I’m a Picky Fashion Editor, and Even I’m Losing It Over These 7 Summer Essentials

I’m picky by nature—and I’ve always been so. Just ask my mom! As a little girl, I wouldn’t eat any ol’ carrot puree. It had to be the freshest carrot purée, handmade by my mom (okay, I wasn’t quite so bougie then, but you get the idea). As I got older, said particularities transcended into other parts of my life—my home, as in I wouldn’t just settle for any NYC apartment, I needed the best (that I could afford, of course), my friendships, my relationships, which resulted in me finding the best life partner I could have ever asked for, and, of course, with my fashion, which I got picker about since working in, well, fashion. 

Among my friends, I’m the resident real-talker, as in, if someone sends me something they’re thinking of buying, especially during a big shopping event like Memorial Day, I will be very real about it. I’ll say, “hey, that’s a great investment,” or I’ll dish the truth and tell them how it is—that it’s probably not the best buy at the moment. Of course, I don’t just leave them hanging, either. I’ll send them something I think would be better, always ensuring that their closet is their own, too. So if something is really speaking to them, they should get it. 

7 Picky Editor-Approved Summer Buys

I’m probably the hardest on myself when it comes to shopping, though. I will really think about a purchase, consider the wearability, the trendiness of said piece, and calculate the cost per wear. I don’t think this makes shopping harder, it just makes it smarter—and some will say that makes me pickier, but I’m okay with that.

Below, shop all the fashion pieces that passed my wear test for summer 2024, some of which are on sale for Memorial Day.

En Saison Egret Floral Cotton Maxi Dress

When I think of the perfect summer dress, this En Saison maxi is basically what I imagine. It’s dreamy! It’s ethereal! It’s flattering! It’s easy to wear! The smocked bodice gives the number some fun texture, while the sheer, bow-tied straps add such a pretty, girly element that’s too good to pass up. This one is certainly making it on my packing list for my trip to Italy.

Steve Madden Hawke Mary Jane Pump

I was hesitant to share these Steve Madden shoes because honestly, I wanted to keep them to myself, but sharing is caring and I’m not here to gatekeep. Mary Janes are obviously trending big time right now, and these pumps offer a slightly elevated but still totally wearable take on the silhouette, thanks to the comfy block heel. They’re 50 percent off right now (wow!) and available in a few colors, though I’m especially fond of the metallic iteration. 

Spanx the Perfect Pant, Split Hem Wide Leg

I could wax poetic about Spanx pants for the rest of my life, but I’ll keep it short and sweet here. The brand’s Perfect Collection could easily win awards, as all the styles included are about as comfy and flattering as pants get. Think: Sweats but make them elevated. This particular split-hem pair adds a trendy, of-the-moment element that can’t be missed, either. And that $74 price? So good.

Check out the rest of the fashion staples that I’m making mine this season. 

Goelia Cardigan With Detachable 3D Flowers

Hill House Home the Cosette Dress

Jeffrey Campbell Mesh Mary Jane Flat

M.Gemi the Lisinda