My favorite season is summer, but you wouldn’t necessarily know that by looking at me. Almost my entire wardrobe is black and I’m pretty pale, which is usually the hallmark of people who prefer things a little cooler. In truth, I used to be one of those people, but half a decade of New York winters has given me an appreciation of warm weather I didn’t have during my quarter century of brutal Atlanta summers. I still have my lifelong preference for black clothing, though, so I have to pick and choose my summer shopping list carefully.
Summer black is more abundant than you’d think, but if that’s not your thing, there’s a little color below as well, especially in the handbags. There’s even some white, even though I am objectively too messy to be a person who wears white. I can dream, right?
Ancient Greek Galatia Sandals
$305 via Net-a-Porter
I love a flat sandal, I love a black sandal, I love a strappy sandal. Since these tie in the back instead of buckle or snap, it’ll also be way easier to adjust them perfectly.
Building Block Backpack
$550 via Shopbop
A couple weeks ago, I walked several blocks behind a girl carrying one of these, and it was so sleek and beautiful in person.
Clare V Leopard Simple Tote
$325 via Anthropologie
I’ve loved this smaller version of the Simple Tote since it made its debut, and this fun little leopard version is my favorite one yet.
Coach Rexy Bag Charm
$225 via Coach
I love bag charms but have never bought one; these dino charms from Coach are so cool and intricate that I might take the plunge.
Dior Chromics Sunglasses
$515 via Nordstrom
Dior makes all of my favorite sunglasses right now, and white pair feels particularly fresh for summer.
Gianvito Rossi Portofino Suede Sandals
$675 via Net-a-Porter
Between Chrissy Teigen and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, I’m fully convinced of the virtues of Gianvito Rossi summer suede.
HD in Paris Alessia Lace Dress
$158 via Anthropologie
A little black dress is always useful, and all-over lace lightens up the look for warm weather.
Mansur Gavriel Mini Lady Bag
$1,050 via Net-a-Porter
I’m a longtime fan of Mansur Gavriel’s bucket bags, and I like this color and size of the Lady so much that they just might be the way I branch out.
MCM Mini Milla Bag
$720 via Nordstrom
I’m really into mini totes right now, in case that wasn’t already clear.
Nike Air Force 1 Flyknit Sneakers
$175 via Nike
I’ve actually already ordered these. I have the all-black version, and the Flyknit material makes the sneaker light as a feather and totally non-bulky. Perfect for summer!
Peter Thomas Roth Strawberry Scrub Fruit Enzyme Polisher
$38 via Sephora
My favorite facial exfoliator is from this brand, and this one for body (and face, if you’re into that) gets very high marks. Gotta keep the arms and legs soft for the season.
Raquel Allegra Tie-Dyed Mini Dress
$255 via Net-a-Porter
My favorite summer pieces are things that feel a little boho and a little goth. This one fits into that perfectly.
Tom Ford Soleil Blanc Shimmering Body Oil
$98 via Sephora
If there’s anyone I trust to make my skin soft and sexy and wonderful-smelling, it’s Tom Ford.
Urban Decay Vice Lipstick in Bobby Dazzle
$17 via Sephora
This shows up not as white, but as a totally sheer shimmer that doesn’t look too glittery or frosted. It’s your lips but better.
Zimmermann Harlequin Plunge Swimsuit
$295 via Net-a-Porter
I’m strictly a one-piece girl, and this one is both classic and sexy.