As the fashion-savvy person in my closest friend group, I am constantly fielding queries from them on what to buy and where to shop, especially at the beginning of a new season. As predicted, this summer was no different. As soon as the weather even slightly warmed up, I got a text from a friend asking if I wouldn’t mind being her personal shopper for the season.
This time around, she gave me a fun budget of $550 to find her key pieces for summer 2026 that could be easily incorporated into any closet. In the end, I narrowed it down to seven chic finds that would do the trick. These range from a standout woven bag to classic linen pants and cool flip-flop sandals.
Ahead, shop my top picks for each category, plus some extras I have my eye on that are perfect for updating your summer wardrobe.
1. Linen Pants
My Top Linen Pant Pick
Caslon
Easy Wide Leg Linen Pants
More Linen Pants
ZARA
Linen Straight Leg Pants
J.Crew
Soleil Pant in Linen
Gap
Linen-Blend Easy Wide-Leg Pants
2. Lace-Trimmed Pieces
My Top Lace-Trimmed Piece Pick
dh New York
Candice Satin Lace-Hem Miniskirt
More Lace-Trimmed Pieces
Reformation
Carolina Pant
Free People
Lace Trim Tap Shorts
ZARA
Zw Collection Satin Lace Dress
3. Woven Bags
My Top Woven Bag Pick
Madewell
Handwoven Leather Tote
I own this Madewell tote and find myself wearing it with just about every one of my looks. It comes in a variety of colors—I can’t help but want every last one.
More Woven Bags
MANGO
Braided Leather Shoulder Bag
Madewell
The Signature Woven Shoulder Bag
Anthropologie
Calla Woven Shoulder Bag
4. Effortless Dresses
My Top Effortless Dress Pick
ZARA
Combination Godet Dress
More Effortless Dresses
Nordstrom
Stretch Cotton Microrib Tank Dress
Banana Republic
Scoop-Neck Mini Dress
5. Flip-Flop Sandals
My Top Flip-Flop Sandal Pick
More Flip-Flop Sandals
Schutz
Carolyn Kitten Heel Sandal
Reformation
Jessie Flip Flop
6. Pendant Necklaces
My Top Pendant Necklace Pick
More Pendant Necklaces
Heaven Mayhem
Julia Necklace
ZARA
Leather Resin Cord Necklace
JENNY BIRD
Rue Pendant Rope Necklace
7. Basic Tops
My Top Basic Top Pick
ZARA
Minimal Sleeveless T-Shirt
More Basic Tops
MANGO
Cotton Blend Rib Sweater Tank
J.Crew
New Relaxed Linen T-Shirt
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