7 Summer Basics in Every Chic New Yorker’s Closet for 2024

Here at Who What Wear, we’re all about building a strong capsule wardrobe with versatile pieves you can mix, match, and wear over and over again. This means keeping an eye out for great basics at all times. While I have been enjoying spritzes with my friends in the city, I’ve also been keeping my eye out while people-watching for the most stylish basics for summer 2024. I ended up finding quite a few that are perfect for the warmer months—many of which I have already.

Keep scrolling to see which seven basics I’m spotting all over New York City this summer.

Column Skirt

Whether you’re headed to the office or out to brunch on the weekend, a column skirt just looks so elevated and polished. During the summer months, I tend to gravitate towards lighter fabrics so luckily brands that we love like Reformation, Aritiza, and Everlane all have lightweight, summer-ready column skirts that I’m loving at the moment. I’m obsessed with the way Cass styled her column skirt above. This all-white look is so summery and classy.

Striped Knit

I’m a sucker for all things New England chic, and something about a little striped sweater thrown over your favorite tee or simple dress gives that “I just left the yacht club” look. Also, it’s the perfect knit for a chilly beach evening.

Strapless Top

Pair a simple strapless top or tube with a miniskirt, jeans, maxi skirt, or shorts. A chic tube top is the ultimate simple summer top. Perfect for grabbing a spritz with your friends or even a first date. Plus, it’s the perfect top to wear to show off your summer sun-kissed skin.

Leather Belt

Out of all the basics in my closet, I wear my leather belt the most. It just adds a certain polish to an otherwise simple outfit. I love the contrast between the all-white outfit and a black leather belt like Kit’s look above.

Leather Tote

Whether you like to travel, are always on your way to an office or meeting, or just love a good-sized bag, a leather tote is a must-have in your wardrobe. I just got a pretty new white one from Freja NYC. (Don’t worry—I linked it below so you can get your hands on it too.)

Denim Shorts

I was ready to get rid of my denim shorts this summer, but seeing how elevated they can look when styled correctly has changed my tune. I love the low-key but cool way they’re styled above.

Spaghetti Strap Dress

The simple, sexy dress of the summer. A strappy, plain dress is a minimalist dream and the ultimate sultry dress for a date night or night out. If you don’t have a good spaghetti-strap dress yet for this summer, now’s the time to invest.