When it comes to our preferred summer wardrobe [1], we're looking for bright dresses [2], pastel shorts, and breezy tops to wear all season long. So as part of this quest, we searched several brands and stores and found a bunch of pieces from Target's A New Day [3] line that fit the bill.
We knew we were onto something when we spotted that buttoned $8 tank and $35 gingham blazer to slip up top, but we found dozens of other effortless basics that are anything but basic, too. From cozy items to wear at home all day [4] (as well as roaming around) to special pieces for a night out (or return to the office), there's something on this list to suit any upcoming scenario. Check out our favorite pieces ahead.
A New Day Women's Sleeveless Button-Front Dress
We're picturing the A New Day Women's Sleeveless Button-Front Dress [6] ($28) at a picnic in the park . . . or make that several, as we can't pick just one color.
A New Day Women's Slip Dress
This slinky style is so versatile year-round, but we can totally picture ourselves wearing the A New Day Women's Slip Dress [7] ($25) with strappy heels to a summer date night or with slides for a hot day date.
A New Day Women's Stripe Tunic
The A New Day Women's Stripe Tunic [8] ($30) is not only a perfect beach cover-up, but it's also the best house dress when you want to pretend you live on a yacht.
A New Day Women's Puff Short Sleeve Round Neck T-Shirt
Instead of a basic crewneck, we love the idea of the A New Day Women's Puff Short Sleeve Round Neck T-Shirt [9] ($12) in its place this season.
A New Day Women's Ruffle Short Sleeve Linen Top
The A New Day Women's Ruffle Short Sleeve Linen Top [10] ($20) is a dainty choice for summer, whether it's buddying up with shorts or a skirt.
A New Day Women's Ruffle Sleeveless Dress
While this A New Day Women's Ruffle Sleeveless Dress [11] ($28) also comes in purple floral and solid black, there's just something about this sunny pick.
A New Day Women's High-Waist Cotton Blend Seamless 7" Inseam Bike Shorts
Bike shorts are a summer essential, and we especially love these blush-colored A New Day Women's High-Waist Cotton Blend Seamless 7" Inseam Bike Shorts [12] ($12) to switch things up.
A New Day Women's Striped Button-Front Midi Skirt
How pretty are the mint stripes and tie detail on the A New Day Women's Striped Button-Front Midi Skirt [13] ($28)?!
A New Day Women's Puff Short Sleeve Dress
Dramatic sleeves are having a moment, so join in with this A New Day Women's Puff Short Sleeve Dress [14] ($25) this season.
A New Day Women's Gingham Check Blazer
Whether you're heading back to the office or looking to amp up your Zoom blazer game, this A New Day Women's Gingham Check Blazer [15] ($35) makes one sweet update (and there are matching shorts [16], too).
A New Day Women's Tank Top
Match this soft and stretchy A New Day Women's Tank Top [17] ($8) with skirts, shorts, jeans, or pants solo now, or use it as a layering piece any month of the year.
A New Day Women's Sleeveless Hem Knit Dress
Choose between 11 colors of the A New Day Women's Sleeveless Hem Knit Dress [18] ($15) to take you from lounging to dinner (and everything in between).
A New Day Women's Pleated Maxi Skirt
Imagine dressing up this A New Day Women's Pleated Maxi Skirt [19] ($28) with a black silk cami at night or pairing it with a graphic tee and sneaks during the day.
A New Day Women's Sleeveless Smocked Waist Jumpsuit
The A New Day Women's Sleeveless Smocked Waist Jumpsuit [20] ($28) is the hot-weather upgrade we need for our beloved sweatsuits, and it looks so cute we'd wear it out, too.
A New Day Women's Tiered A-Line Midi Skirt
This 100-percent-cotton A New Day Women's Tiered A-Line Midi Skirt [21] ($28) is a breezy choice on balmy days.
A New Day Women's Exaggerated Shoulder Tank Top
We especially love the A New Day Women's Exaggerated Shoulder Tank Top [22] ($10) paired with high-waisted jeans.
A New Day Women's Drawstring High-Waist Lounge Leggings
These A New Day Women's Drawstring High-Waist Lounge Leggings [23] ($20) are like a mashup of leggings and joggers, giving them a cozy look that's not too tight or too loose.
A New Day Women's Ruffle Short Sleeve Dress
The A New Day Women's Ruffle Short Sleeve Dress [24] ($28) looks so cute with sneakers, but we'd also add heels or flats for work.
A New Day Women's High-Rise Pull-On Shorts
The A New Day Women's High-Rise Pull-On Shorts [25] ($15, originally $17) will easily become a summer staple as they look equally good with tees and tanks.
A New Day Women's Elbow Sleeve Eyelet Top
The A New Day Women's Elbow Sleeve Eyelet Top [26] ($25) pairs rather nicely with a patterned midi skirt.
A New Day Women's Cami
The A New Day Women's Cami [27] ($18) is super lightweight when it's hot outside and looks chic under a blazer inside as well.
A New Day Women's Mid-Rise Wide Leg Pants
These loose, linen-blend A New Day Women's Mid-Rise Wide Leg Pants [28] ($25) are so cool for summer.
A New Day Women's Long Sleeve Round Neck Pocket T-Shirt
Layering with a long-sleeved tee may be all you need in summertime, and this light, striped A New Day Women's Long Sleeve Round Neck Pocket T-Shirt [29] ($12) is a perfect pick.
A New Day Women's High-Rise Paperbag Shorts
Pick these A New Day Women's High-Rise Paperbag Shorts [30] ($25) when you want a dressier shorts look.
A New Day Women's Button-Front Cardigan
The pointelle pattern of the A New Day Women's Button-Front Cardigan [31] ($28) not only looks pretty, it's also airy for warm-weather layering.