Finding reliable clothing staples to rewear again and again helps us to become more sustainable travelers—and refrain from overpacking. When building a summer capsule wardrobe, lightweight and versatile basics are key. Instead of packing a suitcase full of trendy pieces and statement outfits you’ll only wear once, consider investing in comfortable essentials that you can mix and match with just about anything in your suitcase. Best of all, these easy-to-wear summer basics are designed to last for years to come and you don’t have to worry about them going out of style.
To help you get started, we put together a list of summer outfit staples worth packing for most any warm-weather trip, whether you’re headed on a beach vacation in Turks and Caicos or are planning to eat your way through Italy. No matter where your upcoming travel plans take you, these are the pieces you’ll be glad you packed every time. From breathable linen pants and comfortable walking sandals to wear-all-day maxi dresses, you can count on these summer must-haves to keep your packing list short and your outfit options long.
Keep scrolling for all of our best summer outfit ideas, with both men’s and women’s styles included from brands we trust like Buck Mason, Everlane, Lululemon, and more.
The breathable tank top
Hot summer days mean you’ll need a few basic tanks. These are the base layers you’ll be wearing with everything from denim shorts and sneakers to silky midi skirts and kitten heels. I always pack a solid white tank, like this style from Reformation, to fall back on when I don’t know what to wear. (A soft tank top like this can even double as a pajama top in a pinch.) For men’s options, Lululemon and Vuori make some of the best quality performance tanks on the market. They work just as well to lounge poolside as they do for a quick run or trip to the gym.
The perfect short
Finding a trusted pair of shorts can feel nearly impossible. We chose options that aren’t too short, so you can avoid unwanted chafing while still keeping cool. Whether you’re looking for a classic denim short or a breezy linen pair, we have you covered with these versatile picks.
The linen pant
Whether I’m headed to a backyard barbecue or lunch by the pool, I’m always gravitating toward linen in the warmer months. It’s naturally moisture-wicking to keep you cool and tends to be more loose fitting, so it doesn’t stick to your skin as you sweat. Lightweight, packable, and chic—linen is the ultimate summer pant.
The basic tee
Every traveler needs a go-to tee. A basic T-shirt pairs well with almost any pair of shorts, linen pants, or skirt you pack this summer (sometimes I even throw one underneath a sleeveless dress for shoulder coverage). Cotton tees from Everlane and Buck Mason are breathable and lightweight, making them year-round staples for every type of packing list. No matter where I’m headed, whether it’s a beach trip in Miami or a cabin getaway in Vermont, I have at least two comfy tees in my weekender.
The classic button-down
Along with a plain white tee, I never travel without a button-down—I’ll wear these with denim, as a cover-up by the pool, or over a slip dress at night if it gets a little chilly. For something ultra lightweight, a linen button-down will keep you cool and covered.
The summer dress
One of the most fun items to pack for summer: vacation dresses. Staple pieces like this rib tank dress from Buck Mason and Everlane’s white linen dress are always smart options, but for something with a little more flare, I’m eyeing colorful picks from Farm Rio, Hill House Home, and Abercrombie. If you want something that offers the benefits of shapewear—read: smoothing and sculpting—without wearing anything uncomfortable underneath, consider these sexy styles from Miraclesuit and Skims. Whether you’re headed to a dinner party or want to explore a new city in style, these dresses scream summer and are easy to throw on with any pair of sandals.
For an alternative to a summer dress (or just another option on your packing list), I also like to bring a coordinated set, like Prettygarden’s under-$50 matching vest and shorts. It looks just as polished with the added pro of pairing well with other basics in your bag when rewearing each piece separately.
The breezy polo
A breezy polo looks polished with any pair of slacks or linen pants. Men can wear these during the day for boat parties or brunch, and dress them up for a beachside dinner. We recommend a neutral-colored polo that will match a variety of bottoms, like either of these picks from Bonobos or Banana Republic.
The midi skirt
Equally elegant and comfortable, a midi skirt can be dressed up or down with a pair of low heels, sneakers, or sandals. A chic skirt like this elevates an otherwise simple look and can be reworn endlessly throughout a trip with any of your favorite tanks, tees, or blouses.
The exercise dress
Ideal for active travelers and especially hot destinations, exercise dresses are supportive enough for hikes and workout classes, while doubling as a cute daytime outfit. I don’t always work out on a trip, but when I do, a sporty yet feminine exercise dress is the way to go—I’ll wear one for a morning walk and still feel put together enough for breakfast at the hotel and whatever comes next. My favorite style is Halara’s Softlyzero Easy Peezy active dress that features built-in shorts, adjustable straps, and side pockets. The real stand-out feature, though, is that the shorts are detached from the sports bra in the back—meaning I don’t have to take the whole dress off to go to the bathroom.
The white sneaker
When it comes to essential shoes, every traveler needs a crisp pair of white sneakers. It’s always my most-worn shoe on every trip, especially when there’s a walking tour on the itinerary. Some of our team’s favorite comfortable white sneakers come from Adidas and Reebok, with men’s and women’s sizes available for each.
The walking sandal
Summer sandals can be a tricky shoe to purchase: You want a pair that can withstand a good amount of walking without causing blisters, but that still leaves you looking put together. These options below from Rothy’s, Olukai, Birkenstock, and Quince can take you from the pool to lunch to sightseeing around town. Comfortable, versatile, and packable, a good walking sandal is simply a must.
The quality bathing suit
No matter where I’m headed—beach vacation or not—I always pack a bathing suit. You can’t go wrong with a supportive one-piece or high-waisted set. Some of our favorite men’s swim trunks are these simple, polished pairs from Fair Harbor and Bonobos.
The essential handbag
Rounding out our list of summer essentials are a few chic handbags. These beachy styles from Staud and J.Crew are perfect for summertime, whether you’re headed out to the Hamptons or grabbing lunch in Malibu. For something you can tote around all day and night, the mini Chrystie bag from Freja is plenty versatile and stylish.
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
