Unless otherwise specified, all sizes in this post are listed in women's.
1. A delightful bubblegum pink sundress with a flirty tie at the bust that's exactly the ~pop~ of whimsy your summer wardrobe is missing.
It's got POCKETS, adjustable straps, and a stretchy smocked back.
Promising review: "Effortlessly stylish! I haven't worn this yet but I'm obsessed! I am small-chested and feel comfortable enough to go without a bra in this dress. The tie can be fastened as tightly or loosely as you'd like!" —anonymous
Get it from Old Navy for $26 (originally $34.99; available in sizes XS–3X and three colors). Also available in chambray here.
2. A pair of high-waisted denim mom shorts, because every top in your wardrobe will look approximately a zillion times more ~fashion~ tucked into 'em. Besides, your summer wardrobe is incomplete without the perfect jean shorts.
Promising review: "Y’all, I’ve been looking for a pair of elastic denim shorts for ages, and I finally found a great pair. These shorts are perfect! I look like a total '90s mom in these and I love it. They’re long enough so my butt doesn’t hang out or eat them, which tends to happen. Obsessed with these shorts." —D
Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in sizes XS–XL and seven washes).
3. A chill and comfy boilersuit romper, aka your ideal casual summer 'fit. You deserve to buy it in at *least* three different colors.
Reviewers say it runs roomy, so size down if you're between sizes.
Promising review: "I purchased this in the white/cream color and I love it. It’s very comfortable and breathable, perfect for summer. Will buy in other colors!" —tinafig
Get it from Target for $30 (available in sizes XS–4X and in six colors).
4. A cozy maxi dress (with POCKETS!) that'll have you covered — literally — for whatever, be it a fun day out or chillaxing at home. Just toss it on and go (or don't go) anywhere you please.
Promising review: "This dress is awesome! So comfy and has pockets!! I get compliments every time I wear it. It is very long. I am 5'5" and I have to hold it up a little when I walk so I don't step on it. However, I love it! I pair it with a lightweight cardigan and look so put together. ;)" —LaLaLand
Get it from Amazon for $33.99 (available in sizes L–5XL and in 18 colors and prints).
5. A sweetly scalloped denim mini skirt, which is a flirtier choice than jean shorts but will be just as buddy-buddy with your crop tops. Plus, you won't have to ~shell~ out a lot of dough.
Geddit? Cause scallops have shells???? Sorry.
Get it from Asos for $36.39 (available in sizes 2–12).
6. Gauzy, elastic waist shorts you're probably gonna want to buy in every color, since there's no shortage of ways you can wear 'em: as PJs, with a cute tee or tank tucked in, over a bathing suit, with a crop top...
Promising review: "Comfortable and cute. These are incredible shorts. They are VERY high waisted, and even being someone that exclusively wears high-waisted items, this pair of shorts is a little extreme. That being said, I just pull them down a little more. These would be the perfect shorts for a road trip as they’re breathable and comfortable, and the pleating and crinkle design on them makes wrinkles less noticeable." —Abby
Get them from Amazon for $21.99 (available in women's sizes S–XL and in six colors).
7. A drapey, spaghetti strap midi dress with adjustable straps and an elastic waist so it'll fit like a dream. It's throw-on-and-go perfection, so you'll spend less time fretting about what to wear and more time actually living your best summer life.
Promising review: "DON’T HESITATE!! JUST BUY IT! Extremely versatile!! I bought this for a spring wedding and wore with heels and a denim jacket and now plan on taking it on my summer beach vacation! It’s comfortable, it’s lightweight, it’s perfect for several occasions!" —Ms Graves
Get it from Amazon for $25 (available in sizes S–XL and in 10 colors).
8. A flirty lil' mini slip dress equally adorbs for rocking on its own on hot days or under an oversized jean jacket on chilly evenings.
Beginning Boutique is a woman-owned Australian shop with a huge selection of trendy clothes!
Promising review: "This is a must-have. This dress is the perfect summer dress; has a nice slit in the thigh area making it a little sexy but not overly done." —Hannah S.
Get it from Beginning Boutique for $49.99 (available in sizes 0–12).
9. A versatile T-shirt bodysuit that'll look soooooo sleek tucked into your jeans, shorts, and skirts. Because basic tees are great, until you try to pull one into high-waisted pants and it looks super ~tuckin'~ lumpy.
Promising review: "AMAZING BODYSUIT. This bodysuit is perfect for everyday wear or going to work! I've gotten several compliments on this bodysuit from friends and coworkers. The material is soft and very stretchy and is not uncomfortable for all-day wear! I've been recommending this bodysuit to everyone I know." —Zoranne H.
Get it from Lulus for $24 (available in sizes XS–XL and in five colors and prints).
10. A strappy, ruffled one-piece swimsuit so cute, everyone who sees it is gonna ~wave~ about it.
Promising review: "I'm always hesitant buying bathing suits online, but this one is great! The color, the fit, the feel, the look...I couldn't be happier with it! I ordered a large and it fits just about perfectly. It's a bit loose up top, but the ties can be tightened so it wasn't a problem. I'm very happy with this suit and can't wait to wear it!" —amber
Get it from Amazon for $25.49+ (available in sizes XS–XXL and in 10 colors and prints).
11. A richly-hued, crochet-detail tank with a strappy back and the ability to actually make your jean shorts look — *gasp* — dressed up.
Get it from Rue21 for $24.99 (available in sizes 1X–4X and in four colors).
12. Breezy linen-cotton blend, drawstring-waist pants in fun colorful stripes just begging to be paired with a tee and some slide sandals or even popped over your swimsuit. Beach, please.
Promising review "Cutest pants ever! I already had these pants in the black, sage, and blue & white striped. I didn’t think I needed another pair — until I saw these. They are so cute on. Don’t be afraid of the colors, they are quite muted in person. They look ready for you to take a stroll on the beach or a walk along the boardwalk. They are cool, comfortable and just about the best cut of pants I own. You will love them!" —Lisa
Get them from J. Crew Factory for $49.50 (available in sizes XXS–3X classic and XS–L petite, and in more colors here).
13. A cutout mini T-shirt dress that — judging by the 1,800+ positive reviews — you probably shouldn't give ~the cold shoulder~.
Promising review: "I love this! So cute and comfortable, and a good length that doesn't make me feel like I'll be flashing someone if I bend over. This makes me feel great. I've already put another in my cart! Versatile enough to wear alone on a summer day or to wear over leggings with heels and a necklace to work. A+!" —Kenna
Get it from Amazon for $25.99+ (available in sizes S–3XL and in 20 colors and prints).
14. Comfy and bright paper bag waist shorts (with pockets!!), aka a chill, gauzy alternative to your Daisy Dukes that's also a heck of a lot more fun.
15. A cottagecore-esque tie-strap romper, because as much as you love your floral dress, it's kinda impractical to wear to the park or on a breezy day. This has all the twirlworthy vibes, minus the whole flashing your underwear part.
Get it from Forever 21 for $27.99 (originally $34.99; available in sizes 1X–3X and in two colors).
16. A vintagey underwire bikini that's giving me a bit of an old-school Wonder Woman vibe.
It's got over 1,500 positive reviews, and reviewers recommend sizing up!
Promising review: "This swimsuit was definitely a hit on the beach. I received a multitude of compliments! It fit as expected and was perfect in every way imaginable!" —Tiffany
Get it from Amazon for $34.99 (available in sizes S–5XL and in 13 color and print combinations).
17. A cool oversized Taylor Swift "Cruel Summer" T-shirt for anyone who's still mad said bop wasn't a single, or who plans to spend their summer gallivanting around the world with a Marvel star to iconically rebound from their last relationship.
"You know that I bought it." —Taylor singing about her bad bad boy shiny toy with a price and also you, singing about this shirt.
It's from a small biz is based in Utah that makes lots of amazing Taylor Swift merch!
Get it from Drippedinrose on Etsy for $23.99+ (available in unisex sizes S–5XL and in eight colors). Get the matching tote here.
18. A dramatic crochet halter dress you can dress down with slides or up with heels. Either way, people will think you spent at least three times the price.
19. A breezy V-neck cover-up with an adjustable waist that's so sexy and cute, your swimsuit might get jealous. How dare it be upstaged.
Promising review: "The armholes are a little tight, but overall, I LOVE this cover-up. It's sheer enough to let you show a little skin, but still feel appropriate. I've worn it on a beach with just my husband and I've worn it to a kid's swim party. This cover-up works anywhere." —Gemini77
Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in sizes S–XL and in 16 colors).
20. An adorable and comfy looking seahorse-print tank that I am thisclose to putting in my own cart — I'm still proud of the seahorse science fair project I did in fifth grade, tbh. Also, name one pair of shorts you own this wouldn't be cute with, I'll wait.
Update: I ordered it.
Get it from Loft for $34.50 (available in sizes XXS–XXL).
21. A ruched, tie-shoulder cami serving Bridgerton vibes but minus high-maintenance corsets and bustles. All you need are jean shorts and flip-flops, your grace.
Get it from Francesca's for $24 (originally $40; available in sizes XS–XL and in three colors).
22. A ruched, mixed-print floral mini dress, because florals? For the club? Groundbreaking.
Get it from Asos for $50 (available in sizes 0–14).
23. A genuinely gorgeous floral maxi dress that can be rocked off the shoulder or on for a summer day-to-night-ready look either way.
24. Badass lace-up detail bike shorts that'll add a lil' rock 'n' roll to your summer athleisure. Emphasis on the ~roll~, because bikes roll...you get it.
Get them from Torrid for $25.50 (available in sizes 00X–6X).
25. A pretty floral crochet trim top sure to become your fave jeans' new BFF. Move over, T-shirts.
Promising review: "This is a beautiful blouse. The flower lace at the top is such a pretty pattern. I wanted to make sure it had a loose flowing fit so I sized up. It’s a perfect blouse to wear with jeans, or you can tuck it in a skirt to wear to work. Versatile and pretty. I was expecting the material to be thin since the price was so reasonable, but to my surprise the quality was great. It wasn’t see-through. Got other colors since I loved it so much." —Maria Monti
Get it from Amazon for $21.99 (available in sizes XS–4XL and in nine colors).
26. A super on-trend structured corset top for a sultry, high-fashion alternative to a basic white tank that's soooo party-ready...but also summer-shopping-day-ready just paired with jeans.
27. An oh-so-cheerful stripe and lemon-print crop top and pencil skirt set destined to become your ~main squeeze~ on summer nights out.
28. A fun rainbow flutter sleeve blouse from Reese Witherspoon-owned brand Draper James' diffusion line for Kohl's sure to make you say, "I found my favorite summer wardrobe item for under $50. What, like it's hard???"
29. A classic sunflower print romper ready to van Gogh with every cute pair of sneakers and sandals you own.
The straps are adjustable and can be moved around to give the romper classic spaghetti straps or a crisscross back!
Promising review: "Rompers never fit me right. They either ride up in the front or they’re too short and my butt hangs out. I bought this on a whim with little to no hope that it would work out. But when I tried it on, it fit great! The back is longer than the front. The fit is relaxed and comfy, not too tight. I'm so happy I decided to buy this. It's so cute and perfect for summer!" —Julia Nicole
Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in sizes S–XXL).
30. A sultry peplum tube top made primarily *from* recycled polyester and made *to* be rocked with high-waisted jeans and shorts on your next date (be it with that cutie from Hinge, your BFFs, or yourself).
Get it from Express for $28.80 (originally $48; available in sizes XXS–XL and in two colors).
31. High-waisted, wide-leg white jeans, aka your casual summer staple. All your fave tops and wedges become full on *looks* paired with these.
Confetti Boutique is an adorable and affordable woman-owned shop based in Owensboro, Kentucky.
Get them from Confetti Boutique for $50 (available in sizes S–L).