14 May Must Haves to Play Up Your Summer Style

By Hannah Weil McKinley
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Fashion girls can likely think of a hundred reasons to go shopping, but we've got a really good one. May brings with it a full itinerary: Summer parties, wedding season, Memorial Day BBQs, and the unofficial start of Summer. Our editors are prepping for all that and more, swapping in lighter layers, sandals, and crisp white pieces to give our closets a refresh. Ready to welcome the season? Read on to shop accordingly.

"I'm swapping my leather jacket for this Madewell Oversize Jean Jacket ($128). The effect is just as cool but says Summer is on the way!" — Hannah Weil McKinley, senior editor, Fashion

"I’ve been eyeing Fendi's Fashion Show Dotcom bag ($2,900) in the crisp white shade since Fashion Month, when I spotted it on the arms of Alessandra Ambrosio and Lindsey Wixson. It’s the perfect light shade for the Summer." — Sarah Wasilak, assistant editor, Fashion

"Wedding guest dressing made easy, thanks to Mara Hoffman's Star Blast Tie Front Dress ($312). It's a breezy throw-on-and-go silhouette that works with flats and heels, and from beach weddings to City Hall nuptials. I've been living in it!" — HWM

"Say hello to Summer's ideal sandal. Mansur Gavriel's leather mules ($475) go from pulled together to poolside — and all you need is a pedicure." — HWM

"Seeing this MDS Stripes Striped All Purpose Scarf ($145) styled as a top immediately had me picturing all the ways I’d be able to wear it." — Samantha Sutton, assistant editor, Fashion

"Now that I’ve discovered interesting ways to wear white jeans, it’s time for me to start rocking 'em. This slim-fit boyfriend pair from AG ($235) is so my style: distressed, comfy, and not a skintight skinny jean!" — SS

"Tank tops may not be office appropriate, but this Tibi knit top ($495) is a fresh solution you'll wear all Spring and Summer." — HWM

"I bought my boyfriend the men's version of this Corniche watch ($365) for his birthday, and every time he wears it, I want to steal it right off his wrist. Luckily, the brand just launched a women’s line, and I’m obsessed with the blue, brown, and rose gold combination of this fresh style." — SW

"Reformation's Spring collection comes with sexy, multifunctional pieces, like this Lelani jumpsuit ($198). It's easy but statement making, thanks to structure and a flirty open back." — HWM

"If you haven’t shopped & Other Stories for its swimwear yet, you’re seriously missing out. All of the retailer’s offerings, like this Layered Two-Tone One-Piece ($55), are affordable and deserve the title of most striking suit on the beach." — SW

"Anne Fontaine is an on-the-rise Parisian designer who’s redefining the classic white button-down. Her Niagara top ($350) is next-level good, featuring black laced sides that you can swap out for white ties instead." — SW

"This Spring, I refuse to buy the same old wide-leg jumpsuit. I’m going for big and bold stripes, and there’s no better brand that fits the bill than M Missoni. I’d never want to take off this ribbed number ($1,095) with a plunging neckline." — SW

"Before the rest of the world catches on to the hottest swimsuit of the season, I’m grabbing myself a slightly more modest version with this Forever 21 crisscross halter one-piece ($25). It’ll show off just enough while keeping my midsection concealed, and you really can’t beat the price." — SS

"Simple, versatile, with a little pizzazz? These fringed J.Crew sandals ($118) meet my requirements for the perfect Summer shoe. Sold!" — SS