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31 Clothing Staples You’ll Want For Summer (Psst — They’re Affordable, Too)
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BuzzFeed and our publishing partners may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. Read More Everything is expensive these days...except for the clothing on this list. I am a contributor and former editor who has been writing for BuzzFeed Shopping since 2020, where I'm focused on everything from home decor to beauty to where to buy the world's most comfortable high heels. Unless otherwise specified, all sizes in this post are listed in women's. Promising reviews: "Love how light and tight this top is. The adjustable strap can be adjusted to match your needs. It’s cute, it pops, and you won’t regret it." —Cuteee "This top is one of my favorites and never disappoints. I have it in four other colors and just love each one, whether you pair it with slacks or a cute skirt." —Shelley72775 Get it from Torrid for $21.98+ (originally $25.90+; available in sizes 10–6X and seven prints). Promising review: "Perfect summer top. The fabric feels light and breathable, and the fit is true to size. It has a little extra room without looking oversize. Very easy to style." —Amaly Get it from Anthropologie for $58 (available in sizes standard XXS—3X, petite fits, and seven colors). Promising review: "Great top. Love the fit, and the fabric is perfect for our high-humidity summer. It will be a staple in this year's summer wardrobe. Another great quality item from Boden!" —Cindi Get it from Boden for $32 (available in sizes XS—XL and five colors). Promising reviews: "This dress is absolutely adorable — totally worth the price and very cute — can’t wait to wear this outside!! Would definitely recommend. A++." —Deborah Eden Perfidio "This is a lovely summer dress or vacation dress. Doesn’t winkle and it is very cute." —M Edwards Get it from Amazon for $26.99+ (available in sizes XXS–4XL and 21 colors/patterns). Promising review: "This dress is beautiful. Well constructed, fabric is of good quality, and the fit is perfect. I love the way it flows. It’s easy on, easy off. I love the back too. I’m going to wear this dress all summer cuz you just don’t know when a party might break out! I highly recommend this as a purchase for you." —Leslie Serna Get it from Amazon for $35.98+ (available in sizes XS–XXL and 18 colors). Promising reviews: "Great quality, not itchy, breathable." —Anonymous Get it from Banana Republic for $44.97+ (originally $90+; available in sizes XXS–XXL, and 13 styles). Promising review: "I love this!!! I have been looking for an everyday white T-shirt with a built-in bra, and this is perfect !! The built-in support isn’t too tight and is super breathable, which isn’t always the case. This is a must-buy!" —Katie P. Get it from Klassy for $38 (available in sizes XXS—3XL and three colors). Promising reviews: "Beautiful, elegant summer dress. I wore to the beach and received many compliments." —blanca "Super fun summer dress. Can dress it up or down easily. I’m petite, and it wasn’t too long." —Vzkcn Get it from Target for $21 (originally $35; available in sizes XS—4X and three patterns). Promising reviews: "I bought these jeans last month, and they’ve quickly become my go-to for warmer weather. They’re a great casual option for the upcoming summer." —TallGirlRatings "These are such a perfect staple pair of shorts!! So comfortable and fit true to size. They’re soft but also feel sturdy." —Carolineeee Get it from Madewell for $44.50+ (available in sizes 27–33 and also plus sizes 14W–20W, and six colors). Promising review: "It fit perfectly except it was just a little long on my petite body. Double-lined. Has snaps to hold bra straps." —Danielle G. Get it from Gap for $55 (originally $79.95; available in sizes XXS–XXL). Promising review: "I did not expect this to be as perfect as it is. The dress itself is stretchy but also tight enough that it sucks you in and holds you up in all the right places. The built-in shorts are the perfect length, so they don’t peek out of the bottom, and I love that they have pockets!" —Caroline Get it from Amazon for $36.99+ (available in sizes S–XL and 19 colors). Promising review: "This is one of my favorite dresses, alongside the shorter version they have of this. I have this in pink and white. The pink floral is my favorite — the pink is this gorgeous blush pink, and the flowers are so cute and dainty. The white is similar — it's VERY white in person, and the flowers stick out. Neither of the dresses is sheer, and they're also lined. The dress is cute, comfortable, the fabric isn't itchy at all, and I love the slit up the side. The fabric is also quite lightweight in my opinion, so it's a great summer dress, and you never feel too hot or sweaty in it. The shirring in the chest area also makes it a great dress for anybody who has a big bust, like me. I love it so much, I plan on buying it in the other colors!" —Christie Get it from Amazon for $27.29+ (available in sizes XS–XL and seven colors). Promising review: "I am obsessed with this skirt!! Perfect fit and so versatile. I’ve only owned this skirt for four days, and I’ve already worn it to a concert and on a 5-mile hike. Love the phone pocket on the hips. This skort is perfect for summer!" —Holly Get it from Abercrombie for $35+ (available in sizes XXS–XXL and two colors). Promising review: "Wore this to a polo match and got tons of compliments! The fit is super cute, and the polka-dot print is both classic and fun. Light, comfy fabric, perfect for outdoor events. Paired it with white heels and a fascinator for the full look. Love it!" —Megan E Get it from Amazon for $38.99+ (available in sizes S–XXL and 29 colors/patterns). Promising review: "Should be called EVERY afternoon tube top because I want to wear this top EVERY afternoon! The fit is absolutely perfect. Top is so comfortable. Doesn’t ride down. I ended up buying it in black too. 10/10 design." —pizzawine Get it from Free People for $38 (available in sizes XS–XL and eight colors). Promising review: "I love this skort. So much cooler than leggings for summer workouts." —Carol Get them from DSW for $49 (available in sizes S–XL and three colors). Promising review: "These shorts are the perfect length and the linen is so comfortable!! I am sure I will get lots of use out of them this summer… going back for more colors!!" —Kelly B. Get it from Quince for $32 (available in sizes XS–XL and 10 styles). Get it from Lane Bryant for $39.50 (originally $74.95; available in sizes 10–40). Promising review: "I bought this top in black and white. The fit is perfect and it’s very comfortable — great summer top!" —Yoshi S. Get it from J.Crew for $35.50+ (available in sizes XXS–3X and four colors). Promising reviews: "I don’t usually write Amazon reviews, but this dress is SO amazing, I had to do it. It looks and fits like a much more expensive and higher-end piece. I ordered it in black, and it is elegant and gorgeous. The material is so nice, too. Highly recommend! It can be dressed up or dressed down, but it leans more dressy than casual IMO." —Meagan "Fits beautifully, stretch is just enough, the slit is not super high, making you feel comfortable. Material is perfect for summer." —karina Get it from Amazon for $49.99 (available in sizes S–XXL and 25 colors). Get it from Nordstrom for $41.65+ (originally $59.50; available in sizes XXS–XL and three colors) Promising review: "This is my second purchase of this bottom. I love the cut. It has thicker sides and good bum coverage without looking like a diaper." —Kaylan Get it from Andie for $23+ (available in sizes XS–3X and 22 styles). Get it from Good American for $58 (available in sizes XS–3XL and two colors). Promising reviews: "I love this dress. I can dress it up with a nice sweater or make it more casual with a flannel and some sneakers. The lace detail is gorgeous." —Darby B. "Ordered this in the orange with scalloped hem and also the red and yellow floral. Honestly, these are THE CUTEST! Fun and chic, without the ruffles and tiered poofy skirts that are on so many sundresses, and overpower my petite frame. This shift style fits perfectly and, with a sweater or jacket, could be dressed up. Seriously, for the price, I am very happy." —Leigh D. Get it from Old Navy for $27.99+ (originally $39.99+; available in sizes XS–4X, tall and petite fits, and six styles). Promising review: "The material was soft with a light sheen, which made it look dressyish. A perfect mix for a Miami summer wedding." —Angel Get it from Eloquii for $55 (originally $109.95; available in sizes 14–28). Promising reviews: "I love the design and structure of this top. It looks elegant and minimalist but also boho-artsy. I can wear medium for a boxy compact shell, or large for a relaxed look, and both look good. Uniqlo’s linen-rayon-nylon blend is always incredible. The red is a gorgeous, rich tomato. The white is a bit sheer, but white always is. Great top!" —Lilac "I bought the linen tank in white last summer and had to get it again in black this year. It’s perfect on hot and humid summer days. The fabric is light and airy. Thinking about getting it in khaki, too. Pairs very well with the linen pants. I don’t find it gaping under the arms. Love this top for the summer." —Anonymous Get it from Uniqlo for $29.90 (available in sizes XXS–XXL and six colors). Get it from Zappos for $108 (available in sizes XS–XL). Promising reviews: "This outfit is perfect for brunch or a date night. I wore the vest with a black tank and jeans, black heels, and gold jewelry to work and got SO many compliments. The style is perfect with the oversize blazer, and the shorts are not too short. The material is of good quality; light but not cheap. I definitely recommend this outfit!" —Amazon Customer "Easy to pack and a great summer look for work, that can be dressed up with a strappy sandal or down with white sneakers. One of my favorite new staple pieces." —Jillian Smith Get it from Amazon for $38.59+ (available in sizes S–XXL and six colors). Promising review: "I love these pants so much, I bought four pairs. I live in Florida, where summers are brutal. I never feel hot in these pants, and the humidity here makes the fabric relax even more, so they become super comfortable, and wrinkles disappear. 🤣 Sure, fresh out the dryer works too — but no one’s putting hot pants on during Florida summers." —Toni L. Get them from Amazon for $29.69+ (available in sizes XS—XL and 13 colors). Promising review: "My favorite summer pants. I have been searching for a pair of linen pants that are easy to care for. Basically, I wanted a pair of summer pants that were cool, breathable, and no-iron. These pants are perfect! I'm thrilled that after washing and hanging to dry, they were ready to wear. I also appreciate the price! I've been buying 100% linen pants for four to five times as much, and they required starching and ironing to look good. If only these came in more colors." —Patti R. Johnson Get them from Amazon for $19.99 (available in sizes S–XXL and seven colors). Promising review: "This swimsuit is super cute and is a thick quality material. I love that the bra portion is sewn in rather than being removable, so I don’t have to fight with it every time I put it on. I felt covered and confident but still had a super cute swimsuit." —Terry R. Get it from Amazon for $36.99 (available in sizes XS–22 Plus, and 23 color combinations). * Plus-Size Reviewers Swear By These 27 Summer Fashion Pieces Under $100 * Summer Fashion Pieces For Anyone Who Wants To Look Cute But Doesn’t Want To Sacrifice Comfort * Don’t Have Time To Shop For Summer Clothing? Voila! We Found 31 Pieces For You * Loungewear Pieces You Wouldn’t Mind Having To Answer The Door In Plus, basics, tops, accessories, swimsuits, and finds from Amazon, Bloomchic, Boden, Free People, J.Crew, Old Navy, and Walmart. BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way. Reviews for this post have been edited for length and/or clarity.
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