Trending Now: 9 Must-Have Seasonal Updates

Aloha! Once the preserve of terrible tourist kitch, the Hawaiian shirt has firmly entered the fashion fold, with designers across the board embracing all things tropical. Opt for Mara Hoffman’s blue and white floral ‘Otto’ shirt, which is made from lightweight hemp and was created using considered materials. It looks chic with white denim, but you can pair it with the matching skirt for top-to-toe island vibes. Re/Done’s ‘Aloha’ shirt is one for the maximalists – made from lightweight crepe de chine, and patterned with an explosion of florals, it looks excellent worn open over a bikini or tank top.

A crisp white handbag is the ideal accompaniment to delicate florals and pastel outfits, and is an investment piece you will use summer after summer. Valentino Garavani’s ‘VLogo’ shoulder bag is imbued with vintage charm. Crafted in Italy from two-tone leather, it has a sleek, compact shape that works day to night, as well as an adjustable shoulder strap. For weddings and garden parties, Saint Laurent’s ‘Cassandre Chain’ matelassé wallet is sleek and sophisticated – you can wear it on the shoulder or remove the golden chain strap to use it as a clutch.

For an effortlessly elegant approach to eveningwear, look to draped dress styles that flatter while oozing poise and polish. Christopher Esber’s ‘Verdant Falls’ dress is made from panels of fluid silk-satin that are elegantly draped to create soft folds. With an open, scooped back that is framed by spaghetti shoulder straps and a floor-sweeping split hem, it’s the embodiment of modern elegance. Acne Studios’ chartreuse dress, meanwhile, is cut from hammered satin and is equally fluid and figure-enhancing. Wear both with shimmering silver stilettos for a formal event, or with black strappy kitten heels and a black blazer for dinner in the city.

For summer footwear that is as versatile as it is comfortable, gladiator sandals pair perfectly with cropped denim and a T-shirt – as well as more formal midi dresses. They also offer an elevated upgrade on flip flops for trips to the beach. Manolo Blahnik has a self-described “obsession” with Ancient Greece and a penchant for gladiator styles, such as his ‘Primathi’ sandals, which have cushioned leather footbeds and velvety suede ties that can be laced up high on your leg or multiple times around the ankle. A Emery’s ‘Nolan’ black sandals are a more formal take on the style – pair with tailored short suits by day or a black mini dress for evening sundowners.

With cutouts, crinkles and sparkle all firmly on summer’s style sheet, shopping for swimwear can be a little overwhelming. For an on-point investment that will retain relevance, you can’t go wrong with nautical stripes. Eres’s ‘Destino’ swimsuit from the Samba collection is made from the label’s smoothing peau douce fabric, making it ultra-comfortable and supportive; it also has a lovely lace-up front detail and a low, scooped back. Bikini lovers should try Hunza G’s striped ‘Jean’ bandeau style, which is made from the brand’s iconic ‘Crinkle’ fabric and so fits every figure. Free from hardware, the bikini will feel comfortable whether you’re lying on a beach towel or a poolside lounger – plus, it is locally dyed and knitted in London, meaning it is part of our NET SUSTAIN edit of consciously crafted clothing.

British-Nigerian designer and multi-disciplinary artist Tolu Coker is passionate about using clothes as a vehicle for social change – and an opportunity to celebrate community and inclusion. Worn by the likes of Rihanna and Thandiwe Newton, the brand’s pieces are locally crafted in London from a mix of deadstock fabrics and upcycled materials, using innovative techniques. Try the denim-jacquard maxi wrap skirt, made from upcycled denim that is dappled with classic houndstooth. It looks cool with a white tank – or you can take cues from model and actor Adwoa Aboah, who wore hers with the matching bodysuit. The cutout linen-gauze midi shirt dress is one of four pastel looks from the designer’s spring ’23 collection. Washed in a beautiful lime-green shade, it’s a versatile day dress that works perfectly for the office as well as alfresco lunches.

Bucket hats have been trending for several summers now and, for 2023, the best come crocheted and bursting with boho charm. Ruslan Baginskiy’s straw version has a slightly scalloped wide brim and is subtly embellished with the house monogram – a refined way to approach the trend. Festival-goers should not sleep on Ultraviolhat’s mood-boosting headgear. Crafted locally on the Italian Riviera from multicolored organic cotton and raffia, each piece is crocheted by hand using considered materials, meaning no two hats are ever the same.

On days when the mercury is spiraling but you need to look ‘put together’, a pair of linen pants is always a fail-safe. White is a classic choice, but for a twist on the look, try Anine Bing’s ‘Jay’ pants, which are tailored from lightweight linen in a soft, pastel-yellow hue. Pair with a white tee and black ballet pumps for the office. Alternatively, for something more playful, Agua by Agua Bendita’s breezy, wide-leg ‘Piñon’ pants now come in a summery floral print that’s exclusive to NET-A-PORTER. High-waisted, with a flattering pleat front, they look fantastic worn with the matching cropped, puff-sleeved blouse.

Planning to host an alfresco dinner party? This summer’s tablescaping pros are embracing a lively palette to bring color and joy. Cabana’s jewel-colored ‘Idra’ glasses have been carefully hand-blown in Venice from Murano glass, each with a tactile finish. They will add character to simple white table linens – or you can mix and match them with equally colorful napkins. Evoking the essence of open-air dining by the Amalfi Coast, Aquazzura Casa’s dinner-plate duo will give your tablescape a zesty update. Crafted from glazed ceramic in a scalloped design, the plates are beautifully painted with ripe lemons. Complete your citrussy scene with the matching dessert set, and finish proceedings with a shot of limoncello.

What to wear to a summer party

Master summer styling with these expert tips from Team NET-A-PORTER