Step into summer with this season’s most stylish new designs
From dresses to denim and elevated takes on loungewear, presenting the versatile and ultra-wearable pieces from the high-summer ’21 collections that deftly combine elegance and ease
There’s no better time for a sartorial transformation than a change in season. Summer signals excitement and adventure – and this year that’s truer than ever. While the pandemic is far from over, countries across the globe are now making tentative steps towards opening once again. The degree to which this is happening varies greatly from country to country, of course, but the general thrust is forward – towards a brighter future, where socializing with family and friends is back on the agenda.
Summer style purists will love the classicism of blue denim cut-offs paired with a billowing white blouse. New York-based designer Nili Lotan is a firm favorite of fashion insiders worldwide thanks to her elevated interpretations of closet staples, so it should come as no surprise that she has finessed these wardrobe building blocks. Consider them the jumping off point for a myriad of chic outfits. Ultra-flattering swimwear is another warm-weather essential. If you’re on the hunt for a body-sculpting one-piece, look to the Eres ‘Sahara’ swimsuit and finish with a coordinating ochre sarong for a practical, yet polished vacation look.
Of course, when it comes to closet staples, there’s one piece that’s truly synonymous with the season: the summer dress – and a sense of optimism runs through this year’s offerings, as evidenced by many designers’ bold use of color. Incorporate some of these rainbow brights into your everyday arsenal to bring joy to your daily routine. We love the Solid & Striped scarlet halterneck maxi, Gauge81’s magenta mini and Caroline Constas’s riotous floral-print dress – all eye-popping pieces akin to sartorial serotonin. On the other side of the color spectrum, Mara Hoffman and La Ligne debuted bright white dresses, complete with statement sleeves and waist-cinching seersucker detailing. Not only are these timeless dresses the perfect complement to sun-kissed skin, they’re also evocative of new beginnings – a theme that couldn’t be more fitting.
Elsewhere, New York label Altuzarra put its own elevated spin on the classic summer dress with an elegant pencil skirt and bodice co-ord cast in a lemon-yellow hue. Perfect for an alternative take on after-dark dressing or a day spent strolling in the park with friends, this stunning set is guaranteed to turn heads wherever you go.
No matter what vision of summer style resonates with you, though, the key to getting it right this season is to have fun. Enjoy the ritual of getting dressed up again, experiment with colors and pieces you might have shied away from before, and don’t forget to finish your look with a generous helping of mood-boosting accessories. Whether or not gatherings and vacations are on the cards, designers have brought us fantasy fashion at its finest this summer – allow yourself to be swept away by it.
After months of locking down and isolating – a time when many women lost sight of their personal style or the impetus to get dressed all together – it’s no surprise we’re suddenly overcome with the desire to get dressed up and feel put together again, even if we’re not quite ready to pack away our loungewear for good. If that’s the case for you, look to cult Norwegian label Holzweiler or the sultry, yet understated Cami NYC – whether you opt for the former’s pink sweat set or find yourself drawn to the latter’s silky track pants, these ultra-wearable pieces promise to strike the perfect balance between laid-back and luxe.