Wear Your Basics Every Other Season—Just for Summer, Try These Fun Statement Items Instead
Throughout fall, winter, and even spring, I live in my tried-and-true basics, opting for a great pair of jeans and a crisp white tee more often than not. A statement pair of earrings or a cool jacket might occasionally be subbed in to keep things interesting, but for the most part, I’m a fashion minimalist for three seasons of every year. In the summertime, however, those same understated wardrobe items get packed up, and in their place go all the statement fashion items that belong only in warm, sunny weather. Think stripes, bright colors, bold jewelry, and voluminous silhouettes. Essentially, if someone might have to do a double-take to “get” my outfit between the months of June and September, I’ve done everything right.
Ahead, you’ll find everything you need to follow my lead for the next few months, opting for clothes, shoes, and accessories that make a bigger splash as opposed to a perfect—clean and quiet—diving entry. I’m talking about crochet pieces made of gold metallic threads, mesh stiletto boots, mirrored dresses, and turquoise silk trousers. There are fringe dresses, genie pants, and sequin swimsuits. Wear your basics every other season. Just for summer, try these 39 fun statement items instead.
Zw Collection
Striped Pants
The high wedges and thong silhouette already make a strong statement, but this color is a perfect exclamation point.
Tory Burch
Layered Hand-Done Mirrorwork Dress
This dress is summer 2025’s most-wanted item by a mile.
Reformation
Carolina Silk Skirt
This color is next-level chic.
THE ROW
Mesh and Leather Knee Boots
Pair the above skirt with these red mesh boots for a cool, IYKYK type of look.
COS
Voluminous Pleated Midi Skirt
The bigger the skirt, the better the outfit.
ZARA
Pearlescent Appliqué Bag
A playful addition to any outfit.
j.crew
Eyelet Balconette Underwire Bikini Top
H&M
Crinkled Balloon-Leg Pants
Khaite
Yuka Sleeveless Knit Peplum Top
The perfect level of sheer.
Massimo Dutti
Crinkle-Effect Balloon Midi Skirt
Yes, there are two skirts styled on top of each other, and yes, I’m copying this look right away.
Prada
Brushed Leather Pumps
MANGO x Supriya Lele
Combined Knitted Dress With Feather Effect
This entire collaboration is perfect. No notes!
SIMONMILLER
Beep Beep Mini Skirt
Consider your next vacation night-out look found.
Heaven Mayhem
Julia Necklace
Add this necklace to any outfit to make it feel more styled and intentional.
Reformation
Aurelia Tote Bag
No more canvas totes, please.
This crochet top looks way pricier than it is.
Reformation
Gale Satin Mid Rise Bias Pant
A punchy color like this one deserves a prime summer spot.
These new Alaïa flats are just the right amount of sporty.
express
Printed Crochet Halter Bubble Tank
Next time you head to the beach, wear this top with white string bikini bottoms.
Leset
Lana Cotton Maxi Dress
My ideal beach-to-dinner outfit.
staud
Christos Large Tote
I can’t bear to carry around a boring black leather tote during the summer.
COS
Gathered V-Neck Maxi Dress
Whenever you’re stuck on what to wear this summer, put this dress on. It’ll do just the trick.
Jeffrey Campbell
Shell Shocked Kitten Heels
Kallmeyer
Charlie Long Trouser in Liquid Twill
Kallmeyer’s liquidy silk-look trousers are on every fashion person’s wish list this summer.
Tory Burch
Open-Back Jersey Bodysuit
No, I don’t recommend wearing this sequin bodysuit in any body of water. Instead, pair it with cool drawstring pants.
Add some fun to your handbags with a bag charm… or five.
Why yes, I do need this top.
HIGH SPORT
Savannah Striped Cotton-Blend Shorts
In case you’re also tired of denim shorts, may I suggest investing in this shockingly fun, stretchy pair?
Ancient Greek Sandals
Jelly Flip Flops
Lookie here: the nakedest shoes ever created.
Beaufille
Anise Maxi Dress
I’ve wanted this dress for at least two summers, and now that it’s deeply discounted, I’m finally snagging one for my upcoming Italian vacation.
COS
Crew-Neck Cotton T-Shirt
Buh-bye, white tees. Hello, turquoise!
Bottega Veneta
Large Fin Earrings in Silver
MANGO
Abstract-Print Midi-Dress
How cool is this print? I’m in love.
PROENZA SCHOULER
Slash Tie Leather Sandals
The prettiest pink sandals deserve a place in your wardrobe.
tumi
19 Degree Aluminum Minaudiere
Clutches can often err on the side of stuffy, but this aluminum minaudière is beyond fun.
MANGO
Striped Ramie Shirt
Express
Metallic Crochet Scoop Neck Maxi Sweater Dress
Aren’t you glad you scrolled to the end?
