It feels like getting dressed in the summer should be easy, but between sweltering temperatures, unpredictable camp schedules, and trying to juggle work and parenting, pulling together a chic look everyday can be daunting. That’s why stocking your closet with a few go-to summer must-haves is key. The right wardrobe staples can help you stay cool, look put-together and feel confident whether you’re headed to the office, mom’s night out, or just to your neighborhood playground. summer style

To help streamline your summer outfits, we asked three Hollywood stylists (and moms) to share their favorite go-to pieces that are guaranteed to keep you cool while also looking chic.

Story written by Anna Lane

Jen’s Picks

Chances are you recognize Jen Andrews-Cater from her popular JenKnowBest Instagram, TikTok, and SubStack, where she shares her minimalist style must-haves. As an always-on-the-go mom of a tween boy, she understands the value of an easy, uncomplicated—and comfortable—outfit.

An Easy Cotton Poplin Pull-on Trouser

“Let’s be honest—summer style for busy moms isn’t about keeping up with trends, it’s about staying cool, looking pulled together, and surviving Target runs with dignity intact. A cotton poplin pull-on or drawstring trouser is effortlessly chic, blissfully breathable, and designed for those of us who don’t have time to negotiate with buttons before coffee.”

Enza Costa Twill Everywhere Pant – $295

“My fave pants of all time! They are seasonless and so versatile. I have them in white as well.”

Donni The Pop Simple Pant – $178

“So lightweight and great for moms who don’t love shorts!”

LeSet Yoko Pocket Pant – $180

“Another strong contender and they come in 5 colors!”

A Perfect T-shirt & Tank

“No one’s reaching for a silk blouse while packing lunches and mediating arguments over who touched whose tablet. T-shirts and tank tops are the true MVPs of summer dressing for busy moms: breathable, washable, and blissfully low maintenance. They’re the kind of wardrobe heroes that say, ‘Yes, I got four hours of sleep, but I still showed up—somewhat dressed and mostly caffeinated.’ Bonus: they pair just as well with joggers as they do with poplin trousers, shorts and skirts!”

LeSet The Margo – $78

“To me, this is the best tee on the market. It had enough structure to be a “stand alone” piece but also works really well under blazers and knits. 10/10”

COS Clean Cut Regular T-shirt – $45

I also love this one from COS (a little thicker but washes really well):

Perfect White Tee Harley – $78

“This one is super soft and has a more relaxed/vintage-y feel.”

Z Supply Sirena Rib Tank – $39

“This is my fave tank top of all time and looks good on everyone (does not cut you under the arm and the scoop neck is universally flattering)!”

Lightweight Cashmere Knits

Because while the sun may be blazing outside, your office as well as every grocery store and restaurant seems to think it’s December. A lightweight cashmere sweater is the busy mom’s secret weapon: polished enough for last-minute dinner plans, cozy enough for over-air-conditioned airports, and chic enough to layer over tanks when you want to pretend you planned your outfit (even if you didn’t).”

J.Crew Cashmere Shrunken Crew Neck Sweater – $148

J.Crew Classic Fit Cashmere Sweater – $148

“J.Crew makes some of the best cashmere at a palatable price point. You can’t go wrong with either of these.”

Jenni Kayne Cooper Cardigan – $525

“This is my fave sweater in my closet. I have it in 4 colors!”

Jenni Kayne Flynn Cashmere Sweater – $325

“I also love this one for something more lightweight.”

Denim

“I’m a year-round denim wearer but, in the warmer months, I lean more into softer denim and white/ecru denim. Forget stiff denim that requires a break-in period and a pep talk—summer is for softer jeans that move with you, not against you. And white or ecru? They’re the unofficial uniform of moms who want to look like they’ve got it all together. These lighter hues instantly elevate your look while still pairing with everything from graphic tees to that lightweight cashmere sweater you now can’t live without.”

Pro Tip: “Denim is like dating, you have to try on a ton before you get the right fit.”

RE/DONE 90s High Rise Loose Jeans – $285

“Trust me these are the best ecru jeans. Worth every penny but size down for a fit like the model and stay TTS for a relaxed fit! They run big!”

Still Here Cool Jeans – $285

“I also really love this brand and they have some cooler silhouettes so you can look like ‘a cool mom, not a regular mom!’ (Name that movie).”

Levi’s 501 90s Womens Jeans – $98

“For under $100, you won’t find better denim than these classic 501 90s. I have them in three washes and wear them on repeat. I also love that they offer different inseam options!”

A Sensible Chic Comfortable Flat Shoe

“Does it exist? I definitely have cracked the code as someone who is 5 ’11 ” and have put high heels in my rear-view mirror long ago! Let’s retire the myth that sensible shoes mean sacrificing style—especially in summer, when busy moms are basically training for a marathon disguised as daily errands. Enter the chic flat: ballet flats, Mary Janes, loafers, jellies, mules—call them what you want, just make sure they don’t require a Band-Aid intervention by noon.”

Gemi The Una – $298

“So comfortable even for city walking.”

Rothy’s The Casual Clog – $159

“I have these in two colors and wear them every day! They are comfortable, machine washable and remind me so much of The Row Hugo slides minus the sticker shock. AND Jennifer Lawrence was recently spotted wearing them. Need I say more?”

Essen The Modern Moccasin – $325

“These are my fave loafers of all time. I have others but I always reach for these. I have them in black and white and they give a bit more of a feminine feel: not so clunky.”

Amanda’s Picks

Amanda Reno has been styling red carpet regulars for over 20 years. Also mom to a ballet-dancing teen, she’s a proponent of effortless style and investing in high-quality pieces you can wear forever.

A Flat Sandal

Dior Dioract Sandal – $1190

“The most comfy shoe ever. You can run a mile and still look so chic.”

A Signet Ring

Marlo Laz Porte Bonheur Signet – $1800

“This is so chic with a fresh manicure. I love a soapy square short manicure and a tan hand with a signet ring.”

A Natural Nail Color

Essie Nail Polish in “Sugar Daddy” – $10

“The best for the soapy natural look. If it chips you can’t tell!”

A Versatile Pair of Pants

LeSet Lauren Pocket Pant – $160

“So soft, so comfortable, effortlessly stylish.”

A Wear-Anywhere T-shirt

St. Agni Organic Cotton Baby Tee – $169

St. Agni Jersey Baby Tee – $339 (if you want to splurge)

“My new obsession! The best, softest T-shirts.”

A Black Vest

Moncler Black Igens Down Vest – $1150

“Pair it with a tee on cold mornings for drop off at camp.” Plus, it can do double duty as a transitional piece in the fall when the weather starts to cool down.

Caroline’s Picks

Caroline Fogarty—also known as Styled By a Ginger—has gained a following thanks to her playful fashion sense and “aggressive styling tips” Instagram videos. In addition to dressing many familiar faces from TV and film, she’s also an actress and a manic mom to a grade schooler. Caroline is always motivated by color, and believes that it’s possible to express your unique personality without looking like a carnival clown.