6 Ways To Style Out Summer In The City

Closet heroes should be effortless, and the right printed dress will help you look instantly put together, with minimal styling required. The key is to choose a motif that echoes your aesthetic, and comes in a silhouette that can easily be paired with sandals, sneakers or flats. For something bold and beautiful, turn to Borgo de Nor – the brand’s ‘Merle’ dress is printed with a mystical pattern inspired by the free-spirited mood of ’70s California (think desert sunsets and coastal road trips). The sweeping, tiered silhouette moves beautifully, making it perfect for a night of dancing. Missoni’s ‘Mare’ chevron-striped number is another gorgeous option – cut from weightless cotton and silk-blend voile, it has a chic halterneck top and a flattering empire waist. Finally, you can’t go wrong with classic florals, and the watercolor blooms decorating Zimmermann’s ‘Halliday’ dress are particularly special. Cut from linen, it has pretty scalloped trims and lace-up detailing across the back.

Shorts have been given a seriously stylish upgrade for SS24 (cue luxe fabrics and tailored shapes), making a crisply cut pair an elegant addition to your city closet. Invest in fresh linen or crepe designs to wear with a coordinating oversized blazer and button-down shirt, or opt for a simple tank top. Neutral styles, such as Jil Sander’s neatly pressed off-white linen shorts, are inherently versatile and timeless. Wear them with minimal slides and an oversized basket bag for instant city chic, or try a pair in a slightly darker shade – Toteme’s deep-beige offering will look effortless worn with a denim jacket and ballet flats. For the office, Tove’s knee-length shorts are a sleek alternative to pants on warmer days, and are exclusive to NET-A-PORTER.

There’s no escaping the allure of a maxi skirt this season. Steeped in ’90s nostalgia, it’s as versatile as jeans and tailored pants, not to mention incredibly chic. An elegant everyday style, Faithfull’s A-line maxi is made from fresh white linen to keep you cool in the heat – plus, it even has pockets. Meanwhile, St. Agni’s denim iteration can be worn day or night with a silky camisole and mules. For low-key dinner dates, choose Ulla Johnson’s ‘Amal’ style, which is made from springy jacquard patterned with graphic checks in an easy, flowing shape. Wear it with the matching ruffled top and embellished sandals.

Another ’90s throwback, the thong sandal is the shoe of the moment. The smartest investments feature clean, streamlined shapes that you can slip on with shirt dresses and relaxed tailoring in the city, as well as swimwear and cover-ups when you’re on vacation. Delivering on both minimal elegance and comfort, Toteme’s flip flops have been crafted in Italy from glossy croc-effect leather and have sleek square toes – plus, they’re exclusive to NET-A-PORTER. Elsewhere, Christian Louboutin’s leather ‘Raratonga’ sandals have a chic 55mm heel that elevates them enough for evening, and Gianvito Rossi’s flats – another NET-A-PORTER exclusive – are embellished with colorful stones to evoke the relaxed, carefree spirit of tropical escapes.

In warmer weather, a canvas bag is a stylish choice. Lighter than classic all-leather designs, and a little more polished than a basket or raffia style, it will go with everything, from tailoring to midi dresses. Just be sure to choose something timeless that’s spacious enough to hold all your essentials, and by a brand that excels at impeccable craftsmanship. Alaïa is a good place to start – its generously sized ‘Folded’ canvas tote bag is trimmed with leather for structure, and has a small zipped inside pouch for securing valuables. Handcrafted at the brand’s atelier near Florence in Italy, Savette’s ‘Tondo’ bag is another chic choice – the structured shape makes it a distinctive addition to any summer outfit. And if you’re drawn to heritage silhouettes, you’ll find the perfect style in Gucci’s ‘Jackie’. An icon for a reason, the neat, ’60s-inspired design exudes the timeless elegance of its namesake.

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