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Is summer the most fun season to shop for? Most certainly. It’s a time of the year when relaxation and recreation are the only things on the agenda, so you can bet that dressing for it all is just as enjoyable. Are you planning on hosting an impromptu backyard hangout? Going for an afternoon picnic? Spending the day poolside? To equip you for all these outings and activities, we’ve pulled dozens of summer items—100 to be exact—and they each happen to be under $100.
In our edit, you’ll find summer fashion and beauty must-haves like crochet bucket hats, garden-party-ready frocks, pigmented blushes, and lots of swim—all the makings of a great summer shopping list. Below, see and shop our favorite 100 fun-in-the-sun picks under $100.
The Boat Holiday
Perhaps you’re whizzing around the French Riviera or maybe you’re docked at the Great Lakes, in either case, you’ll need fashions as classic as the boat holiday itself. Does it get any better than a black-and-white swimsuit? Summersalt, Araks, and Victoria’s Secret offer incredibly chic takes. For your accessories, keep it simple with a pair of striped espadrilles, a gold chain bracelet (or anklet) from Mejuri, a straw topper, a water-friendly tote, and a pair of sunnies. Most valuable will be the silk Mulberry scrunchie to keep your hair intact as you whip through the waters.
The Sweltering Office Day
To keep your summer office look cool and comfortable, but commuter-friendly as well, opt for a sleek LBD slip dress paired with simple ballet flats—and then pile on your favorite minimalist accessories. We especially love Mejuri’s classic gold hoops and a timeless chain bracelet from Laura Lombardi. Top it off with a sweet summer lip oil from Hermès and keep your skin safe and sun-protected with Aesop’s facial moisturizer, which has SPF built in.
The Garden Party
Now’s the time to enjoy alfresco dining. And what better way to do so than by hosting the ultimate garden party? Whether a picnic in the park or a seated brunch in the backyard, you’re sure to impress with these delightfully affordable finds from brands like Cabana and Johanna Ortiz.
The Beach-Bound Bag
We love bright and colorful accessories for a day at the beach, like this orange Jacquemus bucket hat and vibrant striped beach tote from Mango. Stay hydrated with Saint Laurent’s chic water bottle, and don’t forget your seaside jewelry accoutrements. And whether your beach day will be spent in your hometown or elsewhere, you can still act like you’re vacationing in Positano with a Le Sirenuse–inspired towel.
The Summer Beauty Essentials
Fun in the sun calls for a summer-specific beauty edit—even beyond the to-be-expected SPF protection. Start with body- and skin-care saviors from lightweight hydrators, radiant body oils, and even an at-home facial (thank you, Hanacure!). Then on to makeup—we’re partial to skin-nourishing tinted moisturizers, clean concealers, creamy blushes, and bronzer pigments, finishing out with mascara. Oh, and not to mention a high-shine lip treatment for the ultimate supple pout.
The Vacation Checklist
A good book, a white dress, a sun hat, a flat sandal, a beach tote, these are the essentials you’d expect to find in our suitcases when jetting off to a beach vacation or tropical destination. Don’t forget sunscreen and a pair of sunglasses too!
The Coastal Charm
You don’t have to be in New England to find your inner coastal grandmother aesthetic. Lean into charming accessories; think fisherman sandals or a canvas boater tote. And when it comes to hosting a summer soiree, opt for nautical-inspired tabletop wares, say, lobster-print cocktail napkins or seagrass tumblers. For those heading out of town, don’t catch the ferry to the beach without somewhere to sit. We recommend a set of sling beach chairs and a one-way ticket to the Cape, Maine, or Nantucket.
The Summer Nights
Put on your party shoes and get ready to have the best summer with these going-out finds. Farm Rio’s ruffled dress will instantly transform you into the dancing emoji, while Rotate’s shimmering top will make you feel like a modern disco queen.
The Seasonal Accessory Edit
Half the fun of summer dressing is all the accessories that you can really only wear for the season—unless, that is, you’re lucky enough to inhabit a sunny all-year locale. Things like a crochet bucket hat perfectly epitomize this. We like options from Faithful the Brand, Cos, and for something truly homemade, Etsy offers a wide variety of colorful toppers. Start with a white linen dress, then pile on the accessories like a striking green open-weave bag from Mango, Roxanne Assoulin’s cheery necklace, and a Kate Spade towel perfect for picnicking or sunbathing.
The Bright Splash
Bring your best and brightest style to your next pool party, beach day, or summer hangout. A statement-making towel is one way to guarantee no one mixes theirs up with your own. A retro Igloo might just be the coolest way to chill your favorite beverages, while a pair of lime-green flip-flops and a bucket hat give a naughties nod to Venice Beach surf culture.
