5 Fashionable Essentials You Need for Summer, And How To Style Them

Every editorial product is independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn commission.

We can't overstate this enough — closet essentials are the best. Their inherent simplicity makes them so easy to wear, time and again, yet they never feel boring. Instead, they're completely inspiring — a sartorial blank canvas, if you will — and motivate us to think of new ways to style go-to pieces like tank tops, tees, and button-down shirts.

It's a year-round challenge we continuously embrace, and right now, we're focusing on summer formulas ranging from warm weather vacation outfits to alluring date night combos. So, if you're feeling effortless summer vibes the way are, scroll to discover five fashionable summer outfits centering around neutral wardrobe essentials.

The Essential Bodysuit
oldnavy.gap.com

The Essential Bodysuit

This Old Navy Sleeveless High-Neck Bodysuit ($25) is the ultimate layering item to ground summer outfits without the headache of bunching fabric (we know you feel us). For a casual work outfit or effortlessly elevated dinner look, pair it with this Loulou Studio Naroi Silk-Twill Maxi Skirt ($395) and Emme Parsons Laurie Sandal ($395) — tonal accessories FTW.

The Essential Tube Top
oldnavy.gap.com

The Essential Tube Top

Okay, this Old Navy Cropped Tube Top ($15) may feel like more of a trend piece, but it's genuinely a perfectly minimal top for layering, especially in the heat. Go the slouchy tailoring route by teaming yours with this A.L.C. Naomi Linen Wide Leg Pant ($325) and flat The Row White Avery Leather Sandals ($805) — yes to summer whites!

The Essential Tank Top
oldnavy.gap.com

The Essential Tank Top

You probably own dozens of simple tanks, but there's something about a more fitted silhouette that feels flawless every. single. time. This Old Navy Fitted Square-Neck Ultra-Cropped Rib-Knit Tank Top ($10) is a clean and versatile version you'll probably want to own in multiples. It's so pretty with this romantic Hunter Bell Cooper Skirt ($465) and summer-perfect Ines Bressand Croissant Raffia Shoulder Bag ($360) — just picture this look in the south of France.

The Essential Oversized Poplin Shirt
oldnavy.gap.com

The Essential Oversized Poplin Shirt

From a nostalgia standpoint, a roomy button-down shirt is super essential, but it's legitimately one of the most timeless pieces you'll ever own, particularly in white. This Old Navy Oversized Poplin Boyfriend Shirt ($37) is one of the best — it's made even better with another Y2K staple a.k.a. these Mother The Private Cargo Pants ($300). This Leset Rio Bra Top ($90) keeps things breezy in the heat, whether you wear your shirt fully open or buttoned down halfway.

The Essential T-Shirt
oldnavy.gap.com

The Essential T-Shirt

Okay, a white tee like this Old Navy Vintage T-Shirt ($17) is maybe the most essential item ever — the vintage feel and easy loose fit? A total dream. Because of its ubiquity, we're all for jazzing it up via bold bottoms for summer. Enter: this colorful Alix Pinho Crocheted Cotton Mini Skirt ($232) — it's seriously fun with a capital F. These Amanu Serengetti Sandals ($275) are an immaculate neutral finish to keep the rest in the spotlight.