I'm a Fashion Editor—Here's Everything On My Highly-Curated Summer Shopping List

By Swedan MargenApril 26, 2026

With some upcoming summer days in NYC and some trips on the horizon, I've been thinking about the pieces that will land in my closet and my suitcase. I'm considering some key summer items including cotton pencil skirts and capri pants that will be in rotation for days in New York City, where I'm based. I'll be enjoying an East Coast summer with long weekends at spots along the coast, so baseball caps and versatile tees are top of mind for my duffle bag. I'm also in the early stages of planning a European vacation, so I have my eye on swimwear and other seasonal items fit for a getaway.

Many of the items topping my shopping list hit on the latest trends arriving for summer, including pailette pieces and lace-trimmed satin. For other finds, I'll be investing in classic heritage pieces I've had on my shopping list for years. After all, for my approach to wardrobe building, I consider the staying power of pieces first and foremost, and I've aligned that with my edit here. Here, shop my fashion editor–approved list of summer shopping picks.