5 Summer Essentials, Reinvented
With summer on our minds and vacations booked, we’ve been pondering summer looks to re-invent this season. Balancing comfort, style and functionality is essentially a skill and an art form. Iconic pieces like denim, white button-ups, floral dresses, straw hats and sandals channel the nostalgia of summertime, but 2019’s takes on the classics have an undeniably updated edge. Brands like Ganni, The Vampire’s Wife and DÔEN have unearthed new silhouettes that reshape the classic ’90s floral dress, Balenciaga has made it hip to be square when it comes to sandals, and Gucci’s heritage motifs matched with embellishments are making denim feel fresh. Read on for five ways to make your summer look feel effortlessly now.
The Subtle Sandal
Balenciaga Ankle Strap Sandals | Shop Editors’ Sandal Picks
Square-toed sandals continue to cultivate popularity across a variety of designers and styles. From neon to classic renditions, eclectic frameworks take center stage for SS19, with brands like Rejina Pyo, Fendi and By Far leading the pack. Balenciaga’s black, barely there sandals add architectural interest with the trending shape. This season’s strappy sexy sandals are a flirtatious homage to the tide of ’90s darlings like Naomi Campbell, from a time when dresses were shorter and summers felt longer. Pair with a summer dress or jeans for an updated, elegantly casual look.
Floral Revival
The Vampire’s Wife Belle Dress | Shop Editors’ Dress Picks
The floral renaissance is a callback to simplicity and prairie-style silhouettes. A clear homage to ‘90s dresses is felt, but ushers the modern women into an array of new shapes and colors that exude simplicity and a playful, flirtatious warmth. Brands like The Vampire’s Wife and Rixo London are but a few transforming what florals can be, and a perfect pick for this summer’s events. An easy way to make a childhood classic feel all grown up? Pair with pieces that add a modern twist: think structured blazers, on-trend mini bags or unexpected sneakers (perfect for summer travels).
The Supersized Straw Hat
Gigi Burris Straw Sun Hat | Shop Editors’ Sun Hat Picks
In almost every idyllic summer portrait, straw hats are front and center: beach, picnic, winery, wedding etc. Recently, Jacquemus’ trending oversized design has made waves with celebrities like Emily Ratajkowski and Bella Hadid, both spotted posing in his latest chapeuax on Instagram and on the street. Here the hat has evolved from a functional essential to a storytelling piece that exudes a sense of drama — “who is the woman behind the brim?” But how does one wear the style without falling into the dreaded trap of overdoing it? You can still get adventurous and experiment with similarly exaggerated shapes in a slightly lower profile, à la this Gigi Burris.
Directional Denim
Gucci GG Marmont Denim Satchel | Shop Editors’ Denim Picks
Denim is traditionally the quintessential, laid-back summer uniform. But if you’re not ready to go full Canadian tuxedo, consider incorporating it as an accessory instead of the main player. Gucci’s quilted denim handbag is both playful and elevated, the perfect piece to channel your inner Hepburn in Funny Face. The perfect day bag for just the essentials, it’s ready to become your vacation essential, from Paris to Milan or beyond.
The Architectural Button-Up
Marina Moscone Button-Up | Shop Editors’ Button-Up Picks
