5 Fashion Basics Under $100 I'm Adding to My Summer Wardrobe

A curated summer capsule wardrobe featuring tailored linen shorts, flat black leather slide sandals, a crisp white sleeveless top, tan trousers, and a white linen button-down shirt.

Every summer, I do a quick audit of my closet and figure out what's missing not the trendy pieces, not the statement items, but the basics. The ones that make everything else in your wardrobe actually work. This summer, I'm filling in five gaps that keep showing up.

None of these pieces costs more than $100, and each one can be styled at least five different ways. That's the ROI we're looking for.

Need a wardrobe refresh? Grab your free Spring-to-Summer Wardrobe Checklist here!

1. A Linen Button-Down

A close-up of a woman styling an oversized white linen button-down shirt paired with high-waisted dark denim jeans.

If you don't own a lightweight linen button-down, you're making summer harder than it needs to be. Wear it open over a tank, tucked into trousers for work, tied at the waist over shorts, or as a swimsuit cover-up. One piece, four outfits, zero stress.

2. A Tank That Actually Fits

A woman styling a minimalist summer outfit featuring a crisp white sleeveless top tucked into pleated, wide-leg tan linen trousers, paired with flat brown leather sandals.

Not every tank top is created equal. A ribbed tank in white, black, or a neutral tone that sits close to the body without being too tight is the single most versatile piece in a summer wardrobe. It tucks into everything skirts, jeans, trousers, shorts.

3. Tailored Linen Shorts

A close-up of a woman wearing high-waisted, blue and white striped linen shorts with a drawstring waist and front pockets, paired with a white button-down shirt.

Not denim shorts‍ ‍linen shorts. With a tailored fit, a mid-rise waist, and a length that hits a few inches above the knee. These are the shorts you can wear to work, to dinner, and on the weekend. They look polished without feeling stuffy.

4. A Pair of Flat Leather Sandals

A close-up of a pair of classic black leather flat slide sandals with a distinctive cutout design and a comfortable tan sole.====

Simple, clean-lined flat sandals in tan, black, or cognac. No embellishments, no platform, just a well-made sandal that goes with everything. You'll reach for these daily.

5. A Lightweight Knit Tote ($20–$50)

A close-up of a slouchy, lightweight knit tote bag featuring thick vertical black and tan stripes with a matching shoulder strap.

A woven or knit tote bag is the summer bag that holds everything without looking bulky. Choose a neutral shade or a soft pastel. It works with casual outfits, beach days, and running errands.

The bottom line: Basics aren't boring they're the reason your outfits work. Invest in the foundation and everything else falls into place.

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Autum Love

Autum Love is the founder of AutumLove.com and MensOutfitsDaily.com. With a BFA in Fashion Design and certifications in Body Image and Virtual Styling, she’s all about keeping style real, practical, and confidence-boosting. Autum’s mission is simple: to help women look good and feel even better, no matter where life takes them.

Her expertise has been featured in Newsweek, Apartment Guide, StyleCaster, and InStyle, where she shares fresh, no-nonsense fashion insights. For Autum, style isn’t just about clothes—it’s about showing up as your best self, every day.

http://www.autumlove.com
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