Gap Has Everything I Need to Build the Chicest Summer Wardrobe—and I'll Prove It

The bold colorway immediately drew me to this fiery number, but it was the stretchy, smocked material at the back that made me fall in love with it. Even though I’m not the biggest fan of strapless pieces, as I don’t think they flatter my flat chest and broad shoulders, I did find myself really taken by this one. I could have gone for an XS because the chest area had too much room for my B-cup to fill. Despite that, this piece was such a winner, from its subtle drop-waist silhouette to its comfortable fabric and seamless pockets.

Fast Facts

• Size Range: XXS to XXL
• Size I’m Wearing: S
• Fit: Regular, Tall, Petite
• Colors: 4
• Material: Cotton

Even on summer nights, you might be inclined to reach for a sweater when the temps drop. Allow me to introduce you to the perfect piece. It’s stylish, cozy and breathable, thanks to its 100 percent cotton construction. We’re entering sleeveless season, and this knitwear totally got the memo. It has a straight, easy fit that drapes nicely off my frame, with rolled edges that give it a slightly lived-in look while still feeling polished.

Fast Facts

• Size Range: XXS to XXL
• Size I’m Wearing: S
• Fit: Regular, Tall, Petite
• Colors: 4
• Material: Cotton

If you’re anything like me, you also have a hard time finding nice, summery tops that aren’t your typical T-shirt. So finding this smocked top at Gap felt like finding a needle in a haystack, and I’m not the only one who feels that way: One Gap reviewer confirmed that it’s “perfect for summer.” It’s oh-so comfortable and literally molds to and stretches with your body—so much so that I would have preferred an XS fit over the S I tried on.

There’s a keyhole button closure at the back, and I tied the side strings along the back to emphasize the peplum hem. Gap also sells a matching flowy skirt, but I would prefer to break up the print and wear this with linen trousers, denim cutoffs or even a trusty pair of jeans instead.

Fast Facts

• Size Range: XXS to XXL
• Size I’m Wearing: S
• Fit: n/a
• Colors: 1
• Material: Cotton, elastane

This darling number is the type of dress I wouldn’t mind wearing, then re-wearing, all summer long. Its easy, breezy silhouette and design make one look so put-together without any effort. Whether it's the shirring at the drop-waist, the smocked panel at the back of the bodice, the pintuck detailing along the front or the scalloped lace trim throughout, the beauty of this dress is certainly in the details. I also appreciate how it's fully lined and doesn’t err on the side of see-through. While I could have sized down to an XS for a more snug, bespoke fit, I preferred it a little roomy. All that’s missing is a pair of cowboy boots.

Fast Facts

• Size Range: XXS to XXL
• Size I’m Wearing: S
• Fit: Regular, tall, petite
• Colors: 3
• Material: Cotton

As soon as I saw these nine-inch low-rise bermuda shorts, I couldn’t help but think of Poppy’s airport outfit in the movie adaptation of The People We Meet on Vacation—Emily Henry fans will know. Now to answer the question on everyone’s mind: Are they a vacation staple? Yes. At $70, you’re investing in a classic pair of linen shorts that aren’t only comfortable, but they’re also incredibly soft and stylish (I mean, look at that hidden hook-and-bar closure at the waistband). In fact, I found that these looked great with T-shirts, as well as the aforementioned peplum top and sleeveless knit. Keep it casual with a chic pair of flip-flops or opt for a strappy, heeled sandal—either way, they’ll look great. 

Fast Facts

• Size Range: 00 to 20
• Size I’m Wearing: 4
• Fit: n/a
• Colors: 3
• Material: Linen, rayon

This shirt accidentally made it into the try-on pile, but boy, am I happy it did. (Warning: You’ll want to buy every single color.) I’m not one for bright colors, let alone a stark red, but I found the vibrant hue quite flattering on my skin tone. The supple feel of Gap’s VintageSoft fabric is truly unmatched—I want to take it off. Even though I could have opted for my usual size S, I loved how the M fit was roomy, offering even more drape than I’d usually get from a tee.

Fast Facts

• Size Range: XXS to XXL
• Size I’m Wearing: M
• Fit: Regular, tall, petite
• Colors: 20
• Material: Cotton

What’s summer without a pair of white cutoffs? This pair from Gap boasts a mid-rise fit and smooth fabric—better known as UltraSoft, per the brand—which I found to be stretchy, comfortable and forgiving. In fact, I could have opted for one or two sizes smaller, as I found this style to run large. My favorite part, besides the raw hem, was its four-inch inseam, which offered ample coverage at the tops of my thighs without feeling like an awkward in-between length.

Fast Facts

• Size Range: 24 to 35
• Size I’m Wearing: 27
• Fit: Regular, tall, petite
• Colors: 3
• Material: Cotton, Tencel viscose, recycled cotton

Don’t skip out on Gap jeans, especially the Horseshoe style. They’re made with the same UltraSoft fabric I previously raved about, so you can bet they’ll feel nice and soft, lightweight and even drapey, thanks to that exaggerated balloon-like cut. Despite how soft these feel on my skin, the jeans maintain a rigid structure that holds everything in and keeps their shape, as a solid pair of baby blues should. Unlike the cutoff shorts, which I tried on in the same size, I’d stick to your usual size for this rigid style, because these babies run TTS and offer little to no stretch.

Fast Facts

• Size Range: 23 to 35
• Size I’m Wearing: 27
• Fit: Regular, tall, petite
• Colors: 3
• Material: Cotton, Tencel, recycled cotton

Perhaps it’s the inner cowgirl in me or my love for menswear-inspired fits, but I find Gap’s Big Shirt styles unmatched. Enter: the denim shirt, complete with an oversized fit. Softer than your jean shorts and just as breathable as your linen sets, this button-up shirt has all the makings of becoming your most-worn piece of the season. Wear it as a cover-up with linen drawstring pants, over a pair of shorts or tucked into jeans for a Canadian tuxedo moment—the options are endless. It drapes beautifully, with a luxurious, expensive feel that’s hard to find in denim tops. It’s oversized, so if you prefer a more bespoke fit, I’d recommend sizing down.

Fast Facts

• Size Range: XXS to XXL
• Size I’m Wearing: M
• Fit: Regular, tall, petite
• Colors: 2
• Material: Cotton, Tencel, recycled cotton

Here’s another cute top to add to your collection. It’s breezy, lightweight and intricately embroidered throughout, which really sets it apart from your usual cropped tank top. I also adore the dainty tie-front detail. It makes it feel even more feminine.

Fast Facts

• Size Range: XXS to XXL
• Size I’m Wearing: S
• Fit: n/a
• Colors: 2
• Material: linen, rayon

Gap sure does know how to perfect a summery frock. Case in point: this denim drop-waist number. I instantly loved its flattering design, especially the corset-style fit, which accentuates the waist before flaring at the hips to create an hourglass silhouette. But that’s not all. It has pockets, people! Plus a smocked, zippered back, so you can bet it’ll feel comfortable all day long.

Usually, square necklines don’t suit my small boobs—the cut is especially great for women with big boobs—but I actually found it incredibly flattering, especially since the fabric is ruched (giving the illusion of a fuller chest!). However, I could have sized down to an XS because I did find that the top opened up, though this isn’t a problem for anyone with a fuller chest.

Fast Facts

• Size Range: XXS to XXL
• Size I’m Wearing: S
• Fit: Regular, tall, petite
• Colors: 1
• Material: cotton

This is a Gap bestseller, and I can totally see why. It’s designed with extra stretch (a godsend for any staple tee) and a fit that hugs you in all the right ways. If you’re building your capsule wardrobe basics, make sure to grab one of these, as it’s the type of top you’ll reach for any day of the week. Wear it with sweatpants to lounge in, under an oversized blazer for a casual day in the office or over a white long-sleeve t-shirt and a silky midi skirt for the ultimate cool-girl ‘fit.

Fast Facts

• Size Range: XXS to XXL
• Size I’m Wearing: S
• Fit: Regular, tall, petite
• Colors: 14
• Material: cotton, modal, elastane