Wear Your Basics Every Other Season—Just for Summer, Try These Fun Statement Items Instead

Throughout fall, winter, and even spring, I live in my tried-and-true basics, opting for a great pair of jeans and a crisp white tee more often than not. A statement pair of earrings or a cool jacket might occasionally be subbed in to keep things interesting, but for the most part, I'm a fashion minimalist for three seasons of every year. In the summertime, however, those same understated wardrobe items get packed up, and in their place go all the statement fashion items that belong only in warm, sunny weather. Think stripes, bright colors, bold jewelry, and voluminous silhouettes. Essentially, if someone might have to do a double-take to "get" my outfit between the months of June and September, I've done everything right.

Ahead, you'll find everything you need to follow my lead for the next few months, opting for clothes, shoes, and accessories that make a bigger splash as opposed to a perfect—clean and quiet—diving entry. I'm talking about crochet pieces made of gold metallic threads, mesh stiletto boots, mirrored dresses, and turquoise silk trousers. There are fringe dresses, genie pants, and sequin swimsuits. Wear your basics every other season. Just for summer, try these 39 fun statement items instead.

Zw Collection

Striped Pants

The high wedges and thong silhouette already make a strong statement, but this color is a perfect exclamation point.

Tory Burch

Layered Hand-Done Mirrorwork Dress

This dress is summer 2025's most-wanted item by a mile.

Reformation

Carolina Silk Skirt

This color is next-level chic.

THE ROW

Mesh and Leather Knee Boots

Pair the above skirt with these red mesh boots for a cool, IYKYK type of look.

COS

Voluminous Pleated Midi Skirt

The bigger the skirt, the better the outfit.

ZARA

Pearlescent Appliqué Bag

A playful addition to any outfit.

j.crew

Eyelet Balconette Underwire Bikini Top

H&M

Crinkled Balloon-Leg Pants

Khaite

Yuka Sleeveless Knit Peplum Top

The perfect level of sheer.

Massimo Dutti

Crinkle-Effect Balloon Midi Skirt

Yes, there are two skirts styled on top of each other, and yes, I'm copying this look right away.

Prada

Brushed Leather Pumps

MANGO x Supriya Lele

Combined Knitted Dress With Feather Effect

This entire collaboration is perfect. No notes!

SIMONMILLER

Beep Beep Mini Skirt

Consider your next vacation night-out look found.

Heaven Mayhem

Julia Necklace

Add this necklace to any outfit to make it feel more styled and intentional.

Reformation

Aurelia Tote Bag

No more canvas totes, please.

This crochet top looks way pricier than it is.

Reformation

Gale Satin Mid Rise Bias Pant

A punchy color like this one deserves a prime summer spot.

These new Alaïa flats are just the right amount of sporty.

express

Printed Crochet Halter Bubble Tank

Next time you head to the beach, wear this top with white string bikini bottoms.

Leset

Lana Cotton Maxi Dress

My ideal beach-to-dinner outfit.

staud

Christos Large Tote

I can't bear to carry around a boring black leather tote during the summer.

COS

Gathered V-Neck Maxi Dress

Whenever you're stuck on what to wear this summer, put this dress on. It'll do just the trick.

Jeffrey Campbell

Shell Shocked Kitten Heels

Kallmeyer

Charlie Long Trouser in Liquid Twill

Kallmeyer's liquidy silk-look trousers are on every fashion person's wish list this summer.

Tory Burch

Open-Back Jersey Bodysuit

No, I don't recommend wearing this sequin bodysuit in any body of water. Instead, pair it with cool drawstring pants.

Add some fun to your handbags with a bag charm… or five.

Why yes, I do need this top.

HIGH SPORT

Savannah Striped Cotton-Blend Shorts

In case you're also tired of denim shorts, may I suggest investing in this shockingly fun, stretchy pair?

Ancient Greek Sandals

Jelly Flip Flops

Lookie here: the nakedest shoes ever created.

Beaufille

Anise Maxi Dress

I've wanted this dress for at least two summers, and now that it's deeply discounted, I'm finally snagging one for my upcoming Italian vacation.

COS

Crew-Neck Cotton T-Shirt

Buh-bye, white tees. Hello, turquoise!

Bottega Veneta

Large Fin Earrings in Silver

MANGO

Abstract-Print Midi-Dress

How cool is this print? I'm in love.

PROENZA SCHOULER

Slash Tie Leather Sandals

The prettiest pink sandals deserve a place in your wardrobe.

tumi

19 Degree Aluminum Minaudiere

Clutches can often err on the side of stuffy, but this aluminum minaudière is beyond fun.

MANGO

Striped Ramie Shirt

Express

Metallic Crochet Scoop Neck Maxi Sweater Dress

Aren't you glad you scrolled to the end?