Here Comes The Sun

Everyone has a summer-style alter ego. When it comes to balmy evenings, the pieces we gravitate towards tend to be lighter, brighter and often tighter. Long summer afternoons that stretch into sunset and beyond have a promise of adventure; our clothes reflect that desire for escapism – so it’s often our summer wardrobes that hold the fondest, happiest memories.

Nothing says summer more than sandy skin, salty hair and a slinky dress, as the beautiful Alva Claire proves in our beachy PORTER shoot. Looking statuesque in a Saint Laurent maxi dress, the model of the moment epitomizes easy vacation glamour. “I love wearing a dramatic dress on the beach in the sun, so this Saint Laurent one is perfect,” says Bojana Kozarevic, NET-A-PORTER’s acting deputy fashion director, who styled this shoot. “Don’t forget a statement gold earring to complete the look.” Here, Kozarevic added Saint Laurent’s vintage-style resin and gold-tone clip-ons, but classic gold hoop earrings would look equally chic. Alternatively, follow Claire’s lead with an assortment of ear candy: “In the summer, I’ll often wear more jewelry to go from day to night – I always load on lots of earrings,” she says.

As for the SS24 trend Claire is most looking forward to trying? “The no-pants pants one.” Both gracefully balletic and boldly rebellious, it’s a look that has raised eyebrows and intrigue for a few seasons now. Essentially, this is the most literal interpretation of underwear-as-outerwear since bustiers re-entered the zeitgeist in 2022. We’re not just talking short-shorts here, but ultra-luxe versions of actual briefs. See the Acne Studios, Chloé and Ferragamo runways for inspiration on chic ways to wear them this summer, or look to early adopters Kendall Jenner, Adwoa Aboah and Jodie Turner-Smith, who have already stylishly embraced the look.

For this shoot, Claire shows us how to master the look effortlessly in Alaïa’s ‘Archetypes’ bodysuit, which has a draped hood and stretch-lace briefs. No matter how you style it, this is a piece that will stand out at summer parties – but you can also make it work in cooler climes with opaque black tights and boots.

Pucci’s iconic, exuberant prints instantly transport you to a glamorous party on the Italian Riviera. It would be quite impossible not to stand out in artistic director Camille Miceli’s kaleidoscopic ‘Fungo’ print top, which has been styled here with hot-pink Manolo Blahniks and Conner Ives’ lace basketball shorts. London-based Ives is renowned for his thoughtful use of upcycled materials and recycled vintage pieces, and his shorts have been carefully crafted from deadstock lace mesh and a recycled Airtex fabric. “I’ve always said I wouldn’t work in this industry if I couldn’t work in the way I do now,” says the designer. “I promised myself that the product itself would be smart, responsible. I also work in this way to inspire others to follow suit.”

To showcase his FW24 show, Ives cast Claire as one of his ‘Swans’ – a play on the famed coterie of affluent and glamourous women in 1950s New York. “We really worked on this idea of assembling a tapestry of the people I had met living in London over the past 10 years,” says the designer, who grew up in New York. “Alva and I have been good friends for a few years, and I knew instantly she had to be a part of this cast. Not only gorgeous, she just brings such an ease and warmth to any room she’s in. I remember seeing her for fittings and just sitting and chatting on a couch… Her warmth is what sets her apart.”

As dusk descends, layer up in a knit that is both cozy and chic. Preppy silhouettes have risen to the fore, meaning sporty polo and V-necklines are a clever choice to see you through fall and winter, too. Bright, primary colors are a seasonless choice, complementing bold summer wardrobes and brightening up gray winter days. “We design our collections to work throughout the year – our featherweight fine and open knits are perfect for layering over a tank or dress during the summer months,” says Lisa Yang, who is creative director of her eponymous brand. Yang’s apple-green knit works just as well with summer whites as it does with cool metallic hues, making it an unexpected hit with Rabanne’s silver evening dress – “The contrast between the green and metallic really makes the color pop,” says Yang. Meanwhile, the warm, enveloping fit means you can stay out dancing until dawn.