I’m a Fashion Editor & Minimalist—Here Are 8 Pieces I’m Buying for Summer

Only the essentials

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.

minimalist-summer-shopping-list
Retailers/Victoria Parrotta for PureWow

Somewhere along the way, the word minimalist became synonymous with boring basics and beige everything. But the best minimalist wardrobes are anything but forgettable. They’re built on beautifully cut dresses, separates, elevated accessories and timeless pieces that don’t need loud logos or embellishments to make an impact.

As someone who gravitates toward clothes I’ll actually wear on repeat, I’m always searching for those rare finds that are uncomplicated, whether it’s the perfect linen pant, a sculptural sandal or a midi skirt that works just as well for the office as it does on a road trip with the fam. If you’re looking to invest in versatile staples you’ll reach for all summer long, these are the minimalist fashion finds currently sitting at the top of my wish list.

15 Pairs of Linen Pants That Will Keep You Chic and Cool All Summer Long


Can we officially make it the summer of the jelly? I haven’t been this excited about jelly shoes since I was 12, and Tory Burch somehow managed to make the nostalgic style feel completely grown up. The Mellow Mary Jane Jelly Mule has the playful charm of the pairs I wore as a kid, but with a sleek silhouette that works just as well with tailored trousers as it does with breezy dresses and denim shorts. They’re lightweight, easy to slip on and surprisingly comfy for a shoe made of plastic.

Fast Facts

  • Material: Synthetic upper, lining and sole
  • Closure: Push-stud closure

This crop tee has that perfectly broken-in feel from day one without looking sloppy, and the cropped length pairs just as well with high-waisted jeans as it does with skirts and shorts. My favorite part is that it’s substantial enough that it isn’t see-through, so you don’t have to worry about what’s underneath. I’ll be wearing it on repeat all summer, then layering it under cardigans, sweaters and blazers the second temperatures drop.

Fast Facts

  • Materials: 100 percent cotton
  • Size Range: XXS to XXL

I recently learned I’ve been wearing the wrong bra size for years. After thinking I was a C cup forever, I finally got professionally fitted and discovered I’m actually a D. (Turns out, most women are wearing the wrong bra size, too!) The difference was immediate, especially when I slipped into the Chantelle Belle Underwire Plunge Bra. It’s supportive without being restrictive, thanks to soft cups and an underwire that doesn’t dig in. The plunge silhouette disappears beautifully under T-shirts and lower necklines, giving me lift and shape without visible bra lines.

Fast Facts

  • Materials: 81 percent polyamide, 19 percent elastane
  • Size Range: 32G to 38E

I love that this Lilly Pulitzer x Janie and Jack Shaley Tunic Dress has a coordinating version for my 7-year-old daughter. At this age, she’s still willing to match with me, and I’m fully aware that the window is closing, so I’m soaking up every twinning moment while I still can. The breezy tunic silhouette is perfect on hot summer days, and come fall, I plan to wear it open over jeans or slim trousers like a long top with loafers or boots.

Fast Facts

  • Materials: 100 percent Rayon
  • Size Range: 00 to 16

This bag has been selling out so quickly that I’m treating it like Beyonce tickets: if I see it in stock, I’m not asking questions; I’m checking out. This Kisslock Frame Bag may be compact, but it’s surprisingly roomy, fitting the essentials without turning into a black hole where my lip balm disappears for six months. The vintage-inspired kiss-lock closure feels delightfully old-school, and I adore that it upgrades simple jeans-and-T-shirt looks. I’m trying to snag one while I still can, because judging by the internet, I’m not the only one obsessed.

Fast Facts

  • Materials: Glovetanned leather
  • Measurements: Length: 9.5" Height: 5.75" Width: 4.5"

I’m not too sentimental when it comes to jewelry, but this personalized two-heart necklace got me. I customized each 14K gold heart with the first initial of my two little ones, so they’re always close to my heart. The design is delicate enough to wear every day and layers beautifully with other necklaces, but it’s meaningful enough to stand on its own.

Fast Facts

  • Material: 14k Yellow Gold
  • Measurements: 16"-20"

Every summer, I convince myself I need another pair of black sandals. Every summer, I’m right. The Staud Juno Wedge will be in heavy rotation; it’s sleek enough to dress up a linen maxi, simple enough to throw on with jeans and a tee and extremely comfortable. The subtle wedge gives me just the right amount of height without the drama of a stiletto, and the padded leather straps make them feel as good as they look. If a shoe can make your legs look longer and survive a full day in New York, that’s a keeper.

Fast Facts

  • Material: Upper: 100 percent leather, Sole: 90 percent leather, 10 percent rubber
  • Heel Height: 60mm / 2.36in

Minimalists, this one’s for you. The gorjana Cress Ring proves you don’t need diamonds, gemstones or a stack of 12 rings to make a statement. Its sculptural silhouette does all the heavy lifting, making it interesting enough to wear on its own yet understated enough to play nicely with your everyday stack.

Fast Facts

  • Material: 18K gold plating
  • Measurements: 6.4mm at top, and 2mm on bottom

Deena Headshot

Deena Campbell

Fashion and Beauty Director-at-Large

  • Oversees fashion and beauty content. 
  • Former Beauty Director at Marie Claire; editorial lead at Allure, Essence, and L’Oréal-owned beauty platforms
  • Advocate for inclusive storytelling in style, beauty, and wellness

unnamed

Abby Hepworth

Editor

  • Covers fashion, trends and all things running
  • Received certification as an RRCA run coach
  • Has worked in fashion for over a decade

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.