12 Key Pieces You Can Build Your Whole Summer Look Around

A white dress is the LBD of the summer. When you want to brighten up the palette a bit but still invest in that one piece you're sure to be able to wear to everything from the office to a summer soirée to weekend brunch with your best friends, look no further than the classic white dress. Come summer, we're particularly in love with those styles that boast a little feminine charm, like eyelet detailing or whimsical ruffles.

Red Valentino Stretch Compact Poplin Dress ($595).

Ulla Johnson Tasmin Ruffle Cotton Dress ($350).

Zimmermann Plisse Wrap Dress ($595)

It's time to jump on the bandwagon of this colorful trend from your childhood. Stella McCartney, Proenza Schouler, and more designers have made it their mission this summer to take tie-dye into the wardrobes of all chic women across the globe and we, quite frankly, are a little obsessed with the unapologetic trend. Whether you're into preppy knits, casual hoodies, or classic t-shirts, tie-dye pieces of the shirting variety are definitely favorites when it comes to dipping your toe into the trend this season.

Polo Ralph Lauren Classic Fit Tie-Dye Polo Shirt ($128).

The Elder Statesman Tie-Dyed Cashmere Sweater ($945).

R13 Oversized Tie-Dyed Cotton and Cashmere-Blend Jersey T-Shirt ($245).

The French bikini is a must-have for every fashionable girl, once the calendar flips to April or May. It is, we maintain, the two-piece swim style that will forever be most flattering on every single body type around. Even without an underwire, it's supportive enough for the bustier of the bunch, while its simple variation on the triangle shape is equally as chic on the ladies who tend toward the more flat-chested realm. Make sure to have (at least!) one French bikini on hand this summer, whether in black, neon, floral, or any or the other many colors they come in, no questions asked.

J.Crew Shoulder-Tie French Bikini Top in Classic Gingham ($52) and J.Crew Gingham String Bikini Bottom ($44).

Madewell Second Wave Bralette Bikini Top ($45) and Madewell Second Wave Retro High-Waisted Bikini Bottom ($40).

Solid & Striped The Morgan Polka-Dot Bikini Top ($78) and Solid & Striped The Morgan Polka-Dot Bikini Briefs ($78).

Solid & Striped The Morgan Polka-Dot Bikini Top($78) and Solid & Striped The Morgan Polka-Dot Bikini Briefs($78).

We can thank street style stars like Selena Gomez, Hailey Baldwin, and more for reminding us how much we love a simple hoop and we're proud to say that we've collected more than our fair share in preparation for the coming summer weather. While hoops might not specifically be a summertime trend, they happen to truly be having quite the moment just as the seasons are dictating more show-off-your-lobes hairstyles of the ponytail variety. How lucky are we?

Jennifer Fisher Baby Samira Hoops ($350).

Roxanne Assoulin Rainbow Lite U-Tube Earrings ($90).

Shashi Leah Hoop Earrings ($38).

This season, as you search for that seasonal favorite raffia or wicker bag, consider styles that have a little more structure than your go-to summer styles might have in the past. Designers from Gucci to Pamela Munson have quite the array of lady bag styles in the delicate natural material, allowing us a little bit of Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn charm in our everyday looks.

Pamela Munson Mixed Media Shoulder Bag ($475).

Gucci Leather-Trimmed Coated-Wicker Shoulder Bag ($2490).

Loeffler Randall Lorna Wicker Tote ($295).

This summer, as you peel off the layers, consider ditching your sweater's underlayer and keeping the button-front knit in rotation instead. In very much of a '90s and early-aughts move, we're currently loving the cardigan-as-a-top look this season, paired with our favorite selection of vintage denim shorts and sandals.

James Perse Colorblock Cashmere Cardigan ($395).

& Other Stories Wool Blend Cardigan ($119).

Thom Browne Paneled Gingham Knitted Cardigan ($1390).

In another ultra-feminine move, this summer is the season of barrettes, especially of the bow variety. Draw inspiration from the runways of Chanel, Miu Miu, and — of course —Emilia Wickstead, but shop the style everywhere from your go-to fast-fashion retailer to the lust-worthy Madison Avenue designers whose runway shows you absolutely pored over as the season changed.

Namjosh Marseille Pony Bow ($25).

Jennifer Behr Gingham Bow Barrette ($128).

Emilia Wickstead Grosgrain Bow Hairclip ($165).

While a silk camisole might never be an actual trend (I mean, isn't a classic simply always a classic?), it has never failed to be our ultimate must-have when it comes to summer wardrobe essentials. We love pairing our effortlessly chic silk camisoles, in prints and solids alike, with everything from jeans and jean shorts to cocktail minis and bohemian midi skirts for after-hours events. Trust us: this is one collection of summertime outfit additions you will never regret stocking up on.

Equipment Layla Silk Cami ($108).

Babaton Everly Camisole ($58).

Galvan Satin Camisole ($295).

Need we say more? Fortunately for you, we're in love enough with our denim that we'll sing this ultimate summer wardrobe essential's praises even though it's kind of self-explanatory. With few exceptions, our vintage jean shorts are rarely taken off from Memorial Day until Labor Day (and then some). We style it with t-shirts and silk tops; peel off all but a bodysuit when the sun is high; and layer knits and leather jackets when the sun is low. In short, when you find that perfect pair, come summer, buy twelve.

Re/Done Originals x Levi's The Short Mid-Rise Denim Shorts ($172).

Raey Low Cut-Off Denim Shorts ($108).

Topshop Premium Denim Mom Shorts ($60).

Calling all edgy and classic girls alike, there's nothing quite like a striped sweater, come summer. When you slip into that wardrobe essential you can practically smell the ocean waves as they crash at your feet, sand creeping between your bare toes. OK, so you might be pounding the pavement in the concrete jungle you call home most of the time, but a girl can dream, right?

La Ligne Mini Marin Striped Wool and Cashmere-Blend Sweater ($250).

Kule The Sophie ($298).

Ganni Cashmere Knit Pullover ($370).

Whether you're going for a utility jumpsuit, cashmere sweater, cotton t-shirt, or classic blouse, add a little something special with a puff sleeve this summer. Yet another runway trend that harkens back to your childhood, it's a simple way to make even the most casual of summertime wardrobe essentials feel next-level without being over the top.

Goop G. Label Puff-Sleeve Sweatshirt ($140).

Faithful the Brand Mira Floral-Print Crepe Wrap Mini Dress ($150).

Something Navy Fitted Puff Shoulder Bodysuit ($65).

Listen up, ladies: now is your chance to try out the '90s athletic trend that's sweeping the nation. The likes of Naomi Campbell, Kim Kardashian, and — let's be honest — pretty much every influencer you currently follow on Instagram is (quite literally) knee-deep in the trend by now, so it's high time you jump on the retro bandwagon. In knit and spandex, bright tones and classic neutrals, we're styling this second skin with pretty much every top and jacket in our wardrobes this summer.

Heroine Sport Cycling Ribbed Stretch Shorts ($80).

H&M Cycling Shorts ($13).

Paco Rabanne Back Logo Stripe Cycling Shorts ($115).