The 30 Pieces That Will Shape Fashion in Summer 2025

      I’m a fan of summer. I understand it can be hot and humid, making it hard to layer clothing and leaving my favorite outerwear from other seasons unused, but that doesn’t bother me. For me, fewer clothes are better. I prefer fun tank tops, lace shorts, playful sandals, and unique accessories over coats, layered sweaters, and colorful tights. As summer shopping season approaches, my excitement grows as I comb through the internet for inspiration on what to buy. I browse runway photos, celebrity street style, fashion week snapshots, TikTok, Instagram, and retailer sites… everything! My hunt for the must-have items for summer 2025 has led me to explore all possibilities. Over the past week, I've focused on curating a list of the season’s top 30 items, which includes a viral COS dress that resembles The Row's style, a pair of platform sandals from The Row that is the talk of everyone in the WWW office, and a brooch-adorned Tory Burch tank top that outshines all other sleeveless tops. The list also features plaid shirts, genie pants, and $100 sneakers. But those are just the main attractions—continue to scroll to see and shop all 30 items. Stop your search for summer 2025 purchases; everything you need is just a few clicks away.

      Khaite

      Loop Bead-Embellished Sandals

      These beaded sandals from Khaite are making waves this summer, and it's easy to understand why. They blend sleek design, high-quality materials, and a playful touch, making them both stylish and practical, especially since they're flats. However, if you wait too long, you might struggle to find a pair in your size, as they are selling out quickly.

      Madewell

      Poplin Smocked Maxi Dress

      In the past week, nearly 2,000 shoppers have added this light, flowy, and versatile dress to their carts—1957 to be precise. This suggests that it will likely become the most popular summer dress of 2025.

      VERAFIED

      Silver Comb Charm

      My colleague Anna LaPlaca has been wearing this bag charm as a pendant necklace for the last two weeks, and now I feel I need one too. It has a designer vibe but costs just $38, instantly enhancing any outfit.

      The number of people who have inquired about this tank top is truly incredible. Every time I wear it, at least four curious bystanders ask where to purchase it, and some have actually gone straight to Zara to buy one. It’s perfect and likely to be a summer essential for years.

      HIGH SPORT

      Louis Cropped Striped Cotton-Blend Straight-Leg Pants

      Instagram is flooded with stylish individuals wearing these candy-striped pants from High Sport, the brand behind the popular kick-flare trousers. They may appear daunting at first, but once you see how others style them, the pressure fades, and you'll find yourself craving bold pants for your wardrobe.

      Yellhum

      Rubber Thong Sandals

      These Amazon flip-flops are gaining popularity among fashion enthusiasts in New York. While the red version is arguably the more sought-after option, I prefer this subtle tan alternative, which is easier to pair with outfits, extremely comfortable, and only $55.

      MANGO

      Asymmetrical Knitted Cape

      Give a poncho a try this summer, and I promise you won’t regret it. Vintage styles are dominating my Instagram feed, but if thrifting isn’t your thing or this month has been overwhelming (is it just me?), this affordable version from Mango is an excellent choice. It’s budget-friendly, available in two colors, and aligns with one of summer's hottest trends.

      Tory Burch

      Ribbed Tank Top

      Say goodbye to boring tanks in 2025. This flower-brooch tank from Tory Burch tops my wishlist this season. It’s simple yet distinctive and has the potential to make any outfit an eye-catcher.

      Zw Collection

      Striped Balloon Pants

      These Zara genie pants are going viral this month. While you could splurge on Alaïa or Chloé versions of the bubble-pant trend, these have a solid fan base, so I recommend trying them before investing in something over $1,000.

      Tory Burch

      Patos Mesh Flat

      Just when I thought mesh flats were on their way out, Tory Burch launched this embellished pair, bringing them back to the forefront of fashion footwear.

      ALAÏA

      Le Click Small Nubuck Shoulder Bag

      If you found the original Le Click chic, wait until you see this smaller nubuck version. Its compact size is adorable, and I love that it can function as both a crossbody and shoulder bag with some adjustments.

      Wire-rim sunglasses seem to be the must-have eyewear trend of 2025, with everyone from Jennifer Lawrence to Suki Waterhouse swapping out their acetate options for these sleeker frames.