Your Guide to Summer 2021's Wardrobe Essentials
These are your better basics.

We’ve grown accustomed to the comforts of sweats and timeworn tees, but this season we’re peeling off the layers. Liberating ourselves via clothes, author and lingerie expert Cora Harrington explains, is a convention steeped in history. Following the darkness of World War I, sultry skin-baring silhouettes demonstrated a lighthearted ethos. “The 1920s were an era when people were exploring themselves, exploring sensuality and kind of this new spirit of the world,” says Harrington. A century later, as we get ready to let loose once again, our wardrobes will follow suit. Ditch your sleepy hibernation clothes for a handful of free-spirited pieces: a slight standalone silk camisole that’s surprisingly easy to hand-wash, a roomy pair of khakis, and a radiant pendant necklace that will brighten the mood.
The Silk Cami
No need to be coy, a dainty silk camisole with an ultra luxe hand-feel shouldn't be hidden.
Shop more silk camis here.
The Pendant Necklace
Whether you prefer structural pieces or daintier designs, a striking pendant necklace will add a bit of je ne sais quoi to any outfit.
Shop more pendant necklaces here.
The Baggy Khaki
Thanks to their neutral hue, khakis pair perfectly with summertime prints and lighthearted accessories. The relaxed cut avoids any office drone implications.
Shop more khakis here.
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The Ballet Flat
The versatile ballet flat has become the city girl's go-to shoe. Opt for a pointed-toe version to refine any look.
Shop more ballet flats here.
The Day Clutch
Who said clutches were just for the evening? Woven materials and bright colors mean these hand-helds are just right for sunshine-y days.
Shop more day clutches here.
A version of this story appears in the Summer 2021 issue of Marie Claire.

Sara Holzman is the Style Director at Marie Claire, where she has worked in various roles to ensure the brand's fashion content continues to inform, inspire, and shape the conversation around fashion's ever-evolving landscape. A Missouri School of Journalism graduate, she previously held fashion posts at Condé Nast’s Lucky and Self and covered style and travel for Equinox’s Furthermore blog. Over a decade in the industry, she’s guided shoots with top photographers and stylists from concept to cover. Based in NYC, Sara spends off-duty hours running, browsing the farmer's market, making a roast chicken, and hanging with her husband, dog, and cat. Find her on Instagram at @sarajonewyork.