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    1. Fashion
    2. Summer fashion

    Your Summer of Rest and Relaxation Starts With These 24 Essentials, According to an Editor

    These silky sets, sunscreens, and swimsuits will kickstart a laid-back season.

    Natalie Gray Herder's avatar
    By Natalie Gray Herder
    Published 17 June 2025 In Buying Guides

    When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

    Collage of Nail Polish, SPF, Blue Dress, and Loungewear
    (Image credit: Original Illustration by Ally Quirk)

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    I will keep it real with you: My summer looks a lot more like sitting in my air-conditioned office than gallivanting around Europe collecting passport stamps. But that doesn't mean I can't shop for the rest and relaxation I deserve, and luckily, summer self-care doesn't require a plane ticket or a tropical beach (though I would happily oblige any spontaneous trips that come my way). Moments of ease can look like putting on a cute dress for dinner with my girlfriends or taking my lunch break to read in the park, and I found just the items that will help me accomplish these plans. So whether you're packing for a coastal vacation or staying local like me, the following 24 items will inspire a bit of R&R this season—no flight necessary.

    Collage of Summer-Ready Items

    (Image credit: Original Illustration by Ally Quirk)

    Express deserves more hype for its under-$100 summer arrivals. The dresses are perfect for the office and the South of France. And the basics are so comfortable and cute, you'll want to stock up on every colorway. Whoever the designers are, I'm singing their praises because these new summer styles are exactly what I want to wear all season long.

    Express, Linen-Blend V-Neck Drop Waist Midi Dress

    Express
    Linen-Blend V-Neck Drop Waist Midi Dress
    $98
    SHOP NOW

    Express, Dark Wash Square Neck Midi Fit and Flare Denim Dress

    Express
    Dark Wash Square Neck Midi Fit and Flare Denim Dress
    $88
    SHOP NOW

    Express, Striped Crew Neck Sleeveless Belted Midi Fit and Flare Dress

    Express
    Striped Crew Neck Sleeveless Belted Midi Fit and Flare Dress
    $88
    SHOP NOW

    Express, Linen-Blend High Waisted Wide Leg Pull On Pant

    Express
    Linen-Blend High Waisted Wide Leg Pull On Pant
    $68
    SHOP NOW

    Express, Linen-Blend Flowy Peplum Tank

    Express
    Linen-Blend Flowy Peplum Tank
    $48
    SHOP NOW

    Express, Washed Fitted Ribbed Square Neck Tank

    Express
    Washed Fitted Ribbed Square Neck Tank
    $28
    SHOP NOW

    Collage of Summer-Ready Items

    (Image credit: Original Illustration by Ally Quirk)

    Self-care comes in many forms, but for me, it's all about unplugging from my devices and grabbing a good book. If I'm heading outside, I'll have my Tula SPF in tow. If I'm staying in, I'll double-duty it with skincare and a hydrating sheet mask. Walmart has just the essentials I need for a true summer of relaxation.

    TULA, Supersize Protect Glow Daily Sunscreen Spf 30 Gel

    Tula
    Supersize Protect Glow Daily Sunscreen SPF 30 Gel
    $58
    SHOP NOW

    Rael Beauty, Hydration Facial Sheet Mask

    Rael Beauty
    Hydration Facial Sheet Mask
    $11
    SHOP NOW

    essie, Vegan Nail Polish

    Essie
    Vegan Nail Polish
    $10
    SHOP NOW

    Abby Jimenez: Just for the Summer (paperback)

    Abby Jimenez
    Just for the Summer
    $10
    SHOP NOW

    Emily Henry: Great Big Beautiful Life (walmart Exclusive) (hardcover)

    Emily Henry
    Great Big Beautiful Life
    $20
    SHOP NOW

    The Midnight Feast, (hardcover)

    Lucy Foley
    The Midnight Feast (Was $15)
    $15$10
    SHOP NOW

    Collage of Summer-Ready Items

    (Image credit: Original Illustration by Ally Quirk)

    When I'm not at the office, you can find me in these cozy pieces from Lunya. The brand's fabrics are not only soft as butter, but they're also breathable and built for hot sleepers (a summertime dream come true). I'd even throw on a few of these sets to head to the beach or run errands in the city.

    Washable Silk Relaxed Button Up Short Set

    Lunya
    Washable Silk Relaxed Button Up Short Set
    $248
    SHOP NOW

    Airy Cotton Curved Hem Shirt

    Lunya
    Airy Cotton Curved Hem Shirt
    $128
    SHOP NOW

    Airy Cotton Curved Hem Boxer

    Lunya
    Airy Cotton Curved Hem Boxer
    $88
    SHOP NOW

    Linen Knit Side Slit Short

    Lunya
    Linen Knit Side Slit Short
    $88
    SHOP NOW

    Soft Modal Rib Foldover Short

    Lunya
    Soft Modal Rib Foldover Short
    $78
    SHOP NOW

    Organic Pima Wide Leg Pant

    Lunya
    Organic Pima Wide Leg Pant
    $148
    SHOP NOW

    Collage of Summer-Ready Items

    (Image credit: Original Illustration by Ally Quirk)

    It's not a summer-themed shopping roundup without swimsuits and crochet bags. My picks of the week are coming from J.McLaughlin, a brand that has perfected coastal style. Wearing any of these pieces will make you the chicest person in the room, whether you're on a yacht off the Amalfi Coast or watching your kid take swim lessons at the local pool.

    Navy Solid Melodie One Piece Swimsuit | Women's Swim \u0026 Coverups | J.mclaughlin

    J.McLaughlin x Robin Piccone
    Melodie One Piece Swimsuit in Navy
    $178
    SHOP NOW

    Dk_navy Palm Canopy Coletta Cover Up Dress | Women's Swim \u0026 Coverups | J.mclaughlin

    J.McLaughlin x Robin Piccone
    Canopy Coletta Cover Up Dress in Palm Canopy
    $168
    SHOP NOW

    Dk_navy Palm Canopy Nia Pareo | Women's Swim \u0026 Coverups | J.mclaughlin

    J.McLaughlin x Robin Piccone
    Nia Pareo in Palm Canopy
    $98
    SHOP NOW

    Natural Solid Sonny Raffia Beach Tote | Women's Handbags | J.mclaughlin

    J.McLaughlin x Robin Piccone
    Sonny Raffia Beach Tote
    $168
    SHOP NOW

    Natural Solid Bambi Hand Crochet Clutch | Women's Handbags | J.mclaughlin

    J.McLaughlin
    Bambi Hand Crochet Clutch
    $168
    SHOP NOW

    Neutral Solid Delia Straw Bucket Hat | Women's Hats | J.mclaughlin

    J.McLaughlin
    Delia Straw Bucket Hat
    $98
    SHOP NOW

    Marie Claire Newsletter

    Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!

    By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
    Natalie Gray Herder
    Natalie Gray Herder
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    Editor

    Natalie Gray Herder is an editor on the branded content team at Who What Wear and Marie Claire. Originally from Los Angeles, Natalie decided to make the move to NYC after graduating from Loyola Marymount University in 2019. She had plans of applying to law school until doing a 180 to follow her more creative passions: writing and fashion. She is an avid researcher, reader, and explorer in and out of the office. She is inspired by the street style of her fellow New Yorkers and her laid-back roots in California. 

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