We've still got a way to go until the technical first day of summer, but with the best season always feeling so short, I like to extend it as much as possible. Sorry, spring, but I'm low-key skipping you this year. With that in mind, I started my summer shopping early in 2025, which is how I ended up spending one of New York City's recent rainy days (another reason to skip spring) curating the ultimate guide to summer's big four: sunglasses, shorts, sandals, and swimwear. There's no need to go anywhere else—I've got you completely covered in every summer fashion category that matters, doling out designer bikinis and designer-looking $50 sandals.
Ahead, you'll be met with a healthy mix of classic styles that will, yes, check off all your 2025 boxes but also remain chic for summers to come, as well as of-the-moment pieces that you simply cannot complete the upcoming season without. For example, toe-loop sandals are a must, as is a two-tone bikini with contrast piping. Silk-and-lace lingerie shorts are coming for your crochet pair from last year, and wire-rim sunglasses by the likes of Celine and Khaite are quickly becoming summer 2025's favorite child. It's all for the taking ahead. Happy shopping and happy my first day of summer.
Swimwear
j.crew
Eyelet Balconette Underwire Bikini Top
From the baby-blue color and eyelet details to the underwire fit and tie-free bottoms, everything about this set is a winner in my book.
Shop the matching Eyelet '90s No-Tie String Bikini Bottom ($80).
Burberry
Check Trim Bikini
I keep seeing this bikini in Burberry ads, and no ad has worked better on me. I need one.
Tory Burch
Underwire Swimsuit
Tory Burch makes the *best* swimwear I've ever tried—and I've tried practically every swimwear brand out there.
FAITHFULL
Ania Two-Tone Recycled Triangle Bikini
j.crew
Perfect String Bikini Top in Leopard Print
Celebrities such as Laura Harrier are big fans of the leopard-print bikini.
Shop the matching String Bikini Bottom ($35).
LIDO
Ventitre Ribbed Halterneck Swimsuit
This swimsuit is a perfect bodysuit candidate. The halter neckline is too chic to just wear to the beach.
Massimo Dutti
Contrast Bandeau Bikini Top
MANGO
Halter Bikini Top With Buckle Detail
Is it just me, or does this halter bikini feel so '90s in a Tom Ford for Gucci way?
Shop the matching Bikini Bottoms ($40).
Sandals
The perfect easy, comfortable sandal to buy if you want something fancier than a flip-flop.
A.EMERY
Kinto Leather Flip Flops
But if a flip-flop is what you want, you can't go wrong with this editor-favorite style from A.Emery.
Manolo Blahnik
Callamu Kitten Heel Slide Sandal
A classic kitten heel for summer.
Open Edit
Tori Kitten Heel Sandal
Yes, these are just $50. Just buy them already (in multiple colors).
Madewell
The Mila Organic Hardware Thong Slide Sandal
Who needs jewelry when your shoes look like this?
Your new everyday sandals.
NEOUS
Diwo Bow-Embellished Patent-Leather Slingback Sandals
Tory Burch
Pierced Multi-Strap Heeled Sandal
A pop of color never hurt an outfit.
Shorts
This deep-brown color is so rich and sophisticated.
Agolde
Parker Long Shorts
Agolde's Parker Long Shorts are famous for a reason.
Courtney Grow wore these with a leather bomber jacket, and I've wanted them ever since. It was a perfect study in contrasts.
j.crew
Denim Trouser Short
A safe-for-work pair of shorts.
Reformation
Mason Short Es
These warrant a trip to the Hamptons.
cos
Drawstring Cotton Shorts
Casual has never looked so cool.
High Sport
Exclusive Savannah Cotton-Blend Shorts
I low-key need these. They're the ultimate lazy-luxury bottoms.
When in doubt, go with Levi's for anything denim related.
Sunglasses
Anything with Gucci's throwback G logo on it, I want. Period.
No one has to know these only cost $15.
CELINE
Triomphe Metal 01 Sunglasses in Metal
I keep seeing Jennifer Lawrence in these.
Massimo Dutti
Oval Tortoiseshell-Effect Sunglasses
These are giving Jackie O. vibes.
Prada did its thing with these shades.
OLIVER PEOPLES x Khaite
1998c Cat-Eye Metal Sunglasses
I low-key only wear these sunglasses. No other pair compares.
Ray-Ban
Lady Burbank 55mm Cat Eye Sunglasses
If you want to look like a sophisticated lady, buy these.
