Summer Style: When To Invest And When To Save
When it comes to rounding out your wardrobe for a new season, we know that it can start to feel overwhelming logistically and financially. To that end, we developed a list of some summer must-have items, while also putting some thought into where it makes sense to invest and where it makes sense to save money. Keep reading for our stylists’ tips and tricks when it comes to summer style: when to invest and when to save. When reading this post, keep in mind that “invest” and “save” have different meanings for different people. And that’s OK! The foundational principals we cover in this post still apply!
Summer Style: When To Invest
We get the question from clients all.the.time…. Summer style: when to invest and when to save? When it comes to your summer wardrobe, here is where we recommend investing:
- A classic summer dress
- Great fitting jean shorts and lightweight jeans
- High quality swimwear
- Quality sunglasses
- Comfortable and stylish sandals or sneakers
- A lightweight everyday bag
A Classic Summer Dress
Katie: Summer style: when to invest and when to save… A classic tank dress is one of the most versatile pieces you can have in your summer wardrobe, and this Enza Costa maxi version is worth the investment. The quality fabric and flattering cut make it easy to wear on its own or layered under a lightweight shirt or jacket—perfect for everything from travel days to casual dinners.
Katey: The Somerset dress from Anthropologie is a tried and true favorite for so many of my clients, myself included! It’s flattering on just about everyone and makes a statement. Not only that, it’s available in extended sizes and comes in a shorter version, and in several patterns. It’s a dress Anthro just keeps bringing back each season. There are several dupes out there that I’ve tried, but all roads lead back to the OG for the perfect summer dress.
Printed A-Line Tiered Maxi Dress {Petite & Plus Sizing}
Dana: A classic black sundress will take you through summer and beyond. Invest in a style with some structure so you have the option to dress it up or down.
Great Fitting Denim Shorts Or Lightweight Jeans
Katie: When it comes to denim shorts, fit is everything—and the AGOLDE Parker Long Shorts get it right. The longer inseam offers more coverage without sacrificing style, making them a flattering, versatile option we recommend to clients often. They’re my personal go-to all summer long!
Katey: The perfect denim short for women over 40! I love the tailored look of these with the finished hem, cute stitching, and pocket detail. A 4.5″ inseam makes them wearable for women in their 40s and 50s!
Dana: Quality denim in a lightweight fabric will take you through the warmer months. Premium denim is worth the higher price tag.
Light Wash Low Slung Palazzo Jean
High Quality Swimwear
Katie: Swimwear is one of those categories where quality truly matters—and this set from Knix is a game changer. The Leakproof Sculpt High Rise Bikini Bottom offers both support and peace of mind, with built-in protection for your period or any unexpected leaks. It’s a smart, confidence-boosting investment that blends functionality with a flattering fit.
Square Neck Bikini Top {Extended Sizing} | High Rise Bikini Bottom {Extended Sizing}
Katey: These ruched bandeau one pieces from JCrew are my favorite suit. They are well made and keep their shape and come in a variety of colors. I tend to scoop up one a season when they are on sale like they are now!
Dana: A classic black one piece is a smart place to invest. When you go up in price point, the quality of the fabric and fit improves.
Quality Sunglasses
Katie: The Zander sunglasses from Krewe are the kind of accessory that instantly elevates any summer look. With their oversized fit and bold beveling, they strike the perfect balance between style and statement—making them well worth the investment for everyday wear that feels anything but basic.
Katey: As much as I love an aviator sunglasses look, a sturdier frame like these tortoise ones from Maui Jim are a more practical option for my curls when I need to put them up on my head! Maui Jim’s have been around a long time and make a great product that will stand the test of time.
Tortoise Shell Cat Eye Sunglasses
Dana: A classic pair of Ray-Ban’s is a great place to invest. A quality pair of sunglasses can elevate even the simplest of looks.
Comfortable & Stylish Sandals Or Sneakers
Katie: A well-made, comfortable sandal is worth the splurge, and The Palermo Sandal from Margaux checks all the boxes. With its sleek, minimalist design and cushioned support, it’s the kind of throw-on-and-go shoe you’ll reach for all summer—perfect with jeans, dresses, shorts, and everything in between.
Katey: A low profile neutral sneaker is a great place to invest for summer. A sneaker like this is super versatile and works well with all looks – dresses, shorts, even jeans and joggers – perfect for travel day or excursion day where you’ll be on your feet for miles!
Dana: A flat lace up sandal in a neutral color is a great investment. This style can be dressed up or down and paired with most options in your wardrobe. You won’t regret splurging on these.
A Lightweight Everyday Bag
Katie: A lightweight, well-made everyday bag is worth the investment—especially one that can transition seamlessly from errands to dinners out. The Clare V. Grande Fanny in Tan Rattan is a standout with its versatile shape, hands-free functionality, and elevated texture that feels just right for summer. It’s the kind of piece you’ll reach for on repeat year after year.
Katey: We realize the word “invest” looks different to all of our clients. A seasonal bag around $200 can definitely feel like a big price tag for an item that you can only use a few months out of the year, but choosing a classic well made piece like this one will make for a well planned investment, allowing you to choose it for years to come.
Dana: A quality tote bag is a good place to invest. It will stand the test of time, and you will get your money’s worth out of it within a few wears.
Summer Style: When To Save
Summer style: when to invest and when to save?? When it comes to your summer wardrobe, here is where we recommend saving:
- Trendy statement tops
- Vacation only pieces
- Beachwear and cover-ups
- Basic tanks and tees
- Bright accessories
Trendy Statement Tops
Katie: Trendy statement tops are the perfect category to save on since styles come and go each season. This linen-blend peplum top from Mango (under $60!) adds structure, interest, and a flattering silhouette—making it an easy way to elevate jeans, shorts, or a simple skirt without breaking the bank.
Katey: A statement top can also be casual like this one. Pair this fun tee with a white short for an easy daytime look that looks polished for an affordable price.
Dana: A fun top for a night out is a great piece to have in your wardrobe. However, you don’t need to spend a fortune on a piece like that, especially if you will only wear it a couple of times.
Knotted One Shoulder Cropped Bustier {Extended Sizing}
Vacation Only Pieces
Katie: A wide brim straw Panama hat is the perfect example of a vacation-only piece you don’t need to splurge on. This under-$30 option adds instant style and sun protection to your beach or resort looks—without taking up too much space in your suitcase or your budget. It gives your outfit that polished, pulled-together vibe while keeping things light, effortless, and practical.
Katey: Not that a sundress is a vacation only piece, but it’s always fun to add a few new dresses to your suitcase when heading out on a trip. At this price, you can do that, and this one feels very beachy with the flattering halter neck and flowy silhouette.
Dana: A white linen pant is a great option for a beach vacation. No need to invest since they are so specific. There are plenty of nice, budget friendly options to choose from.
Beachwear & Cover-Ups
Katie: Beachwear is the perfect place to save, and this oversized linen beach shirt from H&M is a summer MVP. It’s lightweight, easy to throw on over a swimsuit, and instantly makes your poolside or beach look feel effortlessly polished—all for under $45.
Linen Beach Shirt | Similar Option {Extended & Plus Sizing}
Katey: I love a flowy pant as a cover-up on the beach. Pair it with a solid suit, and it’s the perfect throw on to grab a drink or lunch at the pool bar.
Printed Ruffle Waist Cover-Up Pants
Dana: This cover-up is stylish without breaking the bank. Throw it on over a bathing suit or pair with a tank for a chic yet budget friendly beach look.
Basic Tanks & Tees
Katie: Basic tanks and tees are summer staples you don’t need to overthink—or overspend on. I love the Box-Cut Tee in Essential Cotton from Everlane (I even own it in two colors!). It’s under $40, holds its shape, and has that slightly boxy fit that makes it feel modern and easy to style with everything from denim to shorts to skirts.
Box Cut Crewneck Tee Shirt {Extended Sizing}
Katey: These tanks from Target are some of my favorite and come in a bunch of colors and this fun stripe. They are the perfect weight and fit and look more expensive than they are!
Slim Fit Rib Knit Tank Top {Extended & Plus Sizing}
Dana: There is no need to invest in basic tanks and tees when there are quality options out there at lower price points. You can replace them seasonally without breaking the bank.
Bright Accessories
Katie: Bright accessories are a fun and easy way to add personality to your summer wardrobe—no big investment required. This beaded gemstone choker from Amazon is under $30 and adds the perfect pop of color to simple summer outfits like a tee and shorts or a breezy dress.
Katey: A fun colored bracelet stack is an easy way to make your summer outfit more exciting! Ink + Alloy has great options, and this stack comes is so many colors and for the price, you can treat yourself to two stacks and mix and match!
Dana: When it comes to fashion jewelry, save your pennies. You can still have fun with the trends without having to spend a lot. Instead invest in classic styles that will have longevity.
We hope this post helped you to think through your summer style: when to invest and when to save. And remember, “invest” and “save” hold different meanings for each person! But the main principles we discussed still apply, no matter what your price thresholds are. And so, regardless of what save and invest mean to you personally, we hope that this post gave you some fresh ideas for your summer wardrobe!
