Unless otherwise specified, all sizes in this post are listed in women's.

1. A mini cotton poplin shirtdress begging — no, pleading — to go with you on your summer vacation. New city, beachfront, anywhere, I think it would look right at home.

J. Crew

Promising review: "Perfect casual everyday dress for summer. So cute and fun to wear. Pair with yellow sandals and an ivory purse with a bamboo handle. Add a nice scarf to the bag and pearl jewelry. I normally wear a 12 and purchased the 10, and the fit is good." —Coco5

Price: $158 (available in sizes 00–24, including some tall sizes, and two colors)

2. A textured satin tie-back tube top to let your shoulders get out and enjoy the sun they deserve this summer. And who doesn't love a gratuitous bow moment?

J. Crew

Price: $89.50 (available in sizes XXS–3X and two colors)

3. And a matching ruffle-tier midi skirt you can def get a ton of wear out of outside of the set. A brilliant, elevated pick for your new go-with-anything base layer.

J. Crew

Price: $198 (available in sizes 00–24 and two colors)

4. A short-sleeve polo made of a unique linen knit so you can continue wearing your favorite type of fabric in the hotter months. What's not to love about breeze, beautiful linen?

J. Crew

Promising review: "I purchased this top last week and have worn it twice already. It goes with everything, and it’s an elevated tee that I can wear for work." —JNCQ

Price: $138 (available in sizes XXS–3X and three colors)

5. A delicate midi dress with unique vertical pleat details on the bodice that both shape the garment perfectly and add stunning texture detail. Basically a work of art.

J. Crew

Price: $178 (available in sizes XXS–3X, including some tall and petite sizes, and three colors)

6. A pair of wide-leg chino pants with adorable patch pockets you can nab in a few neutral colors so you have the exact pair you need whenever you need a chic, comfy pant. And let's face it, that's basically every day.

Promising review: "I bought these pants last year in navy and wore them so often that I bought them again in the army green color. They are comfortable, look sharp, and wash and dry well — just need a touch-up with the iron. I am 5'6" and the length comes just above my ankle bone. I normally wear size 10; ordered these in size 30 and fit is perfect." —CorgiMomNJ

Price: $105.99+ (originally $118, available in sizes 23–37, including some tall and petite sizes, and five colors)

7. A cap-sleeve top that has a cottegecore feel but still lets you wear your favorite denim shorts if you're not feeling particularly ~flowy~ that day. Simple details like the thin strip of lace down the center set it apart and make every day a little more special.

Promising review: "A mild way to contribute to the yellow trend. So pretty and can be dressed up or down easily!" —Anonymous

Price: $98 (available in sizes XXS–3X and four colors)

8. A crinkled maxi dress with a shirred top that I can see you wearing to everything from weekend errands, to work lunches, to drinks with friends on a sunny patio. An effortless, versatile piece that'll always remind you of this summer.

J. Crew

Promising review: "Love the look and material of the dress. Can be dressed up or more of a casual look. Super comfortable and breathable! I am 5’7 and 155 pounds, and the small fits me well. Love this dress!" —emelll

Price: $168 (available in sizes XXS–3X and three colors)

9. A classic linen button-up because weather you wear it solo or as an open layer over an tank or bathing suit, it's part of the 2025 warm-weather uniform. Whether you go with a neutral, pastel, or this wow-worthy mustard yellow, it's a piece that'll just get better with time, softening and relaxing after every wash.

Promising review: "I’m really happy with this J.Crew white linen shirt. The fabric feels high-quality, light, breathable, and exactly what I was looking for for warmer weather. It’s great for dressing up or down and looks effortlessly stylish. Just a heads-up: the fit is very loose. I like the relaxed look, but if you're between sizes or prefer something more fitted, you might want to size down. Overall, a great staple for the season!" —Alex2700

Price: $98 (available in sizes 00–24, including some tall and petite sizes, and seven colors)

10. A flutter-sleeve top that'll play nice with just about any bottoms you pair it with, from jeans to shorts to chinos to billowing skirts.

J. Crew

Price: $128 (available in sizes XXS–3X and two colors)

11. A denim skort because you *can* have it all. Being able to do kicks and spins freely while having the look of a skirt? That's the definition of living life to the fullest.

Promising review: "Perfect denim skort that will complement hundreds of J.Crew tops this season." —SJCraig

Price: $118 (available in sizes 00–24 and two colors)

12. Slingback sandals made in Italy from genuine leather, meaning they'll break in and only get better with time. A reliable pair of sandals is essential, and these are ready to wander wherever you wish. And check out those buckles!

J. Crew

Promising review: "I found these very comfortable straight out of the box. The footbed is nicely cushioned! I ordered in black. I have a wide foot and went up a half size. My foot goes right to where it should, so I think this was the right move. Anticipate getting tons of use out of these." —AnnieCD

Price: $177.99 (originally $198, available in sizes 5–12 and four colors) 

13. A sleeveless ruffle-trim top because your casual ribbed tanks are awesome, but some days you need something a little more statement-making. Remember when it felt like winter would never end and our arms would never see the sun again? Dark times.

J. Crew

Price: $79.50+ (available in sizes XXS–3X and five colors) 

14. High-rise denim shorts — one of the most beloved items in any summer wardrobe. Once you find a pair you love, it's hard not to reach for them everyday, dressing them up with a button-up or down with a band tee depending on your schedule and mood.

J. Crew

Promising review: "These jean shorts are a summer staple! I buy new denim shorts every year from J. Crew ,and these are so comfortable and the perfect color." —Sarah1224

Price: $98 (available in sizes 23–37 and two washes) 

15. An elegant one-piece swimsuit so you always have one on deck that you love, no qualifiers. Knowing you can reach for this baby and head to the pool or hop on a plane on an impromptu beach trip is a relief.

J. Crew

Promising review: "Love my leopard swimsuit. I usually wear size 2 or 4. I am 125 lbs, chest 32 DD. I got size 6 for better coverage of the top part. It hugs and shows all the beautiful places. Going to purchase the brown as well. It’s a staple for the swim collection." —Eguzki

Price: $94.99+ (originally $138; available in sizes 0–24, six colors, and  in a classic fit or long torso length) 

16. Chino shorts for all my girlies who like to look polished without putting in tons of planning. A pleated short is a verified shortcut to looking like you have it all figured out, that's just a scientific fact.

J. Crew

Price: $58.99+ (originally $69.50; available in sizes 00–24 and three colors) 

17. A racerback tank you'll never stop finding outfits for, from ultra-casual jean and tank days to layering under a blazer for a high-low look that'll rake in tons of compliments.

J. Crew

Promising review: "A great basic tank! I've paired it with both wide jeans and a variety of linen pants, and it looks great every time!" —JoAnna_R

Price: $29.50 (available in sizes XXS–3X and five colors) 

18. Denim trouser shorts because long shorts are officially in, and boy am I glad. If there was a vote on what the most comfortable style of pants were, I'd throw my weight behind these. So the fact that they're also high fashion right now? huge win.

J. Crew

Price: $98 (available in sizes 23–30 and 36) 

19. An open knit cardigan for staying cozy on cool summer evenings spend chatting on the porch with friends. The best way to spend life, in my humble opinion.

J. Crew

Promising review: "This is such a great piece for the office as well as to pack for a long weekend at the beach. Fits slightly oversized, so you may want to size down. Easy to layer over a tank top or bodysuit." —Anonymous

Price: $138 (available in sizes XS–3X and two colors)

20. A linen vest top whose structured style is *chef's kiss* perfection and can easily be dressed up or down. There's something so Cool Girl about wearing a vest with white chunky sneakers, try it.

J. Crew

Promising review: "Stylish and on-trend. Love the cut, fabric, and the high quality." —roopac

Price: $118 (available in sizes 00–24 and five colors)

21. A classic T-shirt because what's more emblematic of the summer staple than that? You can never have too many, and this one in particular is as classic as it gets, with a lived-in feel from day one.

J. Crew

Promising review: "I love these T-shirts. I have so many colors and needed a crisp new white one. They are soft and very good quality." —Vicki28

Price: $22.50+ (originally $34.50, available in sizes XXS–3X and 12 colors)

22. A puff-sleeve mini dress if "easy" and "breezy" are words that spark joy for you. Slide on your favorite pair of sandals and a necklace you truly love and you're the best dressed and most comfortable in one fell swoop.

J. Crew

Price: $148 (available in sizes XXS–3X, including some tall sizes, and two colors)

23. A pair of high-rise flare jeans because the days of skinny jeans are officially over, and more unique, wider cuts are here to stay. Experimenting with new styles is super fun, and a medium wash in a silhouette you don't own yet can open so many doors style-wise.

J. Crew

Promising review: "These jeans are incredibly comfortable. Soft but structured. True to size. High quality." —From Oregon

Price: $158 (available in sizes 23–37, including some petite and tall sizes, and two colors)

24. A flowy maxi dress with dainty tie straps that's made of floaty, light, and fabulous ramie fabric — perhaps a new favorite for days when you want to look and feel cool.

J. Crew

Price: $248 (available in sizes XXS–3X and two patterns)

25. A pair of knotted sandals for perhaps a literal take on the fisherman style that'll draw some eyes and few mentions of "where did you get those?"

J. Crew

Price: $168 (available in sizes 5–12)

26. A smocked trim midi dress with a tie-back that fits the garment *just so* and a graceful skirt that lays just so thanks to luxe crepe de chine.

J. Crew

Price: $168 (available in sizes 00–24, including some tall sizes)

27. A textured button-up because according to my calculations, it's impossible to have too many, especially when they're in unique colors like this light red and blue. The cut is already oversized, but maybe even opt for a size up if you really want to be leaning into the "big shirt" look.

J. Crew

Price: $128 (available in sizes XXS–3X and two colors)

Reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.