Summer Essentials: Top-Picked Wardrobe Fundamentals from Amazon, Recommended by Style Experts
Hittin' the summer heat in the Midwest ain't all bad, but I gotta admit, my wardrobe sometimes falls short during balmy weather. So, I tapped three top fashion stylists to help me nail down essential summer basics that won't break the bank on Amazon. Let's dive in!
Summer Style Essentials for Women
Flowy and Breathable Wide-Leg Linen Pants

$35 at Amazon According to Shari Braendel, founder and CEO of Style by Color, linen wide-leg pants are the epitome of effortless summer style. The flowy and breathable material keeps you cool, while maintaining a polished look—a perfect alternative to standard shorts or denim.
Effortless White Tank Top

$19$24 at Amazon Braendel calls a sleek white tank top "basically everything you need when the heat hits." Its simplicity provides endless styling options for various social events, from knotting it up to laying it loose. This multi-pack gives you four of these chameleons to keep in your closet.
Simple yet Versatile Maxi Dress
$20$24 at Amazon Personal stylist Dianne Boyer swears by a no-fuss maxi dress, which can be styled year-round and easily layers up with accessories once cooler months hit. For summer, Boyer prefers a navy hue over black and white.
Lightweight White Denim
$39 at Amazon White denim is a summer staple, says Boyer. This season, opt for a wide-leg style for a modern feel. The endless styling possibilities coupled with the flexible neutral shade make white denim a worthy addition to your wardrobe.
Oversized Button-Down Shirt
$28 at Amazon Boyer also recommends a lightweight, oversized button-down featuring flocked sleeves that keep the shirt neat-looking. The fashionable butter yellow color, accompanied by stripes, complements the rise of the nautical look.
Platform White Sneakers
$48$80 at Amazon Don't settle for any old sneaker; go for a white platform style that adds extra height and elongates your legs. Whether you wear them with cut-off shorts or the perfect dress, they offer a casual touch that still feels polished.
Breezy Raffia Sandals
$63 at Amazon Style coach Liz Wendler insists that a mesh or raffia sandal should be a staple in your summer wardrobe. The stylish and comfortable sandals exude quiet luxury while remaining light, tactile, and ideal for any warm-weather events.
Striped Dress with a Bit of Pizzaz
$34 at Amazon Wendler shares that a striped dress gives off the feeling of summer euphoria you can wear. The additional flair makes it feel more elevated compared to a solid hue. It's the perfect piece for running errands or gathering with friends for brunch.
Neutral Straw Bag
$19 at Amazon To add a pop of brightness to any outfit, Wendler suggests incorporating a classic straw bag. The neutral-toned accessory instantly brightens up an outfit and provides an airy feel to your wardrobe, working well with numerous pieces already in your closet.
Versatile White Linen Shirt
$20$36 at Amazon A crisp white shirt in a lightweight linen material offers a summer state of mind. It's a workwear essential that'll help you conquer scorching days while maintaining style. You can tuck it into pants or shorts, or even dress it up to wear by the pool or beach.
- Shari Braendel, the founder and CEO of Style by Color, suggests linen wide-leg pants as an essential for summer style, praising their flowy and breathable nature. [$35 at Amazon]
- A sleek white tank top is a must-have recommended by Shari Braendel for the summer heat, its simplicity offering endless styling options. [$19$24 at Amazon]
- Personal stylist Dianne Boyer vouches for a no-fuss maxi dress, preferring a navy hue for summer, as it can be easily layered once cooler months arrive. [$20$24 at Amazon]
- White denim is a summer staple, according to Dianne Boyer, with this season's trend being wide-leg white denim that offers versatile styling options. [$39 at Amazon]
- Boyer also recommends a lightweight, oversized button-down with flocked sleeves in a butter yellow color with stripes, as it complements the nautical look. [$28 at Amazon]
- Liz Wendler, a style coach, advocates for platform white sneakers, as they add extra height, elongating legs, and offer a casual touch to outfits, whether paired with shorts or dresses. [$48$80 at Amazon]
- Wendler also recommends breezy raffia sandals for the summer wardrobe, praising their stylish and comfortable nature, ideal for warm-weather events. [$63 at Amazon]