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 can predict 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 (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 loves fashion and has inspired me to feel the same.
Whenever we’re apart, we’re always sending products back and forth 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. Keep scrolling to discover her 34 must-have buys for summer 2026, from lightweight drawstring pants to elevated flip-flops.
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.
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.
Zw Collection
Satin Effect Fireman Clasp Shirt
My mom says if you buy one thing from this shopping guide, make it the Inez Pumps, 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 in Leather
No one will believe you when you tell them that this bag is from COS.
Massimo Dutti
100% Cotton Striped Knit Sweater
A striped 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 get 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.
