The Summer Wardrobe Essentials Needed For a Hot Girl Summer in 2021
Sarah here, Zeitgeist’s resident Summer Person™ and— not to toot my own horn or anything— Hot Girl on the low *toot, toot*. I’m here to propose that when faced with any decision this summer, whether that be regarding our summer outfits, social media thirst traps, or dating lives, we should ask ourselves WWMD? What would Megan do?
Because if there’s one person that can get us through 2021, it’s undoubtedly Megan Thee Stallion. Not only is Sis dropping a steady stream of summer anthems and thirst traps, but she’s also out here finishing her degree and vocalizing the importance of protecting Black women.
IDK about you, but I’m the type of person that starts planning my summer ~vibe~ at least three months in advance. And I’ll summarize said vibe for this summer as: vaxxed, waxed, and living each day like I’m a Megan Thee Stallion (a three-time Grammy nominee and literal snack might I add) despite the fact that I am, quite sadly, neither famous nor musically gifted... unless making playlists counts.
Needless to say that after spending the past year in sweatpants, a little shopping will be required to create some 🔥🔥🔥 summer outfits. In 2021, expect things to be pretty casual. Embrace laid-back style with timeless summer staples like white tanks, Levi’s shorts, and vintage-inspired swimsuits. Use flattering cuts and comfortable fabrics to compliment your curves and play up your Hot Girl-ness without sacrificing one bit of comfort.
To help you nail your summer style, I’ve created a shoppable checklist of the summer wardrobe essentials you’ll need to have a Hot Girl Summer in 2021. These simple but impactful pieces can be mixed and matched with ease, maximizing your summer outfit options while minimizing damage both to the environment and to your wallet.
FYI, this shopping guide contains affiliate links from SSENSE, RE/DONE, New Balance, and Good American. Zeitgeist generates a small commission (aka rent $$ for Zeitgeist HQ) from clicks that result in a purchase— at no extra cost to you. We pinky swear promise to only recommend products we’d actually purchase ourselves and to always disclose when we’re posting sponsored content. You can read our full affiliate disclosure statement here.
Shop our cheatsheet of summer wardrobe essentials needed for a Hot Girl Summer in 2021.
Matching Activewear Sets
Now that stretch pants are the new norm, it’s time to invest in a few summer athleisure staples that work for everything from socially distanced workouts to grocery store runs to late-night takeout on the couch. Opting for an It-Girl-approved matching set in a neutral shade like grey or black makes your casual summer style feel intentional instead of lazy.
Consider bike shorts the summer version of sweatpants. They’re comfortable, versatile, and ideal for working from home. Stick to pairs in sculpting fabrics with high-waisted cuts that make you feel like a Kardashian. As I write this, I’m wearing Girlfriend Collective’s High-Rise Bike Shorts, and I 100% would recommend them to a friend. Not only do they make your waist look snatched, but they have a hidden pocket in the back that’s the perfect size for holding your credit card or keys. The best part is, they’re made from recycled water bottles. Each pair diverts 17 of them from a landfill.
Cropped Tank Tops
Sexy cropped tank tops are a must-have for summer. Pair yours with high-waisted shorts or straight-leg jeans. Layer it under a denim jacket or blazer for Zoom meetings. Throw it on over a bikini top or lacy bralette. Or go braless for more of a supermodel off-duty vibe à la Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid.
While cheap Hanes multi-packs make for great loungewear, it’s worth investing in a few high-quality basic tanks and tees to wear in the Real World™ that don’t have armpit holes or spaghetti stains. Personally, I’m a stan of SKIM’s Cotton Rib Tank Tops, and I’m slowly but surely accumulating them in every shade. They’re cut like a dream and the rib-knit fabric is lightweight without being too see-through.
If you’re already well-stocked in the basics department, swap your plain white tanks for something with unusual straps or cut-outs. This deceptively simple Seamless Double Bra Top from Helmut Lang will be living in my head rent-free this summer. Though it looks chic worn as is, the dangling straps are designed to be crisscrossed and tied every which way you can imagine.
High-Cut Swimsuits
The secret to snapping celebrity-status bikini pics is simple: high-cut swimsuits. These skimpy bikinis and sexy one-pieces feature hit at all the right spots and accentuate your best assets. The V-cut bottoms sit high on your hips, elongating your legs, lifting your booty, and minimizing any muffin top action. Game changer.
For summer 2021, try a minimalist one-piece in a chic neutral color and a skimpy bikini in a tan-flaunting vibrant summer hue like the sunset-inspired gradient on BOUND by Bond-Eye’s orange & pink ‘The Malibu’ Bikini. I recently snagged one of Good American’s 90s suits and, Bible, it’s one of the most figure-flattering swimsuits I’ve ever put on. The micro-rib fabric provides a surprising amount of compression without making me look like a stuffed sausage.
Convo-Starting Colorful Sneakers
While I’m a sucker for good old white sneakers, something about these colorful sneakers just screams summer. Sport them at the beach with a color-coordinated bikini or let them speak for themselves with a simple white tee and jeans that really make them pop. When opting for bright colorways, it’s best to stick to classic sneaker silhouettes, like Nike Air Force 1s or Vans Old-Skools.
From one sneakerhead to another, the affordable designer sneaker collabs dropping this spring and summer are too good to pass up. The Collina Strada x Reebok 'Call Mom' Sneakers and purple Wales Bonner x Adidas Nizza Sneakers are currently sitting in my cart, and I’m about one wine-induced online shopping sesh away from sending it on both.
Light-Wash Denim Shorts
As countless summer shorts have come and gone (remember low-rise jean shorts??), one has withstood the test of time: light-wash cutoff jean shorts made from rigid non-stretch denim. They’re the type of shorts you wear all-day-everyday during the summer.
When you think about it, Levi’s 501 shorts have been in style longer than most Tik-Tok users have been alive. So if you’re going to purchase one pair of shorts this summer, make it a pair of mid- to high-rise denim shorts in a light wash with minimal fading or distressing. Heads up, you may need to size up in shorts made with 100% cotton to achieve the boyfriendy look you’re going for— especially if the pair you’re purchasing is vintage.
Square-Toe Kitten Heels
IMHO, the one trendy accessory worth splurging on this summer is a pair of chic square-toe kitten heel sandals. The low heel is practical but still gives the sandals a little oomph. Consider them training wheels for your post-pandemic high heels. (Your ankles can thank me later.)
Square-toe sandals are one of the hottest shoes for summer 2021. Chances are you’ve probably seen these pink rubber Gucci sandals and BY FAR Noor sandals on your favorite influencers’ feeds. Try feminine colors and prints (peep the drool-worthy leopard-print Good American mules) that help the shoes feel a bit sexy without requiring additional height.
Rib-Knit Tank Dresses
Think of a rib-knit tank dress as the dress version of your go-to basic tanks. They’re easy, versatile, and layer flawlessly under every denim jacket, cardigan, blazer, flannel, you name it in your closet. Avoid anything boxy and stick to bodycon fits that bring the right dose of sexiness for a casual summer date outfit or drinks with the girls.
When it comes to things like necklines and hem lengths, forget trends and stick styles you know compliment your body shape. If you’re an hourglass or pear, show off your curves in a cinched mini dress or simple midi. If you’re a rectangle, show off your legs in something nice and short. Apples and inverted triangles may want something with a neckline that doesn’t require a strapless bra.
90s-Inspired Rectangle Sunglasses
As someone who spends roughly 25% of their workday scrolling through celebrity street style pics, I can confirm that 90s-inspired rectangle sunglasses are the official It-sunglasses of 2021. Everyone— and I mean everyone— famous is wearing them. This style doesn’t look like it’ll be going anywhere anytime soon, so feel free to splurge a little on a designer pair you’ll keep for life. Might we suggest the slightly futuristic Les Lunettes de Soleil from Jacquemus?
Key details to look for in rectangle sunglasses are wide arms, oversized logos, colorful translucent acrylic frames, and chunky all-black styles with curved edges.
Loungewear Lingerie Sets
My SKIMS addiction and I can attest that nothing makes you feel like more of a Hot Girl mid-pandemic than a loungewear lingerie set. Tuck your lacy lingerie away for getting it on post-pandemic and treat yourself this summer to a casual bra and panty set that’s comfortable as f*ck. Because yes, sleeping in a (surprisingly affordable) Versace sports bra and briefs does count as self-care.
When it comes to summer underwear, stick to lightweight, breathable fabrics and simple styles without any bikini bump-causing lace trim. And ladies, your Va-Gigi Hadid would really appreciate it if you stuck to 100% cotton anytime it’s over 80° F.
Baggy Jeans
Like most things these days, you can thank Tik-Tok for making comfortable, loose jeans one of the biggest fashion trends of the summer. These 90s-inspired jeans are the perfect halfway point between sweatpants and real pants. Style them with all your summer go-to’s like white tank tops, bandeaus, cropped graphic tees, strappy sandals, and white sneakers. Because most pairs of baggy jeans are made from rigid, non-stretch denim, you’ll probably need to go up a size or two to get the look.
Though you may be tempted to snag a Kurt Cobain-inspired pair that’s super distressed and faded, don’t! Instead, stick to solid washes with little to no distressing in classic shades like medium-wash or black. The sleek look brings balance to the grungy, oversized fit. When it comes to distressing, a simple knee rip never goes out of style.
Keep-Forever Top-Handle Bags
It’s a simple fact: a statement handbag instantly elevates a casual summer outfit. A mini purse with a funky shape, bold color, or oversized designer logo is guaranteed to give you that celebrity casually dodging the paps feeling on all your bodega runs. Stick to something small, because what more do you really need these days than your phone, keys, and hand sanitizer?
According to It-accessory brands like Jacquemus and Simon Miller, top-handle bags are all the rage for 2021. A stand-out purse silhouette for the coming season is an ovular shape like Coperni’s egg-shaped Mini Swipe Bag or Staud’s crescent-shaped Mini Moon Bag. The clean curved lines feel a bit eclectic without coming off boho.
Sheer Dresses
A trend-setting sheer dress makes the perfect swimsuit cover-up. Throw it on over your swimsuit, tank bodysuit, or simple slip dress. Styled with slide sandals or your trusty white Nike Air Force 1s, you’ll feel like you’re on vacay every time you wear it. Plus, you’ll stay cool as a cucumber— even when it’s hot asf.
A bold print or knit fabric helps distract from the sheerness and balances out the super-sexy fitted silhouette. Try an oversized floral like this neon green leaf print on Louisa Ballou’s Heatwave Mesh Dress or a statement-making color like this bright teal knit dress from Danish cool-girl brand, a roege hove.
