Summer is here, and all I want to do is relax, enjoy the sunshine, and not spend a lot of time stressing about what to wear. That’s why I always come back to the same formula: the right white basics, with a few fun, novel pieces mixed in.
For me, white is the foundation. There is just something about white in the summer. It’s crisp, fresh, effortless, and always looks chic. Whether you wear it head-to-toe or pair it with denim, khaki, linen, or a pop of color, it just works.
Once you have those great basics—a white shirt, white jeans, a simple tee, linen pants, or a beautiful white dress—getting dressed becomes so much easier. Then all you need is a colorful scarf, a great pair of sandals, a statement necklace, or a fun bag to make the outfit feel new. I’ve always believed that a great wardrobe isn’t about having more. It’s about having the right foundation and adding a few special pieces that make you smile. That’s exactly what I’m sharing today. Enjoy, don’t forget your sunscreen, and have fun!
These are the white pieces I rely on every summer. You certainly don’t need all of them, but having a handful of these wardrobe staples makes getting dressed easier—and gives you endless outfit possibilities.
The Vacation MVP, J.Crew Garcon shirt in Irish Linen, $118
Wear it buttoned up, open over a tank or swimsuit, or tied at the waist—it only gets better with a few wrinkles.

The Everyday Hero – Soldout.nyc Perfect Tee in White, $90
Never underestimate the power of a great white tee. It’s the piece you’ll reach for more than anything else and the easiest way to make any outfit feel effortless.

The Comfort Champion – J.Crew Pull On Pant, $98
Comfort and style don’t have to be mutually exclusive. A great pair of white pull-on pants looks chic, feels easy, and can take you from lunch to dinner without missing a beat.

Shop the rest of our must-have white basics below:
All of our recommendations are curated by Susan & the In The Groove editorial team. In some, but not all cases, we receive a small commission for leading you to what, how, and where to buy all this wonderful stuff.
