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It’s no secret that curating a summer wardrobe that’s a) stylish and b) ready for jet-setting or stay-cationing can be a little tough on our wallets. That’s why we’ve taken it upon ourselves to delve into online forums, social feeds, and conduct our own testing to determine which retailers offer this season’s hottest trends on a budget. And it’s come to our attention that our editors, along with our fashion-forward network, are reaching for picks from none other than Target — affectionately known as Tar-zhay for good reason.
This summer, we’re taking note of Target’s offerings and we’ve found that the retail giant has outdone itself with a collection that perfectly balances trendiness, comfort, and affordability from their owned brands, like Goodfellow & Co. and A New Day. From breezy dresses to stylish, yet functional, sandals, Target’s summer fashion lineup for 2024 is filled with pieces that make dressing for the heat not only easy but enjoyable. “In my experience, Target’s inclusive sizing has been some of the most accurate out of all of the major retailers, and is often very generous,” says Sage Anderson, one of Rolling Stone’s e-commerce editors, who lauds Target’s collections for their fit. “I keep going back to Target to find everything from eye-catching bathing suits to patterned sundresses.”
Whether you’re seeking ways to dress affordably for the season, pondering how to look high-end on a budget, or wondering how to dress for the heat when you hate summer clothes, we’ve got you covered. Our picks include top-rated, trendy summer fashion finds for both men and women, all under $50, that have received at least a 3.7/5-star customer rating or higher. These selects were carefully chosen after cross-referencing highly buzzed-about seasonal trends, and spending hours reviewing Target’s extensive offerings both in-store and online. This result is a meticulously curated collection from Target’s exclusive in-house brands that we’ve personally tried ourselves and highly recommend.
vacation-ready prints
Men’s Printed Short Sleeve Button-Down Shirt
Available in sizes S–4XLT and four patterns
Ready to take to the skies? Make sure you’re packing a printed shirt in your suitcase — one that’s versatile enough to be worn for day trips or dinner dates. We love this sophisticated take from Goodfellow & Co. at Target that comes in four different print options, and is well-reviewed by shoppers who note how airy and comfortable it is for the heat. And if all-over prints aren’t your thing, we suggest going for something like this trim button-down that shows off just a hint of a print along the sleeve cuffs and pocket.
Short shorts
Men’s 5″ Flat Front Chino Shorts
Available in sizes 28–42 and six colors
We’re seeing the men’s short shorts trend pop up just about everywhere this year, from stylish celeb attendees at European fashion weeks to fashionable folks moseying around our neighborhoods — there’s no denying that men are ready to show a little (more) leg this summer. For just under $25, you can replicate the trend yourself and grab a few in a number of different shades. These slim fit chinos are available in six hues that you’ll almost be able to wear a new pair for every day of the week, at home or away.
open-knit shirts
Men’s Short Sleeve Open-Knit Shirt
Available in sizes S–XXL
Whether it’s mesh or crochet, open-knit shirts are all the rage this summer. This colorful camp-collared shirt is a great iteration of the high-end looking trend, but it’s taken up a notch with its vibrancy. We see this making its debut by a pool, or at night while hitting a European bar scene. Pair it with both light- or dark-colored shorts or pants for a wardrobe upgrade you won’t regret making.
relaxed but polished pants
Men’s Regular Fit Linen Straight Trousers
Available in sizes XS–XXL and two colors
So you’re looking to beat the heat, and you want to do so with a bit of class? Allow us to present these breathable straight-leg linen trousers as your solution. Crafted from a mid-weight linen-cotton blend that won’t make you sweat, and featuring a drawstring waist, they offer both comfort and coolness. Pair them with a breezy short-sleeve button-up, and you’ve got a put-together look that’s both seasonally appropriate and stylish.
elevated accessories
Men’s Straw Flat Brim Panama Hat
Available in sizes M/L & L/XL
Summer accessories are a must, especially when they come in the form of a well-structured (and stylish) Panama hat. On scorching days, when you need a little shade for your head and neck while on vacation, opt for something a bit more polished that’ll also retain its shape even after it’s been stuffed in your case. We like this four-inch flat brim option that provides adequate coverage without being too wide or flopping over your face.
Commute-Proof Shirts
Men’s Every Wear Polo Shirt
Available in sizes S–4XLT and 10 colors
If you’re in the market for a button-up that’s comfortable enough to withstand your stuffy morning commute, and will also look appropriate for meetings in the office, the Goodfellow & Co. Every Wear polo shirt might be your answer. We’ve personally purchased a handful of elevated basics from the Goodfellow & Co. collection, and we can attest that their styles hold up through many wears and multiple wash cycles. And that’s no different with this top that’s more put-together than a crew neck, and stretchier than a dress shirt. This lightweight style will move with you and looks work-ready when paired with slacks and tennis shoes.
sophisticated swimwear
Men’s 7″ Swim Trunks
Available in sizes S–5XL and four colors
For swim trunks that can do more, we’ve got our eye on these 7” solid color shorts that are available in four different shades. Packed with UPF 50+ sun protection, you can make a splash in these for waterside activities as well as casual summer strolls. Plus, their length and versatility are favored by hundreds of happy customers.
slides for summer
Men’s Winston Sport Slide Sandals
Available in sizes 7–13 and two colors
Turns out you don’t have to pay top dollar for practical poolside shoes that’ll actually last you a few summers. We’re eyeing these slides from All In Motion at Target, which feature a comfy, cushioned footbed and treaded outsole that will make them your go-to shoe for not only waterside activities, but also for long walks from shore to the town. We favor this particular style as they don’t have that sometimes-annoying, flip-flop toe divider that can lead to irritation after spending some time in the sand. Plus, they’re available in staple colors that can be paired with just about any indoor or outdoor casual outfit, year round.
Invest in the vest
Women’s Tailored Suit Vest
Available in sizes XS–XXL and four colors
Summers spent in a city can call for a certain style approach that can be hard to crack when it’s 100 degrees outside. Our tip? Invest in some elevated, sleeveless separates, like this tailored suit vest, that can take your warm-weather look up a level. This style has been just about everywhere this year and there are no signs of it taking an early retirement, so we suggest grabbing a few to wear for work and play. It’s under $30, and currently available in four colors so pick this up before it sells out.
the must-have maxi
Women’s Ribbed Maxi Slip Dress
Available in sizes XXS–4X and three colors
If you’re in need of brand suggestions for plus size summer fashion, our editors say Target’s Wild Fable line is on-trend and feels “fresh” in a way that other plus-size brands do not. This simple ribbed maxi dress is a closet staple for summer, and can be worn a number of different ways for many day or night occasions. Its lightweight fabric features stretchy spandex that’ll give you all-day comfort, not to mention, it also has adjustable spaghetti straps so you can customize it to achieve your perfect fit.
Designer Dupe Ballet flats
Women’s Mel Sheer Mesh Ballet Flats
Available in sizes 5–12 and two colors
If you’re looking to expand your summer shoe collection beyond sandals, these stylish mesh ballet flats are the ideal alternative. We’ve been onboard the ballet flat train for most of the year, and now we think we’ve found the perfect seasonal pair that won’t break the bank and will allow our feet to breathe during a heatwave. Reviewers award these top marks in comfort (thanks to their memory foam, cushioned insole), price, and trendiness. And if you’re interested in a designer-looking ballet flat that’s encrusted with gems, we adore this strappy bejeweled style (that we also can’t believe is available at Target).
breezy wide-leg Pants
Women’s High-Rise Wide-Leg Pants
Available in sizes XS–4X and three colors
We personally love our high-rise wide-leg pants from Target as an alternative option to wearing dresses in the summer. I’ve had my pair for a number of years and they’ve held up really well — they have gotten me through many plane journeys, summertime picnics, and sticky morning commutes. If you’re looking for some extra coverage that dresses and skirts can’t provide, this pair is made from breathable, mid-weight gauze fabric and features a comfortable drawstring waist — which is perfect if you’re in between sizes. We like styling them with sneakers, sandals, or heeled mules for a versatile look that can be worn while on vacation or in the office.
the LBD for less
Women’s Strapless Midi Dress
Available in sizes XS–4X and three colors
Looking high-end on a budget just got even easier with this elegant strapless midi dress from A New Day at Target. For $25, shoppers can’t believe the quality this slit dress offers. Honorable mentions from reviewers include, “Fits like a glove!” And “Feels much more expensive than it is.” Fully lined, this soft and stretchy dress can be pulled on and paired with flats or heels.
size-inclusive swimwear
Women’s High-Rise Halter Bikini
Available in sizes XS–3X and six colors
Over the last couple of years, we have noticed that Target offers a pretty extensive selection of size-inclusive swimsuits, which is particularly convenient when you’re in a pinch. Personally, I have often found myself rushing through Target’s swimwear aisles on the eve of a trip. But when time allows, I prefer browsing their collection online. My drawers are stuffed with Target swimwear pieces that have reliably accompanied me on many vacations. From their latest collection, we’re loving this halterneck bandeau and high-rise bottom pairing that are available in fun prints and colors and provide both coverage and support.
Multi-purpose Cover ups
Women’s Open Work Maxi Sundress
Available in sizes XS–4X
No beach vacation is complete without a cover up that’s both stylish and transitional. We like this particular open-knit sundress as it gives you options: you can throw it over a bathing suit in the day, and then wear it straight to happy hour drinks in the evening thanks to its built-in slip. A maxi dress that can be worn for multiple occasions is worth its weight in gold when you’re limited on space and packing for a week-long trip.
Stylish separates
Women’s Linen Tiny Tank Top
Available in sizes XXS–4X and four colors
We’re upgrading our summer top collection with linen-blend separates, like this cropped tie-up tank top. Paired with high-waisted shorts, flowy skirts, and high-rise pants, you’ll never be short of occasions that you can wear it to. Currently under $15 and available in four different prints and colors, you might as well stock up on a few since reviewers note that it’s not see-through and has just the right amount of stretch for all-day wear.
