit, and features puffed sleeves, so the fabric is hugging you when you’re trying your best to stay cool.

We don’t need to tell you that there are a ton of top options out there, but to embrace the summer vibes, look for seasonal patterns that scream lunch by the beach. “I love flowy tops. I love things that feel like they’re breezy. Plaid and stripes were very big for the season. I think if you find an interesting plaid that you love or a bold stripe, those are great tops to wear with very simple bottoms,” London says.

More Flowy Tops We Love:

• With blue and white stripes, the Kule The Silk Mavis top was made for lunch by the water.
• The Gap × DÔEN Eyelet Top is made of 100% cotton and has eyelet cutouts that doesn’t reveal too much.
• Getting dressed doesn’t have to be complicated when you have the Tuckernuck Natural Linen Tully Top hanging in your closet to pair with shorts, skirts, and beyond.

Slip Dress: Quince Maxi Slip Dress

Your closet is probably already filled with shift dresses and wrap dresses, but a slip dress might be missing. This style typically has thin spaghetti straps with a longer silhouette, so it balances showing some skin but still covering up. A slip dress can be worn with a pair of sneakers as easily as it can be worn with a pair of heels.

“I do think we’re going to see a lot of slip dresses, because the 90s and the early aughts have not gone away,” London says. “I do love slip dresses.”

The Quince Maxi Slip Dress is uniquely made of 100% washable silk, so it’s not as precious as you’d expect. The six colors and patterns allow you to dress it up or down for a range of occasions. Plus, it has adjustable straps for the optimal fit.

More Slip Dresses We Love:

• The Ulla Johnson Coco Mini Slip Dress has a mini silhouette with Chantilly lace trims for a feminine touch, a detail London has noticed popping up “everywhere.”
• Available in sizes SX to 5X, every woman can feel their best in the Good American Satin Slip Maxi Dress.
• A slip dress doesn’t have to be plain. Take it from the Conditions Apply Ellianna Ruffled Slip Maxi Dress that comes in fun patterns with ruffle details.

Jumpsuit: Magicsuit Halter Cover-Up Jumpsuit

“For me, the easiest by far is a halter jumpsuit that you can pull on and tie up. That is always going to be a staple for me,” London says.

The Magicsuit Halter Cover-Up Jumpsuit is a halter-style jumpsuit that doesn’t even require shoes to be a completed look. It’s easy to throw on after a dip in the pool to grab lunch or at night with a pair of heels for a sexy dinner look. It’s all about how you decide to wear it.

Of course, the perk of a jumpsuit is that it’s all one piece while still giving you pants. Some styles may be more cinched in at the waist while others are more loose. It’s all about flattering comfort, whatever that means to you.

More Jumpsuits We Love:

• The best thing about the Spanx AirEssentials Tie-Waist Jumpsuit is that it has patent-pending Take Off Technology to make going to the bathroom easier than ever.
• With 100% organic cotton and a stretchy bodice, the Quince Smocked Wide Leg Jumpsuit is as breezy as it is flattering.
• A bold print makes a serious statement, and the Mango Belt Printed Jumpsuit will have all eyes on you.

Lightweight Jeans: Madewell The Dean Easy Straight Jean

Yes, you can (and should!) wear jeans in the summer. The trick is to pay attention to the weight. Put those heavier picks aside until it’s cold again and instead opt for a lightweight denim. It’s a classic that you’ll have in your wardrobe for years to come. The Madewell The Dean Easy Straight Jean is part of the brand’s Airy Denim offerings, meaning the fabric is loosely woven for a drapey, softer feel for the hotter months.

“You need a great pair of lightweight denim jeans,” London says. “I do my best to try and keep one of every style that I love. So a skinny, a bootcut, a cropped kick flare, a wide leg, whatever it is, because denim never goes out of style. I like a lightweight denim or even like a chambre for summer. Then, I go back to heavier weights in the winter.”

More Lightweight Jeans We Love:

• You’ll forget you’re even wearing denim when you throw on the rag & bone Featherweight Logan Wide-Leg Jean in a summer-friendly white.
• You can always count on Levi’s for trustworthy denim, and its 501 Original Fit Cropped Lightweight Jeans are no different.
• Made of 100% organic cotton, the Citizens of Humanity Annina Trouser is breathable with a wide-leg design.

Raincoat: Stutterheim Mosebacke Lightweight Raincoat

Outerwear probably isn’t top of mind when building a summer wardrobe, but it should be. “I don’t think we spend enough time on raincoats. I don’t feel we have done enough in raincoat fashion,” London says. “It’s not clothing we think about enough, and there’s so much rain in the summer.”

As much as we don’t want to add layers when it’s 80 degrees outside, it’s necessary when you’re facing a downpour. Having a chic raincoat ready to go will protect you (and your outfit) from the elements. At the very least, a raincoat should be water-resistant, but waterproof is even better to ensure you stay dry. The Stutterheim Mosebacke Lightweight Raincoat comes in eight colors and was designed to be lightweight. Its waterproof fabric is just what we’re looking for to wear season after season.

More Raincoats We Love:

• Bet you never thought a raincoat could look this cool — until you saw the Barbour Suri Showerproof Jacket with a funnel neck.
• The J.Crew Perfect Raincoat has a hood for protection, a drawcord waist for shape, and a calf length for a contemporary look.
• Getting caught in a storm won’t be a problem when you have the Patagonia Outdoor Everyday Rain Jacket that’s completely waterproof.

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