I don't know about you, but with each passing day, and the closer we get to the summer equinox, the more a holiday abroad feels like a real necessity. Perhaps its the increase in temperature, the desire to be outside (as opposed to being cooped up indoors), and the idea of dressing in lighter and brighter layers that has got me checking flights to just about anywhere right now. My summer wardrobe is calling out for a good time, but until I book my next trip, I will have to settle for bringing a little bit of sunshine to my city looks at home.
What's great about summer dressing is that you can tailor it to work for home or abroad, as well as for weekend relaxation. With a few styling tweaks, there's no need to save your best pieces for holiday wear exclusively—wear them for dinner and drinks in the city, gallery hopping, or lazy picnics in the park to get the most use out of your investments.
A capsule wardrobe, the method of curating a more considered and pared-back collection of clothing, should be able to fit to your needs all year round, in theory. For your summer capsule, keep things light, airy and relaxed, and add touches of luxury in your accessories, footwear and sunglasses to give polished and grown-up appeal.
If you're travelling somewhere hot and gorgeous soon, or even sticking to home turf this summer season, I have compiled 12 timeless looks that will look tasteful, stylish and easy-going, wherever you may end up.
1. GALLERY DAY
Style Notes: Nothing screams summer more than a white maxi dress. A ribbed cotton one, much like Chrissy's, will make you feel polished and put-together, whilst also keeping you cool in the heat. Keep accessories vintage-feel and monochromatic for that timeless appeal. An Aperol spritz shouldn't be far at hand either, once all of the art galleries have been ticked off your list.
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2. ROOFTOP DRINKS
Style Notes: In the sheer heat of the summer, a simple one-hued swimsuit can be a total wardrobe hero. Great on its own (a more grown-up alternative to a bikini), but when teamed with, say, a skirt, loose linen trousers or shirts over the top, it becomes a sleek shape-wear staple. Take notes from Mimi Nguyen and wear a swishy, pleated skirt on top, and finish with pop-colour mesh ballet flats. Simple but effective.
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Named after the Baywatch babe, surely?
This will feel easy and breezy for day-time wear.
Bella Hadid has been spotted wearing these recently.
A beautiful investment piece. Tuck under your arm for Olsen vibes.
3. DRESSY DINNER
Style Notes: If you're not one for dressing too drastically different from your regular home self, you can adopt a few simple tweaks to level up your fits to give them holiday appeal. Alexis Foreman is a prime example of this, pairing crisp white trousers and mocha-toned poplin shirt (a polished city 'fit), with tasteful summer accessories. A statement earring, sleek belt, barely-there strappy sandals and molten-metal cuff take this to the beach in a few simple steps.
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I love SKALL STUDIO for their Danish-infused, minimal staples.
These are serving RHW vibes. Get me to Antibes!
This cuff looks super luxe, but at a great price.
A.EMERY are in the in-demand shoe brand of the summer.
4. BEACH BAR
Style notes: There's nothing like slipping on a simple linen garment. The lightweight, easy and breezy fabric makes it the ideal solution for summer dresses, skirt and shirts. The one-and-done dress makes getting dressed quickly (for the city, or the summer escape), a no-brainer, and paired with pretty gold jewellery, a graceful look can come together in a matter of minutes. Go barefoot at the beachbar, or pack a heeled sandal for the city.
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This exactly the kind of linen dress you will wear for years to come, in the city or abroad.
A statement earring can take your look from zero to one hundred.
A great stacking, everyday option.
Add to your wrist party with this classic bangle from Monica Vinader.
5. PARK PICNIC
Style notes: Hot summer days call out for casual sunbathing at the park, with a book and picnic in tow. Keep things light and colourful, with a broderie anglaise shirt, bikini and boxer-style shorts, plus a towel big enough to lounge on all day.
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I know this is the exact style Lucy Williams is wearing. Its so fresh!
I go back to HUNZA G swimwear every summer season.
Buttery yellow and fresh for off-duty days.
These will give a luxe appeal to even your most simple looks.
6. COFFEE RUN
Style notes: Jeans and a t-shirt are a classic combination, but a subtle switch to a luxe side-stripe trouser can add a chic sportiness to your day-to-day look. Considered accessories, such as an essentials-only basket bag and mesh ballet flats make this a suitable look for mooching around a new city, hunting down your next iced coffee.
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Feather weight and easy for everyday. Reformation are great for staples.
Worth investing in, in every colour.
Graceful but thoroughly modern—Le Monde Béryl make super sweet ballet flats
SENSI STUDIO are a basket bag cult-fave. This is perfect for just essentials.
7. MARKET DAY
Style notes: Gingham is the kind of pattern that is made for summer, and often is seen in red or blue tones. A mini gingham dress is an fresh, everyday option with oodles of Parisienne appeal. Candice Sophia Antoine pairs hers with matching red mary-jane ballet flats and raffia bucket bag, finished off with a paisley headscarf. Très chic for picking up snacks at the farmer's market, or your local supermarket.
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DÔEN make pretty summer dresses—its undeniable.
A sweet little bandana, perfect for using as a necktie, headscarf or bag accessory.
There's something about COS handbags at the moment. This raffia bucket is too cute.
A perfect red shoe, which will ad a bit of je ne sais quoi to your daytime look.
8. BOAT TRIP
Style notes: Broderie anglaise is still very much the fabric of the summer, offering French-girl elegance to your look and wardrobe. A matching two-piece, in this classic fabric, will give infinite options for styling. Keep the whole look crisp and white, with classy sunglasses and woven ballet flats to top it off. A perfect look for boat trips or bottomless brunches.
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This cami blouse is such a beauty! I know it will sell out, so act fast.
I love a retro pair of sunglasses. This YSL pair won't fail you.
The matching trousers are a must.
These will pair with everything in your capsule wardrobe.
9. HOTEL DINNER
Style notes: What's key about this look is the subtle monochromatic pairing of the silky dress and knitwear, nonchalantly draped over the shoulders. The more pared-back, the better, and the accessories can adopt this method too. An artsy earring, and off-white mule give a 90s simplicity, making this look spot-on for hotel dinners on vacay or in your home city.
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The perfect cornflower blue.
A sweet, preppy addition to your evening fit.
I love how simple but contemporary these are.
Add 90s appeal to your outfit with a white mule.
10. POOL DAY
Style notes: A day by the pool, reading your book and a spot of sunbathing is many a person's dream day. But what is one to wear? Keep it comfortable, with layers to undo when you want to take a dip. A coordinating two-piece, as modelled here by Abisola Omole, is a chic and considered way to stay cool in the heat.
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The NC x Poppy Delevingne is full of fun summer pieces. This is a stand-out fave.
Black bikinis will be trending this year, just you wait!
The coordinating trousers to the overshirt. Get the full look for a one and done vibe.
The only flip-flops you will ever need. Thank you, Havaianas!
11. SHOPPING AFTERNOON
Style notes: Another great way to layer a swimsuit, making it appropriate for the city, is teaming it with a pair of long-line shorts. Julie Sergent Ferreri expertly models this, and adds nautical accessories to give it a maritime moment. Stick to one key shade here (in this instance, burgundy), for intentional and thoughtful styling. This look will take you from window shopping to lazing in the sun in a heartbeat.
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Loro Piana are known for their ultra luxury summer collections, with boundless Italian style.
Tailored shorts are a stylish way to feel put-together in the city heat.
Boat shoes are still having a moment. This Sézane pair feel like vintage.
The Celine Triomphe sunglasses are a fashion-conscious person's go-to pair.
12. OLD TOWN DINING
Style notes: Nothing feels fresher than an all-white outfit. Nothing! Play with proportions and the weight of fabrics, like Magdalena Maria Gontarz, to give your outfit dimension. A lace skirt and a linen bandeau top combination looks timeless but expertly on trend. If you're having a 'European Summer', this one will be up your strasse.
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The subtle peplum shape make this bandeau ideal for layering.
I've spotted this skirt all over Instagram. Its so chic!
The fashion editor's favourite basket bag. The green update gives a nice touch.
DAPHINE have collaborated with Monikh Dale for a stylish and considered jewellery collection.
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