Best of Summer '25
The MVPs that carried us through the season!
Shitters! August is indeed slipping away like a bottle of wine (specifically the Alsatian Edelzwicker I had with my book club last week—shoutout to Aldo Sohm for my newest hobby!). And what better way to close out the month than by revisiting this summer’s favorites?! Think of today’s letter as the best of the best—these were the mainstays and the new discoveries that I reached for time and time again.
Clyque Poplin Pants
When a whole room of Brooklyn cool girls stop to ask about your pants, you know you’re doing something right! These are lightweight but not too sheer, a super flattering straight leg, and a mainstay for hot summer days/beach vacations (I would so much sooner reach for these than a pair of denim shorts, it’s not even funny). My go-to casual outfit lately are these + a simple white tank + a fun shoe.
Left On Friday Swimsuit
Finding swimwear that you like AND feel comfortable in can be a tall order, but this brand really impressed me (and so many of you!). Their fabric is SO soft and comfortable (when was the last time you ever said that about a swimsuit?), the cut on this particular suit is timeless and chic, and the fit is truly so flattering. This was the first suit I reached for every time I needed to pack one this summer, and I’m confident that’ll be the case for a while. (Sidenote: If you feel like you overindex on black suits, I’ve started going for more navy lately—it’s a little less harsh, but still a neutral and very flattering).
Else Lingerie Nano Bra
Longtime readers know that I am passionate about these bralettes, but I’ll be the first to say that they are NOT for the dog days of summer. Spring, winter, fall—I’ll wear them all day. But when it’s HOT, this is the only answer. It’s still soft and comfortable (even with the underwire), but the fabric composition combined with the lack of padding means that your boobs won’t be nestled in a damp, sweat-soaked contraption the next time it cracks 80 degrees (not a pleasant description, but that’s reality when you wear the wrong bra on a scorcher of a day!).
Ultra Violette Water-Resistant Sunscreen SPF 50
When it came to body sunscreen, I used to just use the spray-on stuff and call it a day (not great!). But this one fully converted me. The texture is super soft and lightweight on the skin, it blends in SO easily (no white cast to be found), and it’s water-resistant, which makes it great for pool/beach days or sweaty activities outside (calling all my runners and tennis/pickleball players!!). The formula works for face and body, and the price tag is still reasonable. I heard from so many friends who picked this up after I first mentioned it—it’s been a real hit!
Merit The Uniform Tinted SPF 45
This was the summer of new SPF products, but I would’ve put this here as makeup alone. It’s a mineral SPF (more on what that means here), but because of the tint, you get none of that dreaded white cast on your face. IMO, the thing that really makes this worth writing home about is the finish. It’s a soft matte that makes your skin look flawless without being too makeup-y. Months ago I wrote that this could probably replace your foundation/ tinted moisturizers for the summer, and now I can confirm! The shade range is impressive, and I find myself thinking that my skin looks really nice every time I put this on. I wear shade 14, which corresponds to my shade (Burlwood) in their Complexion Stick.
Supergoop Glow Stick SPF 50*
Is putting three different SPFs on this list overkill? Maybe. But when it comes to reapplication at the pool, beach, park, etc., I like to bring this stick instead of whatever product I started the day with. I just don’t like rubbing anything on my face without a mirror, or with dirty hands, but the stick eliminates that. It goes on completely clear. Plus it’s compact, so it fits easily into a racquet bag, beach tote, or even the pockets of a men’s athletic short. Speaking of which, I’d grab one for the men/SPF haters in your life too—it’s so quick and easy to use, and ensures that their fun in the sun is safe on their skin. *PRIYANKA15 gets you 15% off.
Garrett Leight Sunglasses
This pair of sunglasses is my version of the jeans in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants—they’re so flattering on so many people! I’ve had them in black since last summer and they’ve done some real heavy lifting in my wardrobe since. Last month, two of my girlfriends wanted to shop for sunglasses, so I took them to the Garrett Leight store in Nolita. Despite having different face shapes, this style worked SO well on both of them—my friend Dana bought the brown version on the spot! The shape is easy and flattering, the hardware is luxurious and unique (that’s what drew me in initially!), and they’re a really classic pair! They’re available here for nearly half off (!)—if you can’t get to a store to try in person, I would use the brand’s site to virtually try them on and then snag them at the discounted price!
Honorable mentions
This was the summer I became a blush convert—this one is the perfect tanned, summery flush on so many skin tones (and the little yellow logo is indeed very cute)! This is the only electrolyte powder I’ve found that uses entirely real/organic ingredients and isn’t aggressively salty or has a funky monkfruit aftertaste. It’s great for travel, an afternoon outside, or after a sweaty workout. I know I’m a broken record, but dry lips look even worse in the summer—if that’s you, this gentle lip peel will change your life (the clear is my go-to, but I like Boba Bounce for fall). Again, not new, but if you’re as lazy as I am post-shower, get yourself a solid moisturizer—no rubbing in necessary, and it’s a lifesaver for travel.
Did you find anything you loved here this summer? Let me know!! I’m always curious about your favorites!
