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Thanks to those high-street heroes we know and love, like Mango, Cos, and Everlane, crafting a perfectly uninformed look doesn’t have to break the bank. Even contemporary brands—think Staud, Reformation, and Ganni—offer up fabulous fashion finds for under $300. With temperatures on the rise, relying on a strong (and affordable!) foundation of style staples is one fail-proof way to tackle the season seamlessly–sartorially speaking, of course. 

Vogue’s Under-$300 Summer Wish List: 

This summer, our affordable capsule wardrobe begins and ends with the basics—and what is more basic than a delightful pair of denim or a breezy button-up? When it comes to sleek jeans, nothing achieves understated elegance quite like a white jean. Serving as the fashion foundation to any and all summer outfits to come, style yours from Agolde to Frame with the aforementioned button-ups, like those from Anine Bing and Vince. Similarly versatile to your warm weather wardrobe are crisp pairs of linen trousers. For workwear or beachwear, this is one essential to invest in all summer long. Meanwhile, lightweight, striped sweaters from La Ligne and The Frankie Shop are notably nautical, best worn with a pair of not-so-short shorts or even draped over a cheerful sundress. Speaking of dresses, flowy frocks from Dôen, Faithfull The Brand, and Polo Ralph Lauren are easy and most importantly, effortless. 

No summer capsule wardrobe is complete without a statement swimsuit or two, whether it’s Everlane’s little black bikini or Tory Burch’s perfect one-piece. And finally, to finish off any look, carry a festive beachy bag from Dragon Diffusion to DeMellier and step into simple sandals from A.Emery to ATP Atelier. 

All for under $300, these affordable capsule wardrobe pieces are as high-quality and chic as ever. Shop our edit, below.   

The Easy, Breezy Button-Up

This summer’s go-to style staple? An easy, breezy button-up shirt. Linen styles from Vince and H&M are light and airy, while offerings from Anine Bing and Faithfull The Brand are perfectly polished. Festive added details, like a scalloped placket or sweet stripes, can be found on button-ups from La Ligne to Everlane. 

La Ligne lyocell-blend shirt

Faithfull the Brand Daija stripe oversized shirt

Vince oversized linen shirt

Anine Bing Mika cotton-poplin shirt

Everlane linen relaxed shirt

The Cheerful Sundress

Sartorial success in the summertime begins and ends with a cheerful sundress. This season, we’re styling ours from Faithfull The Brand and Polo Ralph Lauren to Hill House Home and Dôen with sleek pairs of sandals and even the occasional sneaker. 

Polo Ralph Lauren belted striped linen midi shirtdress

Mango knot dress with openings

Dôen Emmaretta shirred floral-print midi dress

Faithfull The Brand San Paolo printed crepe midi dress

Hill House Home The Ophelia Dress

La Ligne striped knitted midi dress

The Linen Trouser 

Like a crisp linen shirt, a linen trouser is equally as essential to a summer capsule wardrobe. Pairs from Mother and Aexae are tailored to perfection, while & Other Stories’ slouchier style is casual, yet cool. Pajama-inspired pants are trending now, especially Reformation’s cargo drawstring pair. 

Mother Pouty Prep Heel linen-blend wide-leg pants

Reformation Ethan linen wide-leg cargo pants

Aexae linen high-rise trousers

Everlane The Linen Way-High® Drape Pants

& Other Stories high-waist linen trousers

Faithfull the Brand El Toro pleated linen wide-leg pants

The Best In Blouses

If you’re after the look and feel of a romantic day dress, but are interested in more stylistic opportunities, opt for a billowing blouse instead. Champions of the style are Dôen and Reformation, of course, but options from Mango to Ganni are equally eye-catching. For a perfect polished pick, find those from Frame and Staud.

Dôen Anneth crochet lace-trimmed blouse

Staud Finley twist-front cotton-blend top

Ganni shirred & smocked off-the-shoulder top

Mango decorative embroidery top

Reformation Daphne floral peplum top

The Day Short 

You heard it here first: this summer is all about the not-so-short short. With the sleekest styles coming from Polo Ralph Lauren, Staud, and Massimo Dutti, you will soon forget any preconceived notions about the Bermuda short. Wear with a plain white tee or a timeless tank for elegant everyday wear. 

Everlane The Tencel™ Way-High® Drape Shorts

La Ligne patch-pocket shorts

Cos elasticated linen shorts

Polo Ralph Lauren pleated linen shorts

Massimo Dutti linen cargo Bermuda shorts

The White Jean

Wearing white in the summertime is a warm weather wardrobe nonnegotiable–and white jeans are front and center. For a baggier fit, find slouchy styles from Agolde and Citizens of Humanity. Meanwhile, straight-leg pairs from Slvrlake and Toteme have closet appeal to last seasons. Still not convinced? White jeans from Frame and Favorite Daughter will get you there. 

Agolde Baggy Low Slung jeans

Frame Le Palazzo crop jeans

Citizens of Humanity Maritzy pleated denim trousers

Toteme mid-rise straight jeans

Favorite Daughter Masha wide-leg jeans

Slvrlake Koko high-rise straight-leg jeans

The Staple Swimsuit

Of course, no summer capsule wardrobe is complete without a staple swimsuit or two. Opt for minimal maillots from Anemos, Hunza G, and Tory Burch to the best in bikinis from Everlane and Max Mara.

Anemos The Tortoise cut-out one-piece swimsuit

Tory Burch tie-back one-piece swimsuit

Everlane square neck bikini top and bottoms

Hunza G + Rose Inc Yasmeen one-shoulder seersucker swimsuit

Max Mara Astrid bikini top and briefs

The Striped, Lightweight Sweater

Layering essentials that can easily be added in and out of a summer outfit are ideal for an affordable capsule wardrobe. Enter the striped sweater. Worn all on its own or atop a simple white dress, the nautical style thrives during the summer months. Get the look courtesy of La Ligne, Zara, Kule, and more. 

La Ligne striped cashmere cardigan

The Frankie Shop Saint striped cotton sweatshirt

Alex Mill button-back crewneck sweater

J.Crew Emilie patch-pocket sweater lady jacket in stripe

Zara striped knit cardigan

The Summer Sandals

This summer, simple strappy sandals from A.Emery to Porte & Paire will whisper chic all season long. Statement slides from Dragon Diffusion and ATP are also best in show, while thong sandals from Ancient Greek Sandals are totally trendy. 

A.Emery Finch bead-embellished leather sandals

Everlane The City Crossover Sandals

Porte & Paire suede sandals

Dragon Diffusion Big Ring leather slides

Ancient Greek Sandals Adrahti braided leather sandals

ATP Atelier Astrid raffia flat toe-ring sandals

The Beachy Bag 

Whether you’re headed to the beach or not, upgrade your trusty tote bags this summer in favor of festive basket bags. Our favorite under-$300 finds? Why those from Dragon Diffusion, Hat Attack, and DeMellier, of course. 

DeMellier The Santorini bag

Hat Attack mini slouch bag

Tory Burch Ella raffia tote

Muuñ Abby striped woven basket bag

Dragon Diffusion Grace small basket bag

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