The Summer Hat Worth Buying

Whenever I'm shopping for a sun hat, I ask myself the same questions: Does it fit well and look right on my face? Does it offer enough coverage to actually protect me from the sun? Will it work with the rest of my wardrobe? Can I pack it for travel without losing its shape? That's exactly why I keep coming back to Janessa Leoné.

While living in Santa Barbara, daily sun protection was non-negotiable, and a well-made summer hat became part of my everyday uniform. Even now in New York City, I still gravitate toward the polished look a brimmed hat provides — a more considered alternative to a baseball cap.

What sets Janessa Leoné apart for me is the balance of style and practicality. The brand prioritizes high-quality materials and sustainable practices, and it shows in every piece. The hats are beautifully made and thoughtfully designed, with many offering built-in UPF protection and packability for travel. It's the kind of piece that instantly elevates a beach or casual day look without trying too hard.

A few of my current favorites:

Waverly Hat
The ultimate vacation hat. Crafted from durable raffia with a wide wire-infused brim you can shape to your liking, the Waverly offers maximum sun coverage while still feeling chic and wearable. Designed specifically for packability with UPF 35+ protection.

Felix Bucket Hat
A raffia crochet bucket hat that somehow feels both relaxed and polished. The shorter brim makes it easy to wear every day, and the flexible construction makes it ideal for travel. One of those effortless pieces that works just as well with denim as it does with a swimsuit or sundress.

Sherman Hat
A more structured, monochromatic take on the classic fedora — slightly sharper and more tailored while still maintaining the relaxed ease Janessa Leoné does so well. Another excellent travel option with UPF 45+ protection.

Roma Hat
A wide-brim fedora silhouette with a leather chin strap finished with gold hardware. Incredibly chic, practical on windier beach days, and offering UPF 50+ sun protection.

Janessa Leoné hats are an investment, but they're high-quality, beautifully made pieces that hold up year after year. I'm also a fan of the brand’s structured wool hats for fall. And if you're looking to shop the look for less, pre-owned styles can often be found on resale sites like The RealReal.

A great summer hat should travel well, offer real sun protection, and frame your face in a way that elevates everything you're wearing. Janessa Leoné delivers on all three.

The Tote Bag Worth Buying

L.L.Bean’s Boat & Tote has remained virtually unchanged in the 80 years since it was first introduced. It is the quintessential canvas carry-all and is more appealing the more worn-in it becomes.

For true connoisseurs, the real prize is vintage. There’s a growing fascination with vintage Boat & Totes, and the more faded, frayed, stained, and broken-in, the better. The appeal speaks to the bag’s timelessness, both in its heritage Americana style and its quality.

Vintage versions now sell for hundreds of dollars on resale sites like eBay, proof that truly timeless design only becomes more valuable with age.

I own both the zip and open-top versions and use them constantly. They’re roomy, durable (the bag was famously tested to hold up to 500 pounds), and cost under $50 new.

A true everyday essential and one of the few bags that genuinely gets better with age.

The Hoops Worth Buying

Jennifer Fisher is the “Queen of Hoops.” A great hoop is one of those pieces you reach for constantly — day or night, dressed up or down, for years.

Jennifer was a fashion stylist before launching her jewelry brand, and it shows. She understands what women actually wear and return to again and again, and her collection reflects that.

I've been a fan of Jennifer — the person as much as the brand — for years. I follow her on social media, listen to her podcast, and have genuinely enjoyed watching her evolve into the lifestyle space. She's hilarious, direct, and has impeccable taste. As a former fashion publicist, I recognize a reliable source when I see one — and she is exactly that.

I own two pairs from her huggie collection: the Samira and the Hailey. Both have become true everyday staples.

What I love most about her collection is the range: one classic silhouette interpreted in dozens of ways — different sizes, weights, finishes, yellow gold or silver. I'm loyal to yellow gold, but her silver pieces are equally chic. Her ear cuffs are also worth exploring if you want something slightly unexpected.

Jennifer Fisher pieces are designed to last and earn their place in your rotation every single day. If you're new to the brand and want an entry point, her $150 & Under gift guide is the perfect place to start.

The White T-Shirt Worth Buying (More Than Once)

The foundation of every great wardrobe: a crisp, classic crewneck white t-shirt. Two brands I keep coming back to: J.Crew and Uniqlo. Both deliver on quality, style, and wearability and are genuinely great buys.

Uniqlo's comes in at $15, J.Crew at $40. J.Crew offers a few great options including these here and here. Both brands are worth having more than one of.

As a point of reference, Vogue has also consistently highlighted Uniqlo’s $15 t-shirt as some of the best at this price point.

The Sneakers Worth Buying

I tend to gravitate toward neutral, lower-profile sneakers for everyday wear — especially for travel. Something lightweight, easy to pack, and classic enough to work across outfits. These check every box.

I found them on Net-A-Porter and have been wearing them constantly since. They're comfortable without being bulky, with that slightly retro shape that feels classic, not trend-driven.

Made from a mix of mesh, suede, and leather, with a flared sole originally designed for long-distance runners — it gives them just enough structure while still feeling easy and wearable. And they come in a range of colors to suit your personal style.

One bonus: I've worn them as a slip-on — the back folds down without ruining the shape, which comes in handy when I need to walk our newly adopted dog, Gorilla, at 5 am. (Yes, that's his name.)

At around $100 (and significantly less for select colorways on sale), they're an easy addition you'll reach for more than you expect.