The first official day of summer is just a few weeks away, and here at Marie Claire, we’re gearing up for the sun-filled season with our favorite warm-weather essentials. Senior News Editor Halie LeSavage recently purchased a gauzy white dress from the sought-after Gap x Dôen collaboration. Fashion Editor Lauren Tappan embraced airy dressing with a pair of Aritzia linen pants that fit seamlessly into her minimalist capsule wardrobe. On the beauty side, Associate Commerce Editor Brooke Knappenberger splurged on a bottle of banana perfume, which she asserts will be one of the hottest fragrance trends of the season. If you’re intrigued, keep scrolling for a curated list of 16 summer must-haves that Marie Claire editors adore.
"I knew from the minute I hit "Publish" on our Gap x Dôen coverage that I wanted this eyelet midi dress. Sure, I have a few white sundresses already, but I loved the tiered skirt and ruffled straps. (They're wide enough to safely conceal bra straps, BTW.) It hasn't been warm enough in NYC to break it out quite yet, but trust that I am ready to wear it with fisherman sandals and my favorite Celine sunglasses when it finally breaks 70 degrees."—Halie LeSavage, Senior News Editor
"Tomato girl summer is back and there's no chicer hand soap than this formula from Flamingo Estate. The amber bottle looks so gorgeous on the edge of my sink and the herbaceous scent lingers on the skin for a perfect summer night vibe. Trust me, it's worth it to invest in a nice soap as a treat yourself moment."—Hannah Baxter, Beauty Director
"I'm all about minimal yet impactful jewelry. So, when Jenny Bird (my favorite jewelry brand ever) released new anklets for the summer season, I knew I had to have one to amp up my warm-weather outfits. I'm already imagining how cool this shiny chain will look with flip-flops and Bermuda shorts. It's even water-resistant, so I can wear it with my bikinis!"—Brooke Knappenberger, Associate Commerce Editor
"I've got a busy summer schedule ahead, so I need a practical pair of bottoms that can keep up with my every move. Thanks to Aritzia's CruiseLinen™ Lodge Pants, I've just found my match. Designed with a streamlined silhouette and a neutral shade, these trousers will complete any relaxed summer outfit. I can envision myself wearing them alongside a button-down shirt for days in the office, or even with a swimsuit for balmy moments by the shore. Plus, these floaty pants are stitched with a breathable blend of linen, so they're bound to keep me cool."—Lauren Tappan, Fashion Editor
"For my summer hikes in the mountains, this balm keeps my skin super hydrated. I love that I can use it on both my lips and cheeks!"—Andrea Stanley, Executive Editor
"I've been on the hunt for my summer purse since February, but this month I finally found it: a beaded bag. Instead of going full lobster-core (IYKYK), I chose a less nautical number from Staud, a.k.a. the beaded bag haven. Covered with hand-beaded palm trees and flowers, the blue and white beads compliment any outfit in my closet. I can't wait to see how it looks on the beach come June."—Meguire Hennes Staff Writer, Fashion
"I did it—I finally got a pair of Bermuda shorts. I chose this pair from Agolde because they have a relaxed, baggy fit. They sit right at my hips and are surprisingly easy to style. I've been wearing them with knee-high boots, chunky sneakers, and kitten heels. Bottom line? They're the best thing I've bought for my personal style this summer."—Julia Marzovilla, Fashion E-Commerce Editor
"I've long relied on Boden's breezy summer dresses, and this comfy jersey style is my new favorite. The citrus print is adorable, and with a pair of white sneakers or sandals, this dress will carry me from NYC to Norway and everywhere in between this summer."—Kristin Contino, Senior Royal and Celebrity Editor
"I'm calling it now: banana perfumes are about to be everywhere. I've noticed more and more fragrance brands releasing summery scents with the unexpected note, and I'm on board. 27 87's take on the fragrance trend is a yummy concoction of banana, honey, bergamot, and jasmine. The opening notes are deliciously sweet and fruity, while the base notes boast a lovely floral fragrance. Don't mind me if this is the only perfume I wear for the next three months."—Brooke Knappenberger, Associate Commerce Editor
"I've known about Leatherology's incredible cosmetic cases for quite some time (I used the brand's large train case as my work makeup bag and I'm deeply obsessed with it). However, I had no idea that Leatherology also offers handbags, and I'm kicking myself for not trying them sooner. Their Alex Vertical Work Tote is the perfect everyday bag for the office. While I had my doubts about the straps holding up, they've shown no signs of wear and tear. I've since added a few other totes from the label in my shopping cart, and I can confidently say Leatherology is about to become my entire personality."—Ariel Baker, Beauty Writer
"I have a few weddings coming up this summer—and I'm a bridesmaid in one of them—so I was in desperate need of a pair of versatile nude heels. Given that I rely on Stuart Weitzman for its range of comfortable shoes, the brand's Nudistia 75 Sandals were an obvious first choice. The 75mm heel is perfect for dancing all night long without any discomfort or pain. I've been wearing them around the house to break them in, but honestly, there's no need for that because they've instantly molded to the shape of my feet."—Julia Marzovilla, Fashion E-Commerce Editor
"I am not a lip balm girl in the summer (wearing oily lip products in the sizzling heat can actually dry out skin and cause hyperpigmentation, especially for people of color). However, this product put my worries to rest. It's filled with nourishing ingredients—like licorice root and Marula oil—that work together to shield skin from the sun. My lips feel so hydrated after using this product and I truly can't stop reapplying it."—Ashlyn Delaney, Associate Social Media Editor
"I live out of my work tote, but I've been using the same black leather bag for a while now. For the warmer months ahead, I'm looking to switch things up with a tote that has a summery touch. Madewell's woven bag feels right for sweltering temperatures and I'm obsessed with its rich-looking brown shade. Plus, this carryall is roomy enough for all of my necessities (and then some)."—Brooke Knappenberger, Associate Commerce Editor
"I'll blame (or thank) our very own beauty team for this new obsession of mine. They hooked me up with an incredible facial at the famed Surrey Spa on the Upper East Side ahead of the Met Gala red carpet. I was initially hestitant because my skin is prone to ecezema and previous facials have left it raw and red instead of hydrated and glowing, but the spa exclusively uses Sisley Paris products that they promised would work on my sensitive skin. This enzyme mask in particular leaves your skin so unbelievably, unimaginably smooth, gently getting rid of bumps, roughness, and congestion in just 60 seconds without leaving it dry and flaky. I immediately purchased it and have loved adding it to my skincare routine."—Neha Prakash, Entertainment Director
"Repeat after me: you can never have too many pairs of black bottoms. These utility pants are the epitome of cool seasonless style and will pair perfectly with everything from a cropped white T-shirt to a breezy butter yellow button-down. Plus the stretchy waist is exactly in line with my promise to only wear soft clothes for the next few months."—Hannah Baxter, Beauty Director
"I trust Executive Editor Andrea Stanley's book recommendations implicitly. When she said Karen Russell's novel about a Dust Bowl town and a mystic known as a "Prairie Witch" was her top pick of the year, I ran straight to my nearest bookstore. I'm already telling everyone I know to read it, too—even though I'm only a few pages in. It's magnetic."—Halie LeSavage, Senior News Editor