Welcome to 10 Things to Buy, a monthly shopping list that helps you shop smarter by focusing on the 10 key items to add to your cart that month if your wardrobe is in need of a boost. As a Who What Wear editor for the past 11 years, I’ve spent many hours advising people on what to shop for during any given season, so you’re in good hands. Whether you’re shopping for cold weather, warm weather, a vacation, or a wedding, I’m here to offer up the most seasonally appropriate suggestions. Be sure to return at the start of each month for more.
The dog days of summer are officially here, and to be honest, I’m over it. The heat index here on the East Coast last week reached 110 degrees, and that was all the summer I needed to see. But like it or not, we’re nowhere near close to things cooling down. By the time July hits each year, I tend to have already made all of my investment purchases for the season, but I’m not quite done with summer shopping yet. So, affordable finds it is. I figured I’m not alone in this, so for this month’s edition of 10 Things to Buy, I found the top ten under-$100 items to get you through this sweltering summer month and beyond. Keep scrolling to shop the goods before the next heat wave arrives.
Capri Pants
The capri pant trend has reached a fever pitch, and now is the time to get on board if you haven’t yet. They’re the perfect style for when you don’t want to wear full-on pants, but shorts also don’t seem right.
Free People
Bette Super Slim Capris
Braided Sandals
Sandal season is a long way away from winding down, and if you already bought flip-flops and jellies and are ready for something more sophisticated (and expensive-looking), braided sandals are the way to go.
Madewell
The Cora Slide Sandal in Woven Leather
Abercrombie & Fitch
Woven Slide Sandals
V-Neck Tank
Scoop-neck tanks are great, but I find that the high-V-neck tanks that are suddenly everywhere are much more polished and elegant.
Madewell
High V-Neck Regenerative Cotton Rib Tank
Reformation
Wren Knit Top
Boxer-Style Shorts
It’s time to take the boxers outside. Fashion people have been wearing these supremely lightweight shorts with decidedly non-sleepwear-inspired pieces and perhaps you should too.
J.Crew
Cotton Poplin Boxer Short in Stripe
Free People
X We the Free Day to Day Boxer Short
Gingham Pieces
Gingham is everywhere this summer, and there are tons of ways to get in on the trend for under-$100.
WAYF
X Styled by Coco! Nina Gingham Seersucker Straight Leg Pants
Reformation
Tiffie Linen Shorts
Petal & Pup
Kinslee Corset Cotton Blend Midi Dress
Mesh Flats
Two words: Air flow. I just spent a long weekend in NYC and wore mesh flats the entire time. My feet felt my secure than if I’d opted to wear sandals, and they stayed cool throughout the day.
MANGO
Mesh Ballerina Flats
Steve Madden
Meadow Flats
Madewell
The Greta Ballet Flats
Black Linen Dress
If you want your next dress purchase to be one that carries you into fall, I highly recommend adding a black linen dress to your wardrobe. You’ll be able to wear it for much of the year.
MANGO
Short Pleated Linen-Blend Dress
Gap
Linen-Blend Square-Neck Maxi Dress
The Drop
Carlota Strapless Linen Maxi Dress
Crochet Bag
A fun summer bag is essential for July and on, and there are tons of cool ones to choose from right now. My money is on an easy crochet bag.
Madewell
The Camren Rope Bag
Pretty Eyelet Tops
Breezy, lightweight tops are key this time of year, and the most highly coveted ones are adorned with eyelet details.
J.Crew
Cap-Sleeve Lace-Trim Top in Cotton Voile
ASTR the Label
Kissed Shirred Ruffle Sleeveless Crop Top
Polished Shorts
By July, I even wear shorts out at night on the hottest of days. So when denim or drawstring ones just won’t cut it, I opt for a more tailored pair that I can wear with kitten heels.
