Welcome to 10 Things to Buy, a monthly shopping list that helps you shop smarter by focusing on the 10 key items to add to your cart that month if your wardrobe is in need of a boost. As a Who What Wear editor for the past 11 years, I've spent many hours advising people on what to shop for during any given season, so you're in good hands. Whether you're shopping for cold weather, warm weather, a vacation, or a wedding, I'm here to offer up the most seasonally appropriate suggestions. Be sure to return at the start of each month for more.
The dog days of summer are officially here, and to be honest, I'm over it. The heat index here on the East Coast last week reached 110°, and that was all the summer I needed to see. Like it or not, we're nowhere near close to things cooling down. By the time July hits each year, I tend to have already made all of my investment purchases for the season, but I'm not quite done with summer shopping yet. So affordable finds it is. I figured I'm not alone in this, so for this month's edition of 10 Things to Buy, I found the top 10 under-$100 items to get you through this sweltering summer month and beyond. Keep scrolling to shop the goods before the next heat wave arrives.
Capri Pants
The capri-pant trend has reached a fever pitch, and now is the time to get on board if you haven't yet. It's the perfect style for when you don't want to wear full-on pants but shorts also don't seem right.
Braided Sandals
Sandal season is a long way away from winding down, and if you already bought flip-flops and jelly sandals and are ready for something more sophisticated and expensive looking, braided sandals are the way to go.
V-Neck Tank
Scoop-neck tanks are great, but I find that the high-V-neck tanks that are suddenly everywhere are much more polished and elegant.
Boxer-Style Shorts
It's time to take the boxers outside. Fashion people have been wearing these supremely lightweight shorts with decidedly non-sleepwear-inspired pieces, and perhaps you should too.
Gingham
Gingham is everywhere this summer, and there are tons of ways to get in on the trend for under $100.
Mesh Flats
One word: airflow. I just spent a long weekend in NYC and wore mesh flats the entire time. My feet felt more secure than if I'd opted to wear sandals, and they stayed cool throughout the day.
Black Linen Dress
If you want your next dress purchase to be one that carries you into fall, I highly recommend adding a black linen dress to your wardrobe. You'll be able to wear it for much of the year.
Crochet Bag
A fun summer bag is essential for July and on, and there are tons of cool ones to choose from right now. My money is on an easy crochet bag.
Pretty Eyelet Top
Breezy, lightweight tops are key this time of year, and the most highly coveted ones are adorned with eyelet details.
Polished Shorts
By July, I even wear shorts out at night on the hottest of days, so when denim or drawstring shorts just won't cut it, I opt for a tailored pair that I can wear with kitten heels.
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