Fashion Girls Think You Can Pass on These Summer Items (But These 6 Are Staples)

As we’ve been spending time cleaning out our closets over the last few months, we’ve gone over a smattering of pieces—from basics to jeans—that we’re thinking of getting rid of in favor of other items. Well, today we’re going to focus on the summer items we potentially want to ditch as we head into those warmer-weather months.

Below you’ll uncover a range of summer pieces our fashion editors will never remove from their closets given their versatile and inherently chic nature. Alternatively, you’ll also spot a selection of items our team members aren’t as into at the moment. Of course, all of this is based on personal preference—and you should always wear whatever you love, no matter what anyone says.

With all that in mind, keep scrolling to check out the items we’re into (and those we’re passing on) this summer. And if you’re shopping at the moment, you’ll also find cool summer staples to consider as well.

Table of Contents

Adding: Prairie-Style Dresses
Passing On: Jersey Knit Maxi Dresses

“Jersey-knit maxi dresses are something that I wish would go away. I see them a lot in the South, where I’m from, and they just look very dated and sloppy to me. If you want something just as comfortable but far chicer, I’d go with a prairie-style dress, like the ones that Dôen does so well.” — Allyson Payer, senior fashion editor

& Other Stories Puff Sleeve Midi Dress ($119)

Dôen Bijou Smocked Dress ($325)

H&M Smock-Detail Dress ($30)

Who What Wear Dress ($21)

Adding: Modern Shorts
Passing On: Standard Skirts

“I used to think summer was all about skirts, but this year, I’m all about a variety of shorts trends—from sweatshorts to athletic-inspired nylon pairs to longer, tailored versions.” — Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour, senior market editor

Bp. Fleece Shorts ($29)

Topshop Clean Crepe Shorts ($55)

Nike Dry High-Cut Running Shorts ($40)

Cupcakes and Cashmere Leah Shorts ($89)

Adding: Ribbed Tanks
Passing On: Camis

“There was a time when I would wear a lot of camis in the summer with all my shorts and skirts, but now they feel irrelevant as far as basic tops go, and any versions I used to own are now long gone from my closet. Instead, ribbed tanks, especially those in a racer-back style, are the basic summer top I plan on wearing with anything and everything—and already have been.” — Anna LaPlaca, associate editor

H&M Ribbed Jersey Tank Top ($8)

Re/Done Ribbed Tank ($74)

Skims Cotton Rib Crop Tank ($34)

Free People Bridgette Tank ($48)

Adding: Woven Totes
Passing On: Giant Oversize Bags

“Giant, oversize bags are a trend that’s been on the rise but one I don’t think I’ll personally be adopting. Instead, the bag I want most right now is a woven tote—a style that feels equally practical and cool.” — Kristen Nichols, managing editor

Jacquemus Le Panier Soleil Bag ($322)

Topshop Rio Tote ($40)

Loewe Raffia Tote ($450)

Dragon Diffusion Cannage Bag ($420)

Adding: Billowy Dresses
Passing On: Body-Con Minidresses

“I’ve never really been into body-con minidresses, as they don’t really suit my frame and feel restrictive. Instead, I’m favoring comfortable billowy dresses with plenty of volume and room to move.” — Judith Jones, market editor

Mango Textured Ruffled Dress ($80)

H&M Balloon-Sleeved Cotton Dress ($40)

Staud Elio Dress ($285)

Eloquii Metallic Tiered Long Sleeve Maxi Dress ($78)

Adding: Tailored Shorts
Passing On: Short Denim Cutoffs

“Short denim cutoff shorts are an item that I’m more than ready to let go. They don’t make me feel cool or polished, so instead, I’ll be focusing my shorts on soft elastic-waist pairs while we’re staying at home and more tailored versions later.” — Kat Collings, editor in chief