"After officially thawing out from winter and the months spent tromping through the mud, rain, occasional snowfall of spring, the start of summer is truly glorious. With its arrival, the warm-weather season brings the promise of golden-hour gatherings with friends, freshly grown foods, beach days, iced coffees, and the very real, very fierce urge to replace everything in our wardrobes.
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Shorts replace jeans. Leather and nylon are swapped out for raffia and linen. Boots and loafers make way for sandals and ballet flats. As your local weather forecast and social calendar open their metaphorical arms wide for new beginnings, so does your closet. And what would a new beginning for your closet be without a new piece or two to throw into your collection?
If you’re guilty of wanting an entirely new wardrobe come Memorial Day, don’t fret—you’re far from alone. The onset of the summer season is so exciting, it’s tough to hold yourself back. But as you begin adding summery item after summery item to your cart in preparation for all the season has ahead, take a moment to pause and prioritize which pieces are worth the splurge and which you can save your hard-earned coin on.
Keep scrolling for the pieces that you can save on this season—plus the ones that are worth considering investing in.
Save: Tanks
Versatile enough to take you from day to night and to solve any existential wardrobe woes, a ribbed tank is a must-have summer essential. But with all of the wear and tear associated with the warm-weather season, a simple tank rarely lives to see another season, no matter how expensive it was. When stocking up, stick to these budget-friendly options.
Splurge: Button-Ups
Just as versatile as a summer tank, yet far more durable, a button-up is a splurge-worthy summer investment. Timeless and multifunctional, the right button-up can double as a lightweight jacket or an easy cover-up when needed. For warmer temps, look for breathable fabrics like cotton or linen for a summer look that’s as cool and comfortable as it is stylish.
Save: Bags
Let’s be honest: By the time summer hits, most of our annual bag budget has already gone toward suede and leather. While there are a slew of covetable straw bags on the market, there are also plenty of affordable options that rival the pricier picks. The best part? Saving on a summer bag frees up extra cash to dish out on other non-negotiables, like a pair of quality leather sandals that’ll carry you through this season and beyond.
Save: Sunglasses
It might be an unpopular opinion, but if designer labels or advanced UV protection aren’t a priority for you, affordable sunglasses are often the better choice. While some pricier pairs offer more durable frames, that’s not always guaranteed, meaning budget-friendly options can often provide the same level of quality and function. And since sunglasses tend to follow the trend curve more closely, the chances of you swapping them out next summer are about as high as this season’s burgeoning heat index.
Splurge: Jewelry
We’re all for the playful, scroll-stopping jewelry trends making the rounds this season, but if you’re aiming to shop with intention, it’s worth investing in a statement piece you’ll wear long after the summer is over. While sardine pendants and sea-shell earrings are having their moment, it’s timeless staples like a strand of (faux) pearls, classic gold hoops, or a quality set of bangles that will be with you season after season.
Save: Cover-Ups
If you’re looking for ways to cut costs this season, consider budget-friendly cover-ups. Though a must-have in any summer wardrobe—especially for those of you planning to travel this season—you don’t need to overspend to secure the best one. And if you’re really serious about cutting costs, summer essentials like a button-up or a pair of linen pants can do the job just as well.
Splurge: Swimsuits
The debate over whether to save or splurge on swimwear has been around for years, but there’s still no universal resolve. In my opinion, feeling confident in a swimsuit is reason enough to invest in one that fits well and holds up over time. Given how technical swimwear can be, spending a little extra can mean better support, durable fabric, and a more flattering fit, meaning you’ll make your money back in cost per wear over time.
Save: Pull-On Shorts
Pull-on shorts are an easy alternative to skirts or denim cut-offs, and best of all, don’t require an arm and a leg to secure a great pair. Choose between a boxer-style fit or a breathable linen pair for a gateway to effortless style all summer long.
Splurge: Linen Pants
If you’re seeking the aesthetic and comfort of linen pants, do yourself a favor and spend a little extra on them. Not only are they a timeless piece you know you’ll wear for years to come, but a quality pair will also be less prone to pesky wrinkling throughout the day.
Save: Skirts
If your style skews feminine and polished, consider this: save on skirts, splurge on dresses. With their relatively timeless silhouettes, that $50 skirt you have in your cart right now is likely a safe bet.
Splurge: Dresses
Whether it be a wear-every-week-to-the-office shift dress or a frock bought with an upcoming trip in mind, spending a little more on your summer dresses is an effective way to fall in love with your summer wardrobe and romanticize your outfits throughout the season. You’ll never regret splurging on a dress you truly love.
Emilee Janitz, Contributing Fashion Writer
Emilee is a communications strategist and lifestyle journalist with an M.S. in Public Relations from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. She currently works on the content team at Enterprise SEO company Terakeet where she creates and executes reputation management strategies for Fortune 500 companies and their executives. Beyond The Everygirl, Emilee’s work has been featured on POPSUGAR, MSN, and Yahoo.
Tinsley Crisp, Fashion & Beauty Staff Writer
Tinsley Crisp is a Fashion & Beauty Staff Writer at The Everygirl and specializes in reporting on the season’s latest trends and hottest products. As a New York City-based stylist, she’s committed to injecting joy into the art of getting dressed and delivering attainable yet aspirational content to our readers.