With summer officially here and the Fourth of July just around the corner, we’re dreaming of sandy toes, chilled spritzes and all things red, white and blue. Whether you’re throwing a backyard cookout, heading to the beach or planning a picnic in the park, the right gear makes all the difference. To help us prep for the season’s celebrations, Shop TODAY contributor Chassie Post stopped by with affordable finds, from outdoor entertaining essentials to humidity-proof beauty.
Starting with fashion, Post found a celebratory flag tank for just $5, paired with a gingham midi skirt that’s equal parts breezy and flattering. Don't sleep on Target's summer shoe selection: She also spotted classic white slip-on sneakers that start at just $15 — we bet you'll be wearing them long after the fireworks end!
For entertaining, Post highlighted two summer MVPs. First up: a compact, portable grill that’s perfect for the beach, tailgates or backyard hangs (not to mention: it's under $50). Then, a sleek infused drink gadget — ideal for whipping up morning cold brew, afternoon iced tea or evening sangria.
And since no summer soiree is complete without a little beauty prep, Post spotlighted two seasonal favorites: a duo of facial drops that bronze and highlight to enhance that summer glow, and an on-the-go solution for keeping frizz and flyaways at bay on humid days.
Whether you’re staying local or road-tripping to your favorite spot, Post's curated picks (all available at Target) make it easy to celebrate in style. Browse below — you can even add everything to your cart in just one click.
1 of 20
Bodum Cold Brew and Ice Tea Maker (8 Cup/34 Ounce)
$19.99
2 of 20
E.l.f. Skin The Hottest Drops Duo
$9.00
3 of 20
Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Frizz Tamer Slick Back Hair Serum Wand
$10.99
4 of 20
Universal Thread Embroidered Tank Top
$5.00
5 of 20
Universal Thread Smocked Maxi A-Line Skirt
$25.00
6 of 20
A New Day Women's Millie Twin Gore Slip-On Sneakers
$14.99
7 of 20
Weber Weather-Resistant Portable Grill with Porcelain-Enamel Lid (14 Inch)
$49.99
8 of 20
Goodfellow & Co Men's Phillip Twin Gore Sneakers
$19.99
9 of 20
Case-Mate Waterproof Dry Bag with Built-in Phone Pouch
$29.99
10 of 20
Wild Fable Crewneck Americana Pullover Sweater
$30.00
11 of 20
Sun Squad Lobster Float
$7.00
$10.00
12 of 20
Universal Thread Reversible Canvas Tote Handbag
$30.00
13 of 20
Room Essentials Tomato Beach Towel
$10.00
14 of 20
Olive & June Press-On Fake Nails (42 Count)
$11.19
15 of 20
Coppertone Age Defense Every Tone Face Sunscreen (SPF 60+)
$15.29
16 of 20
Goodfellow & Co Men's Striped Full Button Sweater
$25.00
17 of 20
Universal Thread Short Sleeve Knit Mini Shirtdress
$28.00
18 of 20
Hearth & Hand with Magnolia Woven Bottle Carrier
$20.99
$34.99
19 of 20
Hearth & Hand with Magnolia Bocce Ball Set (10 Piece)
$44.99
$74.99
20 of 20
GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker Foldable Rocking Camp Chair
$90.00
Bring on the cool taste of summer with this sleek and innovative brewed drink maker from Bodum. According to Post, whether you love a cold brew coffee during summer mornings or like to make a batch of iced tea while entertaining, this pitcher makes every step — from brewing to chilling and storing — effortless. We also love the idea of using it for summer sangrias! It includes a removable, oversized stainless steel filter that optimizes water circulation during low-temperature brewing. Plus, the pitcher’s heat- and odor-resistant qualities make it ideal for serving hot or cold bevvies, and for keeping flavors and aromas pure for seriously delicious results. Better yet? It’s dishwasher safe and just $20.
Get glowing summer skin in an instant with this travel-sized duo of E.l.f.’s highly-rated Holy! Hydration Thirst Burst Drops and Bronzing Drops. The set is a brand bestseller and when used together, the brightening and bronzing serums give your skin a dewy, sun-kissed look, with or without makeup! At the same time, they delivering nourishing and hydrating benefits that will last, per the brand. The Thirst Burst Drops hydrate and brighten, while the Bronzing Drops nourish and moisturize while adding a warm, sun-kissed tint. To use, shake well, then mix one to three drops of each serum in your palm or on the back of your hand. Apply evenly to clean skin using your fingertips or a brush and get ready for the perfect glow. And we love that they’re travel sized — summer skin anywhere!
If you love that on-trend slicked-back summer ponytail or bun, you’ll want to check out Garnier’s first on-the-go frizz tamer, which makes it super easy to pull off, even if you’re traveling. Think: mascara wand meets clear serum, designed to smooth flyaways and hold baby hairs for up to 12 hours, all while adding shine, per the brand. It works without leaving any greasiness, flaking, stiffness or stickiness behind — just sleek, smooth hair that lasts, says Post. The clear serum is infused with plant keratin and argan oil to help smooth and nourish.
Nothing says all-American summer like red, white and blue, and according to Post, this $5 tank top is the perfect staple piece for your Fourth of July party. She loves the embroidered flag (the tank is also available in navy with an embroidered “USA”) and that it’s made from a cotton-spandex blend, which lends stretch. Pair it with your favorite denim shorts or jeans, or dress it up with an easy skirt.
Speaking of, Post is obsessed with this adorable gingham midi skirt. Available in both red and blue gingham — a major trend — the skirt has a smocked elastic waist and hits at the perfect midi-maxi length. Comfortable and versatile, Post notes that you can wear it all summer long and pair with so many things in your closet like a plain tank or tee, or even wear over your bathing suit as an easy cover up. And if you’re really into the gingham trend, there’s also a matching top!
Now is the perfect time to freshen up your summer sneaker game and Post found an excellent, affordable option for both women and men. According to her, a crisp white slip-on is the move. Not only is it classic, but the ease screams summer — and this women’s style is just $15! Post loves how these shoes (made with 100% cotton uppers) perk up and elevate any outfit. Thanks to the low top, they would look adorable with a skirt or dress, but you can also wear them with shorts and jeans or breezy linen pants.
We can’t be the only ones planning to fire up the grill over the holiday — and now you can do it anywhere with this under-$50 portable charcoal grill. Isn’t it cute? Post says it’s a dream for cookouts anywhere, from the backyard to tailgating parties or even camping excursions. Small but mighty, the brand says it performs as well as any Weber full-size charcoal grill (it has the same durable porcelain enamel surface you already know and love) with enough cooking space to feed a small group. One five-star reviewer says they’ve had their grill for over twenty years and it’s the “greatest grill ever.” And another says it’s “perfect for 2 or 3 people” and “saves from using the larger one.” Get your burger patties ready!
For just $20, the men can get in on this amazing sneaker, too. They strike the perfect balance between sophisticated and casual. Since they’re so easy to dress up or down, he’ll be wearing them with chinos and shorts all summer long. And with a non-slip rubber sole, they’re great for travel. PS. If you’re worried about getting the white dirty, they’re also available in charcoal grey and black.
More Summer Finds at Target
By the water all day? Protect your phone with this dry bag from Case-Mate. It’s iP68 certified waterproof, which means it’s submersible for up to 30 minutes underwater, per the brand. That said, with a clear touchscreen window, you can still text, scroll, and snap pictures while underwater. It also comes with the adjustable and detachable shoulder strap included.
This sweater has a classic New England vibe at an affordable price point and we’re obsessed. But you’ll want to shop it fast — sizes are already selling out!
Get in on the lobster trend with this float, which will elevate any pool party! For just $10, it's worth it. Plus, Sun Squad makes a ton of other fun shapes, too.
More Sun Squad Pool Floats:
- Ice Cream Cone Float, $7 (was $10)
- Egg and Bacon Float, $7 (was $10)
- Hotdog Float, $10.50 (was $15)
- French Fry Float, $14 (was $20)
More gingham! This reversible tote is everything we're craving for summer: practical, cute and 100% cotton. You can also score it in a navy and red striped pattern.
Heard of #TomatoGirlSummer? It’s one of the latest food-inspired style trends — and we’re into it! You can get on board with this easy $10 beach towel.
Save yourself a trip to the salon with this $10 press-on nail kit by Olive & June! You can shop a wide variety of colors and patterns, but we're partial to the fruit styles for summer.
According to the brand, this sunscreen was specifically designed by dermatologists to help with visible signs of aging, thanks to the addition of bakuchiol (a powerful antioxidant) and SPF 60. It's a clear formula, so it works on all skin tones without leaving a white cast, and it's non-comedogenic.
He can get it on the Americana theme in a subtle way with this red, white and blue knit. Made from a mid-weight fabric, it's comfortable for summer.
This sweet polo dress will pair perfectly with white sneakers, loafers, sandals or your favorite ballet flats. It's also available in solid navy in sizes XS-4X.
Not your typical picnic basket, this wine carrier from Chip and Joanna Gaines' Hearth and Hand with Magnolia line at Target lets you bring wine to the party or picnic in style. Pro tip: We think it would make the most unique host or hostess gift.
A classic game of bocce never fails to get the party started. This one is another Hearth and Hand find, making it as charming as it is useful.
If you struggle with classic camp chairs being uncomfortable, try this freestyle rocker, which is a "spring action" rocking chair. According to the brand, it has a sturdy steel frame for durability, yet still folds flat for convenience. It also has a mesh back for cooling airflow, a built-in beverage holder and an easy-to-carry strap. The chair supports up to 250 pounds, per the brand.
How we chose
We consulted Shop TODAY contributor Chassie Post, as well as the Shop TODAY editorial team, for items that are editor-approved based on newness, style and seasonality. To round out the list, we also considered items with high customer ratings.
For sponsored content, the Shop TODAY editorial team independently chooses products to recommend that are sold by the retailer (in this case, Target). The retailer does not review or approve the content. Learn more about Shop TODAY.
Meet the expert
- Chassie Post is a Shop TODAY contributor, TV host and lifestyle editor. Whether she’s talking fashion and beauty or home and entertaining, Post is known nationwide for covering the latest trends with her keen eye.
