I have a confession to make: I’ve spent the last few weeks shopping up a storm. I’m ready for scorching temps, diving into the ocean and afternoons spent drinking rosé...or at least my revamped wardrobe is. Wondering what you should stock up on for summer 2025? Take some cues from my shopping list, including a ‘60s-inspired romper with major Palm Royale vibes, a lightweight tote I can carry from boardroom to boardwalk and lots of breezy dresses, to inspire your most stylish summer yet. Here, 16 items I plan to add to my shopping cart ASAP, before the season hits full swing.
16 Things PureWow’s Fashion Editor Is Buying for Summer 2025
Bring on the heat
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Updated May 8, 2025
PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and some items may be gifted to us. Additionally, PureWow may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here.
Paula Boudes for PureWow
1. Everlane The Seamed Dress in Stretch Linen
Everlane
Linen is a must-have for summer, IMO, thanks to its breathability and ease of care, but this Everlane number also has the added benefit of a little bit of stretch, too. And the seam detailing is oh-so gorgeous, plus it helps to create a beautiful shape without ever feeling restrictive. The back of the bodice is smocked for a better fit across a variety of bust sizes, and the straps are adjustable as well. And with five beautiful colors to choose from, there’s bound to be one to fit your summer style. Reviewers do note that the midi length may be a tad long on petite frames, but should also be quite easy to hem.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: US 00 to 16
- Materials: 53 percent European flax linen, 45 percent viscose, 2 percent elastane
J.Crew
Another fabulous linen staple, these pants come in a variety of solid hues (including cherry red, sky blue and, of course, black), but it’s the stripes that are really calling to me at the moment. The adjustable tie waistband is reportedly incredibly comfortable, with a rise that’s flattering on just about everybody. The pockets are deep and don’t bulge out on the sides, and J.Crew offers both Petite and Tall lengths so you don't have to stress about alterations. Just note, although these pants are machine washable, you should avoid using hot water or putting them in the dryer to prevent the linen from shrinking.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: XXXS to 3X, also Tall and Petite
- Materials: 100 percent linen
Teva
I already own and adored these sandals in black, so know I’ll get tons of use out of this camel color. They come with all the comfort and practicality you’d expect from Teva—they’re waterproof, lightweight and have ample cushioning in the footbed—but look much more elevated than your usual Velcro-strap sandals. In fact, I bought the black pair mostly because Mary-Kate Olsen was spotted wearing them years ago. I’m happy to report, they do indeed live up to the hype and are as comfortable as they are chic.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: US 5 to 11
- Materials: EVA foam with leather trim
4. Hyacinth House Hillsborough Midi Dress
Hyacinth House
Tuckernuck has swiftly become a favorite of mine for finding dresses with a polished-yet-chill vibe that makes me feel dressed up, but never too prim. This long-sleeve midi is a perfect example: the high neckline and ample coverage make it appropriate for work or a baby or bridal shower, while the vibrant print and hot pink trim add levity. It even has pockets—swoon!
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: XXS to XXL
- Materials: 100 percent cotton
5. Naghedi St. Barths Medium Tote Rope
Naghedi
I recently acquired the Tulum tote by Naghedi and it’s swiftly become one of my most-used handbags, so now I have my eyes set on this woven St Barths number as well. Both are made of a lightweight, durable neoprene that’s incredibly easy to clean while still looking fabulously chic. Who knew there was a bag that could work just as well for the the beach as it could for the office? There are also multiple sizes to chose from, though the medium is my preferred option.
FAST FACTS
- Dimensions: 9.5” H x 17” W x 7” D
- Materials: 100 percent neoprene
6. Aligne Lupin Linen Tie Waistcoat
Aligne
Tie-front tops have been a major trend for a few summers now, but rather than the puff-sleeve versions of year’s past (inspired by the OG Ganni top), this time around it’s all about streamlined, structured silhouettes. Case and point, this gorgeous black top by Aligne. The seaming down the front, thick straps and slight flare feel like a hybrid between the shirt vests we’ve seen so much of lately and the boho tie tops of late. The ties are fully adjustable, but know that the fabric has little to no stretch, so if you’re between sizes you may want to opt for the larger of the two.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: US 0 to 18
- Materials: 52 percent linen, 24 percent cotton, 24 percent viscose
7. Blowfish Malibu Lana Ballet Jogger Sneaker
Blowfish Malibu
I’ve been dying to get my hands on a pair of Onitzuka Tiger sneakers, but thus far they’ve managed to elude me. But when I saw this Blowfish Malibu pair, I knew I’d found a spectacular alternative. They have the same low-profile, vintage vibes, and I love the zig-zag stitching along the side. They’re also super lightweight, but do have enough cushioning to reportedly be comfortable for extended wear. They do appear to run a smidge short, so you may want to consider going up a half size from your usual.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: US 6 to 11
- Materials: synthetic upper, rubber sole
8. Lilly Pulitzer Eleanora Shift Romper
Lilly Pulitzer
Yes, this adorable ‘60s-inspired number is actually a romper. Though it looks like a minidress from all angles, there are built-in yellow shorts underneath to help prevent thigh chafing and make it more comfortable to sit and bend with such a short hemline. The yellow print and thick white trim would fit right in with Maxine Dellacorte-Simmons and her pals in Palm Royale, so I highly advise leaning into the Palm Beach vibes with some white sunglasses, a straw bag and lace-up, strappy sandals.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: US 00 to 16
- Materials: 53 percent Lenzing Ecovero viscose, 33 percent cotton, 14 percent linen
9. Pilcro Classic Bermuda Denim Shorts
Pilcro
It’s been a hot minute since I owned a pair of denim shorts, but I’m really loving the look of Bermuda shorts and longer hemlines for summer 2025. They give off a SoCal surfer vibe that feels much more me than ultra-short Daisy Dukes. This particular pair comes in four different washes and has a slight flare that’s reportedly very comfortable and flattering for those with larger thighs or wider hips. They also come in petite sizes, so the 5’2”-and-under crew won’t feel overwhelmed by too much fabric.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: US 23 to 34, and petite, also 16W to 26W
- Materials: 100 percent cotton
10. Left On Friday Shoreline Suit
Left On Friday
I could wax poetic about Left On Friday any day of the week, so of course I have to have a chic new one-piece on my summer wishlist. The women-owned brand is all about creating flattering swimwear that looks super chic, but is still comfortable enough for a full day at the beach, whether that entails diving into a fun beach read, chasing after a wiley bunch of kids or surfing up a storm. And they truly deliver on that lofty promise. This one-shoulder swimsuit is incredibly elegant (especially from behind) and will help elongate my short torso, although it comes in Tall lengths as well.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: XS to XXL, also Tall
- Materials: 46 percent nylon, 38 percent polyester, 16 percent Lycra
Clare V.
I’ve loved the net tote trend of the past few years, but the pragmatist in me is always reluctant to reach for one given the likelihood of smaller items falling through the gaps. This Clare V. tote solves that problem with thicker cotton ropes that offer a bit more structure and smaller gaps, while maintaining those easy, breezy vibes. The straps are also made of leather to feel more secure on your shoulder as you stroll through the farmers’ market. The Sandy tote also comes in beige and black, but I’m really loving the khaki green above and the yellow-and-white stripe version for something a bit more attention-grabbing.
FAST FACTS
- Dimensions: 16” W x 12” H x 1” D
- Materials: 100 percent cotton rope with leather handles
12. Free People Lowen Midi Skirt
Free People
I’ve been hunting for the perfect breezy midi skirt to add to my summer wardrobe, and this Free People number may be the ticket. It’s made of 100 percent cotton and is reportedly wonderfully lightweight without appearing sheer, even in the lighter colors. Speaking of color, there are a whopping 12 options to choose from, from the cardamom khaki pictured above to lilac purple to cherry tomato red. It also has pockets for stowing small essentials. Reviewers so say this skirt tends to run large, so you may want to go down one from your usual size when ordering.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: XS to XL
- Materials: 100 percent cotton
13. More to Come Celsee Strapless Maxi Dress
More to Come
Polka dots are the print of the summer, and I am 100 percent here for it. I’m still on the hunt for the ultimate Pretty Woman polo match homage, but until then this black-and-white strapless number will absolutely scratch the itch. It’s so easy to dress up or down, and I love the flattering drop waist. It’s also fully lined so I don’t need to stress about any accidental sheer moments.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: XXS to XL
- Materials: 60 percent viscose, 30 percent polyester
14. Madewell Oversized Silk Bandana
Madewell
After picking up this chic trench coat styling trick from the French, I’ve been having fun playing around with all different ways to tie a scarf, not just around my neck. At 41-inches square, this silk scarf is definitely large enough to be knotted as a top or looped around my hips like a belt. And the brown hue will match well with just about any handbag for a classic impromptu adornment. That said, it also comes in a wavy multi-colored stripe, dark green floral and black-and-white stripe if you prefer.
FAST FACTS
- Dimensions: 41-inches square
- Materials: 100 percent silk
Ulla Johnson
Yes, this top is quite the investment, but the asymmetrical lace detail is just so incredibly stunning. I saw this beauty at a little boutique in Bend, OR, immediately fell head-over-heels in love, and have been trying to come up with an excuse to purchase it ever since. The fabric is really gorgeous IRL, and the linen is lightweight, soft and not at all see-through. I will admit, it doesn’t really have any stretch, so I advise sizing up if you’re between sizes.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: US 00 to 12
- Materials: 100 percent linen
16. Roxanne Assoulin The Happy Baby Bead Charm Necklace
Roxanne Assoulin
It just doesn’t feel like summer to me without bright jewelry, preferably anything that reminds me of summer camp. Roxanne Assoulin is the best place to pick up colorful pieces with those nostalgic vibes, but that also feel entirely grown up. Case and point, this gold-and-pastel necklace which can be styled with up to three charms (choose between hearts and bubble letters) for a one-of-a-kind design unique to you.
FAST FACTS
- Length: 16 inches
Why You Should Trust Us
PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.
