A Guide to Summer's Big Four: Sunglasses, Shorts, Sandals, and Swimwear

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.