I'm a Shopping Expert, and These Are the Summer Basics I Tell All My Friends to Buy


It's not only a passion but also part of my job to find the most desirable, chic, and of-the-moment fashion items from season to season and share them with you, our dear readers—as well as with my family and friends, of course. In fact, those close to me are regularly hitting me up for everything from what to wear to a wedding, to the best jeans to buy as well as what my favorite basics are. When it comes to the latter, I continually have a running list of versatile staples that I've tried and loved, and this summer is no exception. In fact, below I'm sharing some of my favorite basics that I've been telling all my friends to buy this summer. From tees to tanks, jeans to sandals, these staple pieces will unquestionably elevate your wardrobe, because the better your basics, the better your outfit. Keep scrolling to shop them for yourself.
I cannot rave enough about how good this vest is. I own it in black and white.

Judith Jones is the associate shopping director at Who What Wear and has worked in fashion for over a decade. She specializes in shopping content and trend stories with high-affiliate impact. She shares the coolest, most desirable fashion market finds and brands for every budget. Previous to working in fashion, Judith worked as a TV host on the PBS travel show Globe Trekker (airing on Netflix and Amazon Prime) sharing her passion for travel and culture.
-
The Brutally Honest Skincare Advice You Needed to Know Yesterday, According to 2 Beauty Industry Vets
The Dieux founders share their hot takes and unfiltered product recs.
-
Sorry to My Classic Black Shoes, But This Printed Shoe Trend Is Defining Fall 2025
Spotted on fashion people in Venice, NYC, and Copenhagen.
-
Abercrombie Sucked Me Back Into Its Orbit With These 25 Incredibly Chic Fall 2025 Finds
So, so good.
-
7 Dated Fall Basics I Just Found Hiding in My Closet and Immediately Removed
In with the new.
-
This Simple Fashion Person–Approved Layering Technique Changed the Way I Wear My Basics
Effortlessly cool.
-
Cool Dressers in NYC Are Wearing This Off-Kilter Basics Trend—25 Pieces I'm Shopping Because of It
Unexpected but so cool.
-
These 31 Effortless Summer Basics Make Getting Ready So Much Easier
Low lift, high reward.
-
Cue the Makeover Montage: My Bestie Wants a Closet Refresh, so I Sent This List of 11 Must-Have Basics
Lace-trimmed skirts and mesh ballet flats ahead.
-
Put Down That Crewneck—*This* Is the Neckline Everyone Everywhere Is Wearing Instead
Throwback.
-
The 8 Trendy Basics That Will Define Fall 2025
From denim to flats.