A Guide to Summer’s Big Four: Sunglasses, Shorts, Sandals, and Swimwear

We’ve still got a way to go until the technical first day of summer, but with the best season always feeling so short, I like to extend it as much as possible. Sorry, spring, but I’m low-key skipping you this year. With that in mind, I started my summer shopping early in 2025, which is how I ended up spending one of New York City’s recent rainy days (another reason to skip spring) curating the ultimate guide to summer‘s big four: sunglasses, shorts, sandals, and swimwear. There’s no need to go anywhere else—I’ve got you completely covered in every summer fashion category that matters, doling out designer bikinis and designer-looking $50 sandals.

Ahead, you’ll be met with a healthy mix of classic styles that will, yes, check off all your 2025 boxes but also remain chic for summers to come, as well as of-the-moment pieces that you simply cannot complete the upcoming season without. For example, toe-loop sandals are a must, as is a two-tone bikini with contrast piping. Silk-and-lace lingerie shorts are coming for your crochet pair from last year, and wire-rim sunglasses by the likes of Celine and Khaite are quickly becoming summer 2025’s favorite child. It’s all for the taking ahead. Happy shopping and happy my first day of summer.

Swimwear

Sandals

Shorts

Sunglasses