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summer trends

5 Summer Style Essentials You Need in Your Wardrobe

The must-have pieces of the season.

By and

There may be a lot of uncertainty surrounding the summer months right now (will we actually be able to dine alfresco safely?), but one thing's for sure: Nothing can stop the fresh summer trends from popping up. So gird your loins and pockets, warm-weather lovers, the best season is just around the corner. And your wardrobe needs some prep. It's time to stash that heavy leather and chunky knitwear and usher in airy dresses, lightweight bra tops, and must-have square-toe mules. With an abundance of trends emerging from both the runways and your ever-shifting social media grid, we've gathered some ideas ahead—well, a top five, actually—to let you know what's worth coveting for summer 2020.

The Cotton Summer Dress

Okay, this may be a summer classic, but it's back with a fashion force this summer. With variations from maxi lengths to balloon sleeves, you'll be living in these breezy numbers all season (even from home).

Vince Stripe Drapey Sleeveless Shirtdress

Stripe Drapey Sleeveless Shirtdress

Socially distanced picnic, anyone?

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Ulla Johnson Isla Ruffled Cotton-Poplin Midi Dress

Isla Ruffled Cotton-Poplin Midi Dress

Never met a puffy sleeve we didn't like.

Esteban Cortázar Cotton-Voile Maxi Dress

Cotton-Voile Maxi Dress

Maxi is in—and this cotton-voile option can be worn with either sneakers or barely there sandals.

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The Sheer Layer

It may seem counterintuitive to wear sleeves in the summer, but these sheer numbers are just as breezy and sexy as your favorite tank. Plus, they come in fun prints from daisies to butterflies to tie-dye. We have a feeling they'll be a cool-girl staple of the summer.

Charlotte Knowles Yellow Halcyon Long Sleeve T-Shirt

Yellow Halcyon Long Sleeve T-Shirt

For the flower child within all of us. 

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AFRM Zadie Semi Sheer Turtleneck

Zadie Semi Sheer Turtleneck

Layer it under a floral dress for maximum impact. 

Sandy Liang Peel Butterfly Print Sheer Top

Peel Butterfly Print Sheer Top

So '90s in the best way.

Marine Serre Moon turtleneck top

Moon turtleneck top

A modern classic...

The Open-Toe Shoe of the Season

You can thank Bottega Veneta for the ladylike shoe trend of the summer. No, it's not a new gladiator or chunky sandal; it's the high-fashion, square-toe mule.

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Bottega Veneta Lido Sandal

Lido Sandal

We've been coveting this heel since it first debuted, and this summer is no different.

Wandler Isa Leather Sandal

Isa Leather Sandal

A little "something blue" for your summer shoe wardrobe. 

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Rejina Pyo Romy Patent-Leather Mule

Romy Patent-Leather Mule

We bet you could run a mile in this walkable wedge.

The Oversized Overshirt

The styling possibilities are endless for this summer must-have. Wear it open over your bathing suit or even tie it into a crop top at the waist.

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Jacquemus La Chemise Jean Printed Cotton-Poplin Shirt

La Chemise Jean Printed Cotton-Poplin Shirt
Now 50% Off
Credit: Courtesy

We'll be shopping the menswear department for the best printed shirts this summer.

Solid & Striped Cabana Leopard-Print Voile Shirt

Cabana Leopard-Print Voile Shirt
Credit: Courtesy

From the beach to a picnic, it's the summer staple you didn't know you needed.

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James Perse Island Print Aloha Shirt

Island Print Aloha Shirt
Now 67% Off
Credit: Courtesy

The easiest way to mentally transport to Hawaii.

The Bra Top

Less is more this summer, and Elsa Hosk is giving us the perfect example. Bare it all with the season's cutest bra tops—or just take your bikini and make it fashun.

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Jacquemus Le Bandeau Valensole Swim Top

Le Bandeau Valensole Swim Top

We'll have what Hosk is having.

WeWoreWhat Claudia Top

Claudia Top

Gotta love a little underwire.

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