Summer Staples: Pieces That Will Outlive the Season (and the Trends)
Every season brings a flood of “must-haves,” and it’s easy to get swept up in the hype. But let’s be real: most of those pieces won’t make it past one summer. At Phia, we’re more interested in what lasts. Using our pricing and resale data, we pulled together a summer capsule of pieces that not only look great now, but are built to stay relevant (and valuable) long after the tan fades.
This isn’t about buying more. It’s about buying better. With a mix of high-resale-value staples and smart secondhand picks, this guide helps you figure out where to invest and where to thrift, so you can shop with intention and zero regret.
Linen Pants
Lightweight, breathable, and quietly elegant. A good pair can do it all: airport fit, office staple, or thrown over a bikini.
Top resale picks: COS wide-leg linen trousers, SOLAÍ Capri Linen Drawstring Pants (held 60–70% resale value last year!)
Sleeveless Tops
They’re universally flattering and endlessly versatile. Pair with denim, a maxi skirt, or those linen pants we mentioned
Links: Marie Top, Belle Knit Top, Babette Camisole Top
Phia tip: Seek out secondhand options from Reformation or Faithfull the Brand. These resell well and age beautifully. We love these timeless pieces from Faithfull and Reformation.
Printed Maxi Skirts
These can carry you from brunch to cocktail hour to your friend’s backyard with barely a shoe change. A good one will work across seasons, too. Look for bold, graphic prints or subtle florals with a neutral base for longer wearability like this Runaway the Label piece found for 65% of its original price using Phia.
The Sundress
Look for structured cotton or linen blends over ultra-trendy cuts or fast-fashion ruffles. High-value brands to thrift: Doen, For Love & Lemons, and Ciao Lucia. With Phia, we found this gorgeous For Love & Lemons dress on Poshmark for over 50% less.
Links: Mazarin Dress, Elia Maxi Dress, Tejat Bouquet Print Satin Dress
Accessories That Actually Hold Their Value
Accessories are usually where the impulse spending sneaks in, but they’re also where you can make smart, lasting choices—if you know what to look for.
Links: Chanel Vintage Camellia Accent Slides, Bracelet Stack, Chanel Earrings, Necklace, Sunglasses, Straw Hat, Loewe Bag
Timeless Sandals
A minimalist, well-made sandal is worth the investment.
Phia pick: Vintage Chanel Sandals (found on The Real Real for 45% less than original price using Phia)
Dainty, Durable Sunglasses
Skip the trending shapes and opt for something that won’t break in your bag or date itself by September.
Maui Jim are known for their quality lenses and comfort. This Poshmark find (35% of original price) is the perfect addition to pull any look together.
Whether you’re dressing for a rooftop cocktail party, living out your Euro summer, or just laying in the sun at your local park, these pieces are the backbone of a summer wardrobe that is meant to last.
For more secondhand gems and smart investment buys, head to your App Store and download Phia now. We’ve done the digging so you don’t have to.
Happy shopping,
– Phia 💙