My 63-Year-Old Mom Knows What’s Cool—34 Items She’s Eyeing for Summer
They say, “Mom knows best.” Although I am sometimes hesitant to acknowledge that claim, I generally find it to be true. My mom somehow always knows if I’m going to regret any of my choices, but she still lets me make my own decisions so I can learn from them. More specifically, she knows how to put together a chic outfit and can predict what will be considered cool in fashion—sometimes before I even do.
Being in the know about the top fashion trends comes naturally to my mom. Not only did both her parents work in the fashion industry (my grandfather at Macy’s and my grandmother running her own accessories company), but my mom also worked in the field as an e-commerce stylist. You could say she loves fashion and has inspired me to feel the same.
Whenever we’re apart, we’re always sending products back and forth and asking each other if we like them. When we’re together, we’re either shopping in person or just talking about trends. With all of that in mind, I told my mom to put together a list of specific products she thinks fashion people will be wearing this summer or, at the very least, items she finds chic and has either added to her cart or suggested I do before everyone else. Because mom knows best, I didn’t second-guess any of her selections, trusting that if I did, I would miss out on coveted items come June. Keep scrolling to discover her 34 must-have buys for summer 2026, from lightweight drawstring pants to elevated flip-flops.
Open Edit
Kick Flare Stretch Twill Pants
If you’re apprehensive about pedal pushers, these kick-flare pants will help you get the tailored-pant look without showing too much skin.
J.Crew
Luna Pant in Cotton Poplin
These look just like Leset’s Kyoto Pants, which celebrities like Kaia Gerber and Jennifer Lawrence own.
Chan Luu
Techno Taffeta Long Shorts Bronze
Bermuda shorts will be everywhere this summer in unique fabrics like silk and taffeta.
J.Crew
Summer Rollneck Sweater in Linen-Cotton Blend
J.Crew just released a summer-friendly version of its Rollneck sweater that everyone and their mothers wore this winter.
Ever since this Prada bag hit the runway, my mom knew it’d be on my wish list.