17 Summer Basics to Level Up Your Warm-Weather Capsule Wardrobe
Vacation mode, unlocked.
As a shopping editor, it's my job to peruse retailers across the internet for hidden gems that suit every style and budget. The icing on the cake? When those hidden gems are on sale—and this week, I've found some warm-weather basics that will level up your summer wardrobe and are discounted right now.
This week, I've been on the hunt for summery basics like tank tops, summer dresses, linen separates, and strappy sandals. Rest assured, I found all of these and more—and each one will give your wardrobe an upgrade.
A new season calls for a new work bag. This straw tote from Coach is big enough for all of your office essentials and fits the easy vibe of the summer. You could always use it as an elevated beach bag, too. Save even more with one of our Coach promo codes.
When the weather turns hotter than hot, my summer work outfits are going to consist of linen everything. This breezy top will be easy to pair with skirts and long shorts for a quick office look. Save even more with one of our Boden promo codes.
The fashion set can't seem to stop wearing long denim skirts so it's practically a staple at this point. Add this one to your summer wardrobe for its splits in the front and back, which not only offer a touch of coolness, but also makes it more comfortable. Save even more with one of our Bergdorf Goodman promo codes.
At this point, ballet flats are nothing new. This pair, however, feels like a fresh take on the trend with the slingback design. The feminine style would work especially great with maxi skirts and dresses, plus they come in fun shades like metallic purple and orange. Save even more with one of our Nordstrom promo codes.
If the wear-with-anything nude shade and iconic "M" shape aren't enough to add this to your summer bag rotation, know that Taylor Swift is a fan. Need I say more? Save even more with one of our Bloomingdale's promo codes.
When I saw this top, I immediately imagined wearing it on a vacation in the south of France. It has a luxurious feel with a rib-knit and cool tie halter neckline. Do yourself a favor and check out how Everlane styled it, too. Save even more with one of our Everlane promo codes.
Don't sleep on Gap for quality basics. They offer plenty of styles that are versatile and work season after season, like these essential linen pants. You'll wear them every summer for in and outside the office thanks to their lightweight, breathable material. Save even more with one of our Gap promo codes.
A white sundress is summer fashion in a nutshell. This find fits that memo to a T with an airy silhouette, ruched detailing, and a feminine square neckline. Trust me, you'll wear this pretty dress on so many occasions. Save even more with one of our Anthropologie promo codes.
I can never have too many bodysuits like this in my closet. They're easy to layer with during any season, but especially during the spring and summer months when the weather can be unpredictable. Save even more with one of our Michael Kors promo codes.
Move over short shorts—bermudas are taking over as a major summer 2024 trend. An elevated, yet simple pair like this is the most approachable if you want to test the trend out. Just add a T-shirt, belt, and slide sandals and you're good to go. Save even more with one of our Net-a-Porter promo codes.
Sure, you could wear a basic white T-shirt, or you could take your look a step further with this pretty blouse. The boat neck, fluttery sleeves, and mixed-stitch detailing will take your casual looks to the next level. Save even more with one of our Neiman Marcus promo codes.
I'm sure you have plenty of LBDs in your closet but not just any frock works well for summer. Preferably it's short, comfortable, and easy to style for multiple occasions. This dress ticks all of those boxes. Save even more with one of our Abercrombie promo codes.
I'm convinced Carrie Bradshaw would have these in her closet, so naturally I'm obsessed. A strappy sandal is essential in everyone's going-out wardrobe, but this one gets extra style points for its trendy red shade. Save even more with one of our 24S promo codes.
Is it just me or are vest tops starting to crop up on everyone? The style is definitely gaining traction, and I predict they will only get more popular once summer is in full swing. This versatile knit has a variety of styling options from long skirts to denim shorts and trousers. Save even more with one of our Madewell promo codes.
Getting dressed for work in the summer doesn't have to be so hard with this piece in your rotation. While technically a shirt, I'd argue it works even better as a shirtdress, especially if you belt it at the waist and throw on a pair of loafers. Save even more with one of our Luis Via Roma promo codes.
These might just be the coolest pair of Birkenstocks I've ever seen. These all-leather sandals will add a touch of edginess to any cute summer outfit in an instant. I bet your friends will assume they're designer, too. Save even more with one of our Farfetch promo codes.
Yes, polka dots are technically a classic but the print's been growing on me more as of late. Ever since I saw Jennifer Lawrence's Dior gown at the 2024 Oscars, I've been searching for my own version. Save even more with one of our J.Crew promo codes.
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Brooke Knappenberger is the Associate Commerce Editor at Marie Claire, where she specializes in crafting shopping stories—from sales content to buying guides that span every vertical on the site. She also oversees holiday coverage with an emphasis on gifting guides as well as Power Pick, our monthly column on the items that power the lives of MC’s editors. She also tackled shopping content as Marie Claire's Editorial Fellow prior to her role as Associate Commerce Editor.
She has over three years of experience writing on fashion, beauty, and entertainment and her work has appeared on Looper, NickiSwift, The Sun US, and Vox Magazine of Columbia, Missouri. Brooke obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Journalism from the University of Missouri’s School of Journalism with an emphasis on Magazine Editing and has a minor in Textile and Apparel Management.
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