As a digital editor, I basically shop online for a living. This means that I can sift through literally thousands of products and edit them down to what’s really worth buying. I take pride in my ability to quickly evaluate one piece from the next, but still, nothing will ever top a good old-fashioned trip to the store to try on everything IRL. With that in mind, I set out on a recent shopping trip to none other than Reformation.

While Ref is a brand I turn to throughout the year for their occasion-worthy dresses and elevated basics, it’s my opinion that summer is where they really shine. A quick scan of the newest arrivals confirms this: everything is begging to be packed for vacation or worn to an outdoor happy hour. So I set out to the Reformation SoHo store to try on all the best summer pieces.

From pretty summer dresses to date night-ready pieces, there were so many pieces I tried, but only a handful that really stuck out in my mind. Keep reading to see which Reformation summer items I loved the most and one I even bought before leaving the store that day.

I did it. I found the perfect summer dress. Equal parts elevated and casual, this mini number seriously impressed me. It has enough charming details like the ruching and skinny strpas to make it feel special but most importantly is very easy to wear—it goes with sneakers and heels alike—to make it an instant wardrobe staple. This is the kind of piece you end up wearing on repeat.

I wanted to save the best for last but I needed you to see this stunning number ASAP. To me, it’s the perfect summer dress to wear to dinner and grab drinks afterward. While I don’t have any trips planned, this dress is inspiring me to book something because it deserves to be worn on vacation. I loved it so much that I couldn’t bear the thought of leaving the store without it, so I purchased on the spot.

A closer look at the details. These delicate straps are everything.

If you know me at all, you know I live for a matching set and I’m pleased to share that Reformation has some strong ones right now. My favorite of the bunch? This linen skirt duo in the summer’s It hue, tangerine. The skirt is simple enough to repeat on its own with a white tank and ditto for the halter top, another favorite summer trend. 

I was already familiar with Reformation’s best-selling Mason Pant—a high-rise, relaxed-leg trouser—but was excited to see its newest iteration, a lovely beige oyster hue. The material is lightweight, silky, and moves so well. If you’re looking for a pair of relaxed tailored pants right now, you can call off the search.

As I’ve shared before, my going-out wardrobe is definitely in need of some updating and this halter top feels like the answer. It’s made from a poplin material that’s elevated but not overly fussy. I’m in need of more cool tops to throw on with jeans and this is definitely checking a lot of boxes.

Leave it to Ref to convince me to revisit bootcut jeans for the first time in over a decade. I usually stick to straight-leg jeans but after slipping into their newest denim style, the Peyton, I was surprised to be into them. They feature a high-rise and ever-so-subtly flared leg that feels like 2022’s answer to bootcut jeans.

Hello, dream top. I’d been eyeing this cool basic on the site for a while now so as soon as I saw it hanging on the rack, I knew I had to take it for a spin. It’s stretchy but sculpting and the gathered sleeve details are adjustable, so I was surprised to learn that there are a few different ways you could style it. I love the way it highlighted my collarbone and will definitely be adding it to my cart for future date nights and probably styling it with jeans and heels as I did here.

Here’s a piece I’d wear now and keep in rotation for the fall, adding boots and a leather jacket.

Suprise—another halter top! Ref is clearly leaning into the style, so I took it as a sign to try out all the halters I saw in the store. I really loved the thicker jersey material of this one and found that it really hold you and in and feels supremely comfortable.

Another trend Reformation is backing this summer: crochet. This openwork knit number jumped out at me for its pretty ivory hue and relatively opaque knitwork. I love the crochet trend, but it can get tricky with certain underwear showing through—this dress was pleasantly not the case.

Big “summer in Italy” energy.

Anything strapless immediately has my attention.

Guess I’m having a tangerine phase, what can I say?

Simple, but striking.

Another color I’m eyeing these staple pants in.

If it comes as a set, I’ll take it.

How else to let people know that my hobbies include drinking martinis?

Not just any mini skirt.

’90 vibes are strong.

I’m a sucker for a beautiful basic.

Next: I Asked 7 Cool New Yorkers About Their Summer Staples—Trust, You Need Them Too