My 63-Year-Old Mom Knows What’s Cool Before I Do—TK Items She’s Buying for Summer

They say, 'Mom knows best.' Although I am sometimes hesitant to acknowledge that claim, I generally find it to be true. My mom somehow always knows if I'm going to regret any of my choices, but she still lets me make my own decisions so I can learn from them. More specifically, she knows how to put together a chic outfit and what will be considered "cool" in fashion, sometimes before I even do.

Being in the know about the top fashion trends comes naturally to my mom. Not only did both her parents work in the fashion industry, with my grandfather at Macy's and my grandmother running her own accessories company, but my mom also worked in the field as an e-commerce stylist. You could say she's obsessed with fashion and has inspired me to be the same.

Whenever we're apart, we're always sending each other products and asking each other if we like them. When we're together, we're either shopping in person or just talking about trends. With all of that in mind, I told my mom to put together a list of specific products she thinks fashion people will be wearing this summer, or at the very least, items she finds chic and has either added to her cart or suggested I do before everyone else. Because mom knows best, I didn't second-guess any of her selections, trusting that if I did, I would miss out on coveted items come June. From lightweight drawstring pants to elevated flip-flops, keep scrolling to discover her 34 must-have buys for summer 2026.

ZARA

Washed Effect Rib Halter Top

My mom knows that a high-neck tank like this one is perfect for layering but also elevated enough to be worn on its own.

Open Edit

Kick Flare Stretch Twill Pants

If you're apprehensive about pedal pushers, these kick flare pants will help you get the tailored pant look without showing too much skin.

Jacquemus

Les Sandales Kitten Heel Sandal

My mom showed me these and now they're all I can think about.

ZARA

Zw Collection Textured Plaid Jacket

J.Crew

Luna Pant in Cotton Poplin

These look just like Leset's Kyoto pants, which celebrities like Kaia Gerber and Jennifer Lawrence own.

ZARA

Satin Effect Fireman Clasp Shirt Zw Collection

My mom says if you buy one thing from this shopping guide, make it the Inez, the It shoes of 2026.

COS

Draped Scarf-Detail Top

Chan Luu

Techno Taffeta Long Shorts Bronze

Bermuda shorts will be everywhere this summer in unique fabrics like silk and taffeta.

Khaite X Oliver Peoples

1974c in Dark Honey and Amaretto Gradient

These new Khaite x Oliver Peoples sunglasses are destined to be just as popular as the sold-out 1967c style.

COS

Monument Tote Bag - Leather

No one will believe you when you tell them that this bag is from COS.

Massimo Dutti

100% Cotton Striped Knit Sweater

A stripe boatneck top is a must-have for summer.

madewell

Pull-On Jeans in Airy Denim

My mom loves lightweight jeans that look like denim but feel like sweatpants.

ZARA

Leather Ballet Flats

Endless styling possibilities.

LESET

Margo Cotton-Jersey T-Shirt

Citizens of Humanity

Winslow Long Boyfriend Jeans

These vintage-looking jeans will help you nail Bieber's look.

ZARA

Flat Leather Sandals

You'll get a lot of wear out of these.

Nili Lotan

Joni Virgin Wool Jacket

While jeans may be the first thing that comes to mind when styling a military jacket, we suggest choosing something more unexpected, like a poplin skirt, which contrasts with the jacket and adds a delicate touch.

A.EMERY

Jalen Woven Leather Sandals

COS

Bias Cut Linen Blend Midi Dress

Even minimalist dressers can agree that this color is very wearable.

J.Crew

Mirror Compact Pendant Necklace

Bottega Veneta

Mini Andiamo in Lava Red

Bottega Veneta just released the Mini Andiamo and fashion insiders already have their hands on it.

Massimo Dutti

Wool Blend Knit V-Neck Sweater

KHAITE

Sydni Floral-Print Silk-Organza Midi Skirt

Florals for summer? Groundbreaking.

Altuzarra

Abstract Buckle Belt Black

Style with a dainty skirt or dress to add some edge.

COS

Scuba Square-Toe Mules

The scuba material will ensure these are comfortable for all-day wear.

Little Moon

Wellbeing Linen Dress

Massimo Dutti

100% Raffia Mid-Sized Tote Bag

This looks like the new Khaite Lotus raffia bag.

J.Crew

Summer Rollneck Sweater in Linen-Cotton Blend

J.Crew just released a summer-friendly version of its Rollneck sweater that everyone and their mothers wore this winter.

ALC

Phoebe Satin Midi Skirt

My mom loves this shade, especially when paired with a powder pink sweater.

Ever since this Prada bag hit the runway, my mom knew it'd be on my wish list.