When I think of the easiest and chicest way to dress—especially in summer—it always comes back to '90s minimalism. I can't think of anything else that feels more intuitively effortless.
Helmut Lang, Jil Sander, and Calvin Klein were at the helm of this era of fashion. When it comes to style icons, no one embodied it better than Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, who remains the ultimate reference point. She had a way of mixing high and low—Yohji Yamamoto, Prada, Miu Miu, and Ann Demeulemeester with Gap T-shirts and Levi's jeans.
That same anti-trend aesthetic endures today in brands like The Row, Khaite, Toteme, St Agni, and Cos—all known for their elevated basics and uniform approach to dressing.
When it's over 80°F, I want to wear as little as possible without sacrificing looking put-together. For me, it's all about classic, timeless staples that work year-round, and right now, here's what's on heavy rotation.
White Tank Tops
When I'm at home or running errands, I usually wear the Hanes Boys' Ecosmart Cotton Tanks, which are $11 for a pack of five.
I own so many tank tops. Obviously, they're a crucial basic for summer.
A favorite of our editors.
For investment options, I like Flore Flore and Tank Air.
So good.
Love the shape of this one.
Simple Skirts
My black and white cotton midi skirts are on constant rotation right now.
I wear them multiple times a week.
I've been considering getting this wrap skirt as well.
I also love a good swim skirt, such as the beloved Maryam Nassir Zadeh one.
I got this one as an affordable alternative from Amazon.
Everyday Shoes
Finding the perfect summer shoes can be so tricky that Talia Mayden recently made a TikTok series testing different pairs for 10,000 steps or more every day for over a month. Honorable mentions included the Tory Burch Runway Ballet and the Ecco Biom C-Trail, but the winner was the Dana by Camper. I have a pair from the brand and can confirm they're the most comfortable shoes I own.
I've been considering some mesh Mary Janes, too.
Right now, I'm rotating between black Camper flats, Woodchuck Sato tabis, my Gimaguas x Havaianas flip-flops, and cute little kitten heels.
Kitten heels are an all-time favorite.
I've been eyeing vintage pairs from Prada Sport, Manolo, and Ferragamo.
I want to invest in my dream pair of flats by Repetto.
Wearing Havaianas in NYC is so divisive.
Long Dresses
I've gravitated toward mainly wearing dresses since I was a child.
If I could only buy dresses, bags, and shoes for the rest of my life, I wouldn't complain.
I love the brand Brooke Callahan for minimalist clothing.
I've been wearing the black version of this strapless dress so much.
Silk is great for every season.
Black Sunglasses
I wear sunglasses every day, which I've written about before.
I don't leave the house without a pair—it's nonnegotiable.
Ray-Bans, always.
Chic Bags
As for bags, I always have a list going.
The Row and St. Agni are at the top of my wish list.
A Boat and Tote that you can get monogrammed.
I also keep saved searched across eBay, The RealReal, Vestiere Collective, Poshmark, and Depop for vintage designer ones.
Light Layers
I'm a chronically cold person, so I always like to keep a cardigan or lightweight cashmere sweater around.
In the summer, I need them for grocery stores, trains, and overly air-conditioned restaurants.
Gold Jewelry
For the past year, I've been committed to silver jewelry, but after a recent color analysis, I'm going back to gold.
I'm a fan of Mondo Mondo.
Quince has a line of 14K gold pieces.
I have a few thin gold rings as well.
I just came across the Korean brand Numbering on Ssense.
Essential Denim
People close to me have said they've never seen me in jeans, which is mostly true. Still, I want to be that person who's found their perfect pair. I think a capsule wardrobe has to have at least one pair of great denim—and that's what I'm working on. I've been meaning to get a pair of long overdue 501 '90s Jeans from Levi's,
Our Senior Editor Eliza Huber swears by the Citizens of Humanity Zurie Straight Leg Jeans.
Another one of our editors Tara Gonzalez recently vouched for these Levi's 501 Mid Thigh Shorts.
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