
Photo courtesy of Sandra Semburg
Summer Classics—and How to Wear Them Now
Deliciously refreshing ocean dips, clambakes with friends and fam, weekend drives to the Hamptons/Ojai/[insert drivable destination here]—all of these are summer classics. Coincidentally, being prepared for the season—and all its trappings—calls for timeless pieces to suit sun, sand, and sunset. In other words: more classics. Below, the essentials, reimagined for 2021, to get you sorted.
THE CLASSIC:
THE STRIPED TOP
THE UPDATE:
Soft, a touch slouchy, and season-appropriate thanks to that breathable cotton knit, this is the nautical necessity you’ll lean on now through Labor Day. Team it with capris (they’re baaack), ankle-strap sandals, and a structured bag during the workweek, then swap in a high-waisted bikini when the weekend hits.

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THE CLASSIC: THE SUNDRESS
THE UPDATE:
Much like your favorite farmers’ market flowers, these come in a variety of colors ranging from punchy to palate-cleansing. (PSA: It’s peony season.) And that’s not even the best part. With a feminine clutch and some compliment-catching jewelry, you can hop from appointments to aperitivo without so much as a shoe change.
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G. Label Apple Circle Pavé Drop Earrings goop, $1,450SHOP NOW
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Ciao Lucia DRESS goop, $340SHOP NOW
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G. Label Theodora Tea-Length Bustier Dress goop, $525SHOP NOW
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Mansur Gavriel Clutch goop, $595SHOP NOW
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A Emery SANDALS goop, $150SHOP NOW
THE CLASSIC: GOLD JEWELRY
THE UPDATE:
It’s a simple styling tip worth repeating: Head-to-toe black allows your prized accessories—diamond-adorned huggies, dainty paperclip links, the cutest damn pinkie ring you ever did see—to really shine. Give yourself a professional-looking pedicure with these tips (what would we do without you, Jean) and you’re…golden.

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Lizzie Mandler Huggies goop, $560SHOP NOW
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G. Label Fiene Yellow Gold and
Pavé Ear Cuff goop, $650SHOP NOW -
G. Label DEVEN LINK NECKLACE goop, $2,500SHOP NOW
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G. Label Sydney Floating-Diamond Pinkie Ring goop, $1,300SHOP NOW
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G. Label ELLIOTT ASSORTED-LINK BRACELET goop, $1,500SHOP NOW
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G. Label Bernadette Sweetheart Bustier goop, $295SHOP NOW
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Co Dress goop, $795SHOP NOW
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ATP Atelier SANDALS goop, $290SHOP NOW
THE CLASSIC: SANDALS
THE UPDATE:
There are sexy, strap-happy creations à la Emme Parsons, and then there are the slightly more substantial pairs, the ones you won’t be scared to commute in. Our advice? Get both. Balance the cagelike designs with billowy wide-legs (patchwork trousers, slinky jumpsuit, palazzo pants—choose your fighter) and something tonal on top.

THE CLASSIC: THE BLACK SWIMSUIT
THE UPDATE:
Whether you’re summering in the backyard or finally taking that trip to Bali, a little black swimsuit will be your best friend. Much like its relative from the dress family, it’s an endlessly adaptable—and always chic—piece you can ramp up with color (hello, sunshine), prints (palm leaves are particularly cute), or texture (three words: fringed bucket bag).

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Haight top goop, $119SHOP NOW
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Haight bottoms goop, $99SHOP NOW
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Haight TOP goop, $129SHOP NOW
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Haight BOTTOMS goop, $99SHOP NOW
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Matteau SHIRT Matchesfashion, $480SHOP NOW
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Matteau TROUSERS Matchesfashion, $400SHOP NOW
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Bird & Knoll DRESS goop, $265SHOP NOW
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Loewe BAG Loewe, $2,100SHOP NOW
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Saint Laurent sandals Net-a-Porter, $795SHOP NOW
THE CLASSIC: THE MATCHING SET
THE UPDATE:
Scoot over, sweatsuits—there’s a new two-piece in town. Cut from diaphanous cotton-silk, this set is designed to be mixed, matched, and worn whenever you tire of loungewear: to a catch up with the crew, to sip Sancerre on a rooftop, or to do the most for date night.
BIRD & KNOLL SKIRT, goop, $380; JOSEPH SANDALS, goop, $560; BIRD & KNOLL TOP, goop, $380; AISH SKIRT, goop, $350
We hope you enjoy the products recommended here. Our goal is to suggest only things we love and think you might, as well. We also like transparency, so, full disclosure: We may collect a share of sales or other compensation if you purchase through the external links on this page.