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31 Breezy Pants, Tops With Built-In Bras, And Other Clothing Staples You’ll Want For Summer (Psst — They’re Affordable, Too)

Everything is expensive these days...except for the clothing on this list.

Posted 20 hours ago

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by Gabrielle Moss BuzzFeed Contributor

I am a contributor and former editor who has been writing for BuzzFeed Shopping since 2020, where I'm focused on everything from home decor to beauty to where to buy the world's most comfortable high heels.

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

1. A retro-chic halter top that has a high twist-neckline, for anyone who loves the halter silhouette, but isn't so wild about the deep-V necklines you often get with traditional ones. 

Torrid

Promising reviews: "Love how light and tight this top is. The adjustable strap can be adjusted to match your needs. It’s cute, it pops, and you won’t regret it." —Cuteee

"This top is one of my favorites and never disappoints. I have it in four other colors and just love each one, whether you pair it with slacks or a cute skirt." —Shelley72775

Get it from Torrid for$21.98+ (originally $25.90+; available in sizes 10–6X and seven prints).

2. A smocked peplum tee, because its 100% cotton construction will help keep you cool on those torturously hot days that should be arriving riiiiiight... now.

Anthropologie

Promising review: "Perfect summer top. The fabric feels light and breathable, and the fit is true to size. It has a little extra room without looking oversize. Very easy to style." —Amaly

Get it from Anthropologie for $58 (available in sizes standard XXS—3X, petite fits, and seven colors).

3. A slightly oversize V-neck tank that is extremely ready to become your go-to summer top this year. It's made with 100% slub cotton — a type of cotton purposely created to look more textural and natural than typical, processed cotton — which will help give it the relaxed vibe that this season so desperately demands.

Boden

Promising review: "Great top. Love the fit, and the fabric is perfect for our high-humidity summer. It will be a staple in this year's summer wardrobe. Another great quality item from Boden!" —Cindi

Get it from Boden for $32 (available in sizes XS—XL and five colors).

4. A '90s-style dress because the era of Clueless and Hey Arnold! remains the best fashion decade, imho. This mini number may be a little more boho than the sundresses you usually spend the season in, but it is just as adorable, and begs to be featured in approximately 10 million photos.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "This dress is absolutely adorable — totally worth the price and very cute — can’t wait to wear this outside!! Would definitely recommend. A++." —Deborah Eden Perfidio

"This is a lovely summer dress or vacation dress. Doesn’t winkle and it is very cute." —M Edwards

Get it from Amazon for $26.99+ (available in sizes XXS–4XL and 21 colors/patterns).

5. A lantern-sleeve dress that is pictured in the dictionary under "elegance." (Oh, what, your dictionary doesn't have pictures of cute dresses?) This beauty will work equally well for a drinks date at a fancy bar (you know, the kind where they have all their cocktails listed in a little leather book) or a more low-key wedding. It's all about options, folks!

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This dress is beautiful. Well constructed, fabric is of good quality, and the fit is perfect. I love the way it flows. It’s easy on, easy off. I love the back too. I’m going to wear this dress all summer cuz you just don’t know when a party might break out! I highly recommend this as a purchase for you." —Leslie Serna

Get it from Amazon for $35.98+ (available in sizes XS–XXL and 18 colors).

6. A cotton poplin button-down to layer over a tee or wear on its own in pretty much any season... you'll get so much use out of it that if you really think about it, you'll actually save money by buying it (listen, I was not a math major, but I'm still pretty sure that this is correct).

Banana Republic

Promising reviews: "Great quality, not itchy, breathable." —Anonymous

Get it from Banana Republic for $44.97+ (originally $90+; available in sizes XXS–XXL, and 13 styles).

7. A cropped cotton tee that has a bra literally built in to it, for sweaty days when the idea of walking around with zero support sounds unpleasant, but putting on an actual bra feels literally unthinkable. This "brami" top has a built-in compressive band and removable bra pads, so that you can customize your level of coverage and support — all while never once contorting your arm behind your back to try to get a danged hook-and-eye clasp shut.

Klassy

Promising review: "I love this!!! I have been looking for an everyday white T-shirt with a built-in bra, and this is perfect !! The built-in support isn’t too tight and is super breathable, which isn’t always the case. This is a must-buy!" —Katie P.

Get it from Klassy for $38 (available in sizes XXS—3XL and three colors).

8. An open-back sundress so charming, you may have a hard time walking down the street without doing a little spin. I say, do it! Who's gonna stop you? EMBRACE THE WHIMSY WHEN IT CALLS.

Target

Promising reviews: "Beautiful, elegant summer dress. I wore to the beach and received many compliments." —blanca

"Super fun summer dress. Can dress it up or down easily. I’m petite, and it wasn’t too long." —Vzkcn

Get it from Target for $21 (originally $35; available in sizes XS—4X and three patterns).

9. A classic mid-length jean short, for folks who are simply not in the market for the type of jean shorts that leave a little bit of the bottom of your butt exposed. These jeans have a 5-inch (or longer, depending on the size!) inseam, meaning they will ensure that your uncovered rear never makes contact with benches, bus seats, restaurant chairs, or any other places where you might sit your wonderful keister down in the summertime.

Madewell

Promising reviews: "I bought these jeans last month, and they’ve quickly become my go-to for warmer weather. They’re a great casual option for the upcoming summer." —TallGirlRatings

"These are such a perfect staple pair of shorts!! So comfortable and fit true to size. They’re soft but also feel sturdy." —Carolineeee

Get it from Madewell for $44.50+ (available in sizes 27–33 and also plus sizes 14W–20W, and six colors).

10. A denim peplum top that manages the neat trick of being work-appropriate but also something you could wear to a concert or festival with the right accessories. 

Gap

Promising review: "It fit perfectly except it was just a little long on my petite body. Double-lined. Has snaps to hold bra straps." —Danielle G.

Get it from Gap for $55 (originally $79.95; available in sizes XXS–XXL). 

11. A stretchy square-neck mini dress for folks who are interested in micro-mini hemlines, but are maybe less interested in accidentally flashing the entire bar while dancing. Great news: This dress has built-in shorts! So truly, dance like no one is watching (your underpants). 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I did not expect this to be as perfect as it is. The dress itself is stretchy but also tight enough that it sucks you in and holds you up in all the right places. The built-in shorts are the perfect length, so they don’t peek out of the bottom, and I love that they have pockets!" —Caroline

Get it from Amazon for $36.99+ (available in sizes S–XL and 19 colors).

12. A ruffly nap dress that you can wear on or off-shoulder — whichever look feels more romantique to you. Plus, reviewers say it's bump-friendly, in case you're being fashionable for two these days.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This is one of my favorite dresses, alongside the shorter version they have of this. I have this in pink and white. The pink floral is my favorite — the pink is this gorgeous blush pink, and the flowers are so cute and dainty. The white is similar — it's VERY white in person, and the flowers stick out. Neither of the dresses is sheer, and they're also lined. The dress is cute, comfortable, the fabric isn't itchy at all, and I love the slit up the side. The fabric is also quite lightweight in my opinion, so it's a great summer dress, and you never feel too hot or sweaty in it. The shirring in the chest area also makes it a great dress for anybody who has a big bust, like me. I love it so much, I plan on buying it in the other colors!" —Christie

Get it from Amazon for $27.29+ (available in sizes XS–XL and seven colors).

13. A sweat-wicking mini-skort with a built-in phone pocket, to prevent the two scourges of summer fun: 1. thigh chafe, and 2. forgetting your phone somewhere and having to retrace your steps for three hours before you find it. 

Abercrombie

Promising review: "I am obsessed with this skirt!! Perfect fit and so versatile. I’ve only owned this skirt for four days, and I’ve already worn it to a concert and on a 5-mile hike. Love the phone pocket on the hips. This skort is perfect for summer!" —Holly

Get it from Abercrombie for $35+ (available in sizes XXS–XXL and two colors).

14. A retro-inspired swing dress for MAXIMUM TWIRLING! You don't actually have to be going to a swing dance class to pull this off; you can simply put it on and stand around with the confident body posture of someone who probably could swing dance if they wanted to.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Wore this to a polo match and got tons of compliments! The fit is super cute, and the polka-dot print is both classic and fun. Light, comfy fabric, perfect for outdoor events. Paired it with white heels and a fascinator for the full look. Love it!" —Megan E

Get it from Amazon for $38.99+ (available in sizes S–XXL and 29 colors/patterns).

15. A cotton-blend strapless bustier top to help you look a little more polished on days when you want to get a tiny bit dressier, but still feel the breeze on as much skin as possible. 

Free People

Promising review: "Should be called EVERY afternoon tube top because I want to wear this top EVERY afternoon! The fit is absolutely perfect. Top is so comfortable. Doesn’t ride down. I ended up buying it in black too. 10/10 design." —pizzawine

Get it from Free People for $38(available in sizes XS–XL and eight colors).

16. A moisture-wicking sports skort, so you can have an easier time working out when the weather is quite steamy. This nylon-spandex blend skort has built-in shorts with a 4.5-inch inseam to give you full coverage when you hit those outdoor tennis courts, the track, or wherever else you like to get your steps in.

DSW

Promising review: "I love this skort. So much cooler than leggings for summer workouts." —Carol

Get them from DSW for $49 (available in sizes S–XL and three colors).

17. A pair of 100% linen drawstring shorts, because in addition to going with just about everything, you can also wear them two different ways: cinched at the waist, or more low-slung around your hips. And what is summer about if not options??

Quince

Promising review: "These shorts are the perfect length and the linen is so comfortable!! I am sure I will get lots of use out of them this summer… going back for more colors!!" —Kelly B.

Get it from Quince for$32 (available in sizes XS–XL and 10 styles).

18. A crewneck tank dress that's perfect for all your summer vacay plans — not just because it's stylish yet neutral and works in almost any situation you can imagine, but because it's made from wrinkle-resistant fabric, so you won't have to spend any time on your trip wondering where exactly they hid the ironing board in your hotel room.

Lane Bryant

Get it from Lane Bryant for $39.50 (originally $74.95; available in sizes 10–40).

19. A breezy lace-trim puff sleeve top for hot summer days when you want to cover up a bit more, but without ending up absolutely soaked in sweat. This airy, vintage-inspired top is made from 100% cotton, so it won't feel heavy — even when the sun is absolutely roasting everything in its path. 

J.Crew

Promising review: "I bought this top in black and white. The fit is perfect and it’s very comfortable — great summer top!" —Yoshi S.

Get it from J.Crew for $35.50+ (available in sizes XXS–3X and four colors). 

20. A spaghetti-strap dress to rule them all, because it has both a playful midriff cutout AND pockets. There's more to life than social media, but this was MADE to be the star of all of this summer's picnic/bridal shower/beach dinner photos.

www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "I don’t usually write Amazon reviews, but this dress is SO amazing, I had to do it. It looks and fits like a much more expensive and higher-end piece. I ordered it in black, and it is elegant and gorgeous. The material is so nice, too. Highly recommend! It can be dressed up or dressed down, but it leans more dressy than casual IMO." —Meagan

"Fits beautifully, stretch is just enough, the slit is not super high, making you feel comfortable. Material is perfect for summer." —karina

Get it from Amazon for $49.99 (available in sizes S–XXL and 25 colors).

21. A 100% cotton ruffled mini skort, so you can go about all your summer business without worrying all day that a strong gust of wind is going to cause your underoos to make a public appearance. This elastic-waisted beauty has built-in shorts, so the only thing you'll have to be concerned about is whether your other bottoms will feel neglected when you wear it almost every day this summer.

Nordstrom

Get it from Nordstrom for $41.65+ (originally $59.50; available in sizes XXS–XL and three colors)

22. A classic-cut bikini bottom, for folks who want to get back to basics (aka do not want to spend another summer wrestling with a bathing suit that has weird cutouts that never quite feel like they're lined up where they should be). 

Andie

Promising review: "This is my second purchase of this bottom. I love the cut. It has thicker sides and good bum coverage without looking like a diaper." —Kaylan

Get it from Andie for $23+ (available in sizes XS–3X and 22 styles).

Grab a matching top here!

23. A button-up splay top to leave as unbuttoned or as buttoned-up as you like, depending on your taste, the bottoms you're pairing it with, and whether the weather forecast for the day includes the word "yikes."

Good American

Get it from Good American for $58 (available in sizes XS–3XL and two colors).

24. Alinen-blend apron-neck shift dress that's something of a shapeshifter — reviewers say that it's easy to zuzh this piece up with accessories, or just let it look cute on its own.

Old Navy

Promising reviews: "I love this dress. I can dress it up with a nice sweater or make it more casual with a flannel and some sneakers. The lace detail is gorgeous." —Darby B.

"Ordered this in the orange with scalloped hem and also the red and yellow floral. Honestly, these are THE CUTEST! Fun and chic, without the ruffles and tiered poofy skirts that are on so many sundresses, and overpower my petite frame. This shift style fits perfectly and, with a sweater or jacket, could be dressed up. Seriously, for the price, I am very happy." —Leigh D.

Get it from Old Navy for $27.99+(originally $39.99+; available in sizes XS–4X, tall and petite fits, and six styles).

25. A sexy one-shoulder dress, because dressing for summer weddings can be a real conundrum. What can you wear to look good in photos that also won't lead to you melting, Wicked Witch-style, on the dance floor? Finally, there's an answer: this dress!

Eloquii

Promising review: "The material was soft with a light sheen, which made it look dressyish. A perfect mix for a Miami summer wedding." —Angel

Get it from Eloquii for $55 (originally $109.95; available in sizes 14–28).

26. A sleeveless linen-blend shell top that looks professional enough for work, elegant enough for a night out, and light enough for a day in the park. In a word, this top is multi-talented.

Uniqlo

Promising reviews: "I love the design and structure of this top. It looks elegant and minimalist but also boho-artsy. I can wear medium for a boxy compact shell, or large for a relaxed look, and both look good. Uniqlo’s linen-rayon-nylon blend is always incredible. The red is a gorgeous, rich tomato. The white is a bit sheer, but white always is. Great top!" —Lilac

"I bought the linen tank in white last summer and had to get it again in black this year. It’s perfect on hot and humid summer days. The fabric is light and airy. Thinking about getting it in khaki, too. Pairs very well with the linen pants. I don’t find it gaping under the arms. Love this top for the summer." —Anonymous

Get it from Uniqlo for $29.90 (available in sizes XXS–XXL and six colors).

27. A denim mini-tunic, because it's ultra-airy without being shapeless — the neckline pleats give it some form. Pair it with some short-shorts for a look that will remain charmingly boho, no matter how high the temps rise.

Zappos

Get it from Zappos for $108 (available in sizes XS–XL).

28. A sleeveless blazer set that reviewers say works equally well for brunch or date night — meaning, you could put this combo on for the most social, outing-filled day of your life and look absolutely perfect at every stop.

www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "This outfit is perfect for brunch or a date night. I wore the vest with a black tank and jeans, black heels, and gold jewelry to work and got SO many compliments. The style is perfect with the oversize blazer, and the shorts are not too short. The material is of good quality; light but not cheap. I definitely recommend this outfit!" —Amazon Customer 

"Easy to pack and a great summer look for work, that can be dressed up with a strappy sandal or down with white sneakers. One of my favorite new staple pieces." —Jillian Smith

Get it from Amazon for $38.59+ (available in sizes S–XXL and six colors).

29. A pair of wide-leg cotton-linen blend palazzo pants, because even when it's a million degrees out, it doesn't always feel like a Shorts Moment. And with these airy bottoms on hand, it doesn't need to be — reviewers say they're so light, they even work in Florida summers (which, in case you don't know, are... a lot). 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I love these pants so much, I bought four pairs. I live in Florida, where summers are brutal. I never feel hot in these pants, and the humidity here makes the fabric relax even more, so they become super comfortable, and wrinkles disappear. 🤣 Sure, fresh out the dryer works too — but no one’s putting hot pants on during Florida summers." —Toni L.

Get them from Amazon for $29.69+ (available in sizes XS—XL and 13 colors). 

30. Or linen pants that come in a more fitted silhouette, if you're looking to stay cool but billowy is just not really your vibe.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "My favorite summer pants. I have been searching for a pair of linen pants that are easy to care for. Basically, I wanted a pair of summer pants that were cool, breathable, and no-iron. These pants are perfect! I'm thrilled that after washing and hanging to dry, they were ready to wear. I also appreciate the price! I've been buying 100% linen pants for four to five times as much, and they required starching and ironing to look good. If only these came in more colors." —Patti R. Johnson

Get them from Amazon for $19.99 (available in sizes S–XXL and seven colors).

31. A midriff cutout one-piece bathing suit, because some of us live in fear of a random wave knocking our bikini tops sideways, but also feel like the average one-piece involves a slightly suffocating amount of fabric. This suit is the happy medium — you don't have to feel overwhelmed with coverage, or like kiiiiiinda anything could set your top free into the depths of the sea.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This swimsuit is super cute and is a thick quality material. I love that the bra portion is sewn in rather than being removable, so I don’t have to fight with it every time I put it on. I felt covered and confident but still had a super cute swimsuit." —Terry R.

Get it from Amazon for $36.99 (available in sizes XS–22 Plus, and 23 color combinations). 

Still looking for the perfect wardrobe update for *y-o-u*? Try these:

* Plus-Size Reviewers Swear By These 27 Summer Fashion Pieces Under $100

* Summer Fashion Pieces For Anyone Who Wants To Look Cute But Doesn’t Want To Sacrifice Comfort

* Don’t Have Time To Shop For Summer Clothing? Voila! We Found 31 Pieces For You

* Loungewear Pieces You Wouldn’t Mind Having To Answer The Door In

Plus, basics, tops, accessories, swimsuits, and finds from Amazon, Bloomchic, Boden, Free People, J.Crew, Old Navy, and Walmart. 

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

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