1. A flutter-sleeve top meant for prancing through the Italian countryside, wicker basket filled with grapes in one hand and a glass of vino in the other.

J. Crew

Price: $69.50 (originally $118, available in sizes XXS–3X and in four colors)

2. Embroidered linen pants for the comfort connoisseur who would gladly wear their leggings come summertime but doesn't feel like being drenched in sweat through October.

J. Crew

Promising review: "The linen pants are just perfect for summer travel. They hold their shape well." –Julia Butterfly

Price: $84.50+ (originally $118, available in sizes XXS–3X and in 12 colors and classic, petite, and tall lengths)

3. A ruffle-trim top available in a sunshine yellow, symbolic of all the fresh air you'll finally be getting now that the weather app is a wee bit more forgiving.

J. Crew

Price: $79.50 (available in sizes XS–3X) 

4. An eyelet-trim shirt for a more sophisticated take on the plain white tee. Similar structure, endless styling possibilities.

J. Crew

Promising review: "Really love this shirt! It looks polished and goes with everything. Very cool and comfortable for hot summers." —Marymac315

Price: $138 (available in sizes 00–24)

5. A classic crewneck made from 100% cotton touted as feeling "lived in" at first wear, which is ironic considering you will in fact be living in this for the foreseeable future.

J. Crew

Price: $19.50+ (originally $39.50, available in sizes XXS–3X) 

6. Slingback sandals crafted from premium leather and made in Italy, i.e. you can purchase these now knowing they'll last you for plenty of summer seasons to come.

J. Crew

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

7. A crinkle dress meant for prancing around the sandy shorelines of pristine beaches and/or shopping for fresh fruit in marketplaces. Either scenario works.

J. Crew

Promising review: "I saw this dress in the store window and had to try it on! As expected, it is beautiful! The perfect summer event dress!" —Kares

Price: $158 (available in sizes XXS–3X and in four colors and classic, petite, and tall lengths)

8. A woven clutch embellished with paillettes that's large enough to fit all the things you need for a night out: cell phone, wallet, keys, several lipsticks (because heaven forbid you only bring one).

J. Crew

Price: $148 

9. High-rise denim shorts that are the ~little black dress~ equivalent for a casual summer essentials wardrobe. Dress them down with a bikini top and flip-flops; dress 'em up with a button-up, belt, and heeled sandal.

J. Crew

Promising review: "These jeans 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: $56.50 (originally $98, available in sizes 23–37 and in three colors) 

10. A hand-knotted straw bag you will truly wear every. single. day. Large enough to sling over your shoulder for errands, elegant enough to be touted around by its handle for dinner.

J. Crew

Price: $99.50 (originally $128)

11. A one-piece swimsuit that just called my cell and begged me to book a beachside vacation, which I took as an immediate order, so I'll see you at the all-inclusive.

J. Crew

Price: $74.50+ (originally $148; available in sizes 0–24, five colors, and classic fit and long torso lengths) 

12. A linen-cotton blend set because you've been wearing the same ratty rubber duck pajamas since middle school and perhaps (perhaps!) it's time for an upgrade.

J. Crew

Promising review: "So cute! Love them and they get softer with each wear. Sad I didn’t purchase in lavender before they sold out!" —Kleverett31

Price: $49.50+ (originally $98; available in sizes XXS–3X and in four colors) 

13. Chino shorts you can throw on for grabbing that morning coffee or heading to an in-office biz meeting. Versatility? It's a powerful thing.

Nordstrom

Price: $34.50 (originally $69.50; available in sizes 00–24 and in three colors) 

14. A high-neck tank available in a slew of colors, perfect for wearing with shorts, jeans, leggings, etcetera. You can never go wrong with this wear-every-season basic.

J. Crew

Promising review: "Great tank with quality fabric and true navy color. Own this tank in different colors, great for layering." —akescobar

Price: $22.50+ (available in sizes XXS–3X and in five colors) 

15. Jelly sandals that invented a time machine and transported from my middle school years into the present. Will I feel like a child wearing these? Maybe. Will I love every step? Yes. Nostalgia = I'm a sucker for it.

J. Crew

Price: $89.50 (available in sizes 5–12 and in four colors) 

16. A button-up in blue denim, simple white, dainty vintage red stripes, and more. This hits right above the hip for a more cropped look.

J. Crew

Promising review: "This is a great collared shirt with an updated crop that looks great with wide leg denim. I love the wide blue stripe for summer and it looks great dressed up or down." —Ashhh24

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

17. A woven handbag available in a trio of fun colors — raspberry red, city blue, soft peridot (pictured below) — if you want a pop of color this summer. And if you don't? No worries. It's also available in black and natural straw.

J. Crew

Promising review: "I got the green and it is the perfect pop of color and texture to an otherwise boring outfit! I love it!" —Ro333

Price: $49.50+ (originally $89.50; available in five colors) 

18. A claw clip pack to bring some ~nautical~ energy to your 'do this season. Grab some sea salt spray (or dry shampoo, if you're anything like me) and pull back your hair with the trio below.

J. Crew

Price: $34.50

19. A halter dress that I hesitate to call "date night" attire because it sounds so antiquated but you know what, yes, this is ideal date night attire.

J. Crew

Price: $148 (available in sizes XXS–3X and in three colors) 

20. A strapless dress made from a delicious, airy fabric that will have you spinning in circles all night long just so you can hear that magical "swish swish" sound.

J. Crew

Price: $178 (available in sizes XXS–3X and in two colors)

21. A square-neck tank that looks like it was plucked from the racks of an elegant secondhand vintage shop on a rue somewhere in Paris. (But bonus points: you won't have had to do any digging.)

J. Crew

Price: $69.50 (available in sizes XXS–3X and in three colors) 

22. A racerback tank because all the maxi skirts you bought on clearance last November? Yeah. Consider this their perfect matching top, one that also happens to have a built-in shelf bra for extra support.

J. Crew

Price: $39.50 (available in sizes XXS–3X and in four colors) 

23. Denim trouser shorts that strikes me as the kind of staple I'll be wearing to a point that extends beyond "outfit repeating." Kate Sanders, what would you think of me?

J. Crew

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

24. Lace-up espadrilles for a bit of height that won't compromise comfort. The best part about a wedge heel? They're blissfully easy to walk around in.

J. Crew

Promising review: "They are well made, adorable, fun to wear!" —Donna25

Price: $149.50 (originally $188; available in sizes 6.5–12 and in two colors) 

25. A linen wrap skirt that's a two-fer for your closet: As a traditional swimsuit coverup *or* as a gorgeous skirt you can pair with a tank and heeled sandals.

J. Crew

Price: $59.50 (originally $98, available in sizes 00–16 and in three colors) 

26. Lower-rise wide-leg jeans because in the year that is 2025, we have slowly abandoned high-waisted styles...and I have to be honest and say I don't know how I feel about that transition, but I *do* love the style below.

J. Crew

Price: $168 (available in sizes 23–37 and in two lengths) 

27. A lace-trim slip that has made me, a cynic, believe in love at first sight. Added to my cart immediately.

J. Crew

Price: $139.50 (originally $198; available in sizes 00–24 and in three colors) 

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