Master Summer Styling With These Expert Tips From Team NET-A-PORTER
Staying chic in the heat is an art that the NET-A-PORTER team has perfected. Here, three pros share how to look polished and put together in the city this summer
Hannah Cole, senior shopping editor
“My wardrobe largely consists of monochromatic separates that can be mixed and matched with minimum effort. Staples are slouchy wide-leg pants, and simple white T-shirts (they go with everything), which I always buy a size or two up for an oversized fit. A modern capsule closet is built on elevated basics that you can depend on nine to five, then dress down at the weekend.”
“This Saint Laurent button-down in the perfect blue stripe is great for work. And I love everything from The Row, including these lightweight chino-style pants that can definitely do double duty, as they are just as great for the office as they are with flat sandals and a tank top for the weekend
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How will you style your city look this summer?
“I love the ease and versatility of a crisp white shirt, worn buttoned up with pants or undone and layered over a tank. I’ll also pull out my trusty collection of black summer dresses – usually sleeveless, midi and fitted at the waist, styled with preppy loafers. My go-to brands are The Row for impeccable tailoring, Toteme for easy dresses, Agolde for summer denim, and Emme Parsons for the perfect sandals.”
What are your top summer-in-the-city styling tips?
“Pick pieces that will see you through to the fall. In London, the weather is temperamental, so I avoid anything I’ll only be able to wear a handful of days a year – save that for your vacation closet! Comfort is king, especially on my morning commute to work. And stay true to your style: don’t be tempted by faddy prints and colors that you wouldn’t usually wear.”
Maya Gunavardhana, fashion assistant
“My style is quite androgynous and I generally opt for clothes with an oversized fit, in neutral tones, then add hints of color with accessories, or bold shoes, to make my look stand out. In the summer, my priority is comfort – for work, I often wear a loose shirt with a pair of jeans or a mini skirt; for a smarter look, I’ll wear a classic white tank top with tailored shorts and a blazer.”
“For me, tailored shorts are a summer staple – the color of this Tod’s tailored duo is so versatile, and the beautiful texture of the fabric makes it unique – something I always look for. I’ve paired it with some beautiful gold pieces from Foundrae, layered over one of my favorite closet staples – the white tank top
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How will you style your city look this summer?
“A beautiful summer dress is effortless, elevated and incredibly versatile, especially when paired with flat sandals for day or a cute pair of pumps for evening. Layering in summer is your best friend, too – a lightweight knit or relaxed shirt are perfect options for an extra layer.”
What are your go-to brands for summer staples?
“Slvrlake for fantastic jeans and shorts that will carry me through the summer months. Matteau has a beautiful range of short- or long-sleeved shirts – in plain as well as some really artistic printed styles, which are perfect for layering or on their own over a pair of jeans or shorts.”
What’s on your wish list for this season?
“I love a tank top and have my eye on a stunning tie-dye version from Agolde; [I’ll] accessorize with a bold handbag or some intricate jewelry over a pair of white wide-leg jeans. And nothing says summer quite like a raffia bag – a Loewe tote is effortless and timeless.”
Lydia Zacharis, buying manager
“I love muted colors and simple, timeless pieces that I can accentuate with interesting details – statement jewelry, a great bag or shoes, or the occasional pop of color to give the outfit some depth. For city summers, I opt for day-to-night-appropriate styles, which can be transformed with a pair of kitten heels, some gold jewelry, a clutch and a red lip. I always carry a denim jacket or cashmere sweater to throw over my shoulders when the temperature drops, too.”
“This Tove dress is one of my all-time favorites. The strapless bustier-like top is so flattering – and the length is perfect. I was very excited to develop it exclusively for NET-A-PORTER in red – a key color for FW23. With The Row’s adorable bow slingback flat sandals and Savette’s ‘Tondo’ shoulder bag, it’s an ideal city look. Celine Eyewear’s tortoiseshell sunglasses and Spinelli Kilcollin’s signature rings complete the look for a sunny day
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What are your go-to brands for summer staples?
“Toteme, Tove, Khaite and The Row offer beautiful pieces that cover all transitional city needs. Savette, Hunting Season and Métier create elegant, multi-functional bags, while Manolo Blahnik is my go-to for great flats and kitten heels. Finish your look with jewelry by Sophie Buhai, By Pariah or Completedworks.”
Which closet must-haves are always on rotation?
“Invest in versatile pieces that act as a canvas for multiple looks – a well-fitted white T-shirt, a crisp white shirt, straight high-waist jeans, a midi dress and lightweight knits (I love gray and camel) are all ideal for layering. Then add a minimal leather belt for character and utility, a black or tan leather shoulder bag, and some classic ballet flats or charming Mary Janes.”
Which one piece will you be investing in this season?
“A maxi denim skirt – a silhouette that is very popular at the moment, and feels fresh yet comforting; Agolde and Magda Butrym have some of the strongest options. I’ll wear mine with a simple T-shirt or tank top during the day, or with a satin slip top in the evening.”