The NET-A-PORTER team’s new-season wish list
Top of the list when it comes to things we’ve learnt during lockdown? There’s nothing like a few months of staying at home, with ample time to pore over the upcoming collections, to get us itching to update our closets. Of course, initially we enjoyed incorporating loungewear into our 9-5 look, but were quickly craving the joy that dressing up can instil. Now, as summer arrives in London, we’re ready to make some special purchases
Alison Loehnis, President
“I’ve never really been a suit person but, for the right one, I will happily change my tune. Saint Laurent is always a go-to for me – especially the jackets. I already have this blazer in my closet, but I think the shorts would make it that much more versatile. The combination makes for a fresh take on the traditional pant suit – perfect for day or night. I’ll be wearing my short suit with fabulous flats; then, after lockdown, a great pair of heels.”
Elizabeth von der Goltz, Global Buying Director
“I may not be going on a beach vacation any time soon, but a luxe basket bag is still top of my wish list this season – it makes me dream of blissful summer days. Plus, it’s perfect for running to the farmers’ market or popping to the pharmacy on the few occasions when I do actually leave my house.”
Alice Casely-Hayford, Content Director
“As I start thinking about a return to putting together actual outfits each day, and step back from the casualwear I’ve donned for the past couple of months, I’m looking for versatile hero pieces for summer that look good and, more importantly, make me feel good. It will take me a little while to transition away from comfortwear, so the floaty freedom and uplifting prints of the ’70s bohemian blouse trend are perfect for now. I’ll be tucking blouses into jeans or wearing with tailored pants and sandals all summer long.”
Kay Barron, Fashion Director
“Trust Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen to make the humble flip-flop totally desirable and luxurious. Elevated (in more ways than one), the stacked sole offers comfort, as well as a welcome extra inch for us shorties. I will live in this pair by The Row, both casually, with cropped denim, and once we get to dress up and go out, with midi dresses. Also, they’re so pretty that they will totally distract from my DIY lockdown pedicure.”
Sarah Bailey, Editor-in-Chief & Special Projects
“Paco Rabanne’s SS20 collection is the perfect tonic for our times – rainbow sweaters, a swirl of joy-giving psychedelic print and just a touch of ’90s rave culture. This satin floor-sweeper takes me back to the mermaid skirts that were my uniform in the ’90s. Back then, I’d temper any saccharine overtones with Birkenstocks and a rib-knit tank or polo – which is exactly how I intend to wear this beauty this season.”
Helen Broadfoot, Senior Fashion Editor
“Chic yet versatile, the barely-there sandal is that perfect summer shoe. I always gravitate towards more casual looks, so I’ll be styling these Jacquemus sandals with straight-leg blue jeans, a classic white tee and my boyfriend-style blazer. However, when the temperature starts climbing, I’ll go for something a little more elevated and wear them with a crisp, white summer dress. For me, classic poplin pieces paired with Jacquemus’ cutting-edge heels is a match made in heaven.”
Libby Page, Senior Fashion Market Editor
“Oversized aviators are the must-have sunglasses shape this season. I’m a gold girl, so I love the trim on this Givenchy pair.”
Sophie Hardcastle, Shopping Editor
“There’s a good reason the denim skirt is a wardrobe staple – it’s the perfect piece to take you from work to play and even feels right in the realms of the new normal. Having trawled the internet for the perfect one, I’ve settled on this style from Stella McCartney. It’s made using a combination of recycled and organic cotton, staying true to the brand’s ethical credentials. When we return to the office, I’ll be dressing mine up with a feminine blouse and heels. On off-duty days, I’ll keep it simple with a white tee.”
Gillian Brett, Senior Fashion Features Editor
“A sporty dress is, in essence, one step up from athleisure, yet it has a far more polished feel to it than slovenly sweatpants. Particularly when it’s been crafted in silk by the deft hands of the Bottega Veneta team. Like most fashion lovers nowadays, I’m obsessed with Daniel Lee’s unique perspective on minimalism, so this ribbed dress didn’t linger on my wish list for long. The wide scooped neckline is super-flattering, and ideal for showcasing a layer or two of fine gold chains. I’ll be wearing it with flat sandals by day, and for date night (even if it’s in my own dining room), with the brand’s cult ‘naked’ sandals in white.”
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The models featured in this story are not associated with NET-A-PORTER and do not endorse it or the products shown