Most Wanted

According to style lore, wearing white before Memorial Day is the ultimate faux pas. Or at least it used to be. In the 19th century, American high society would wear white strictly during the summer, making it synonymous with the official start of a season of sun-drenched fun. And, while the outdated rule no longer rings true (see all-year-round white jeans, for example), there’s no denying the allure of a crisp white dress or co-ord come summer. A colorless, light-reflecting look is undoubtably still the chicest way to stay cool when temperatures rise.

Whether you’re retreating to the Hamptons or a Greek island, swimwear should be at the core of your new summer wardrobe and nothing feels more elevated than a white one-piece. From our NET SUSTAIN edit, Sara Cristina’s swimsuit has a single pearl framing the cutout front and looks beautiful against sun-kissed skin. Wear it to pool parties and beach sundowners with Khaite’s ‘Shay’ midi skirt, which is cut from cotton-poplin and knotted at the waist to replicate a beach pareo. Keep the vacation vibes alive by wearing it when you get home, too – just swap the swimsuit for a camisole, Gianvito Rossi’s embellished sandals for a kitten heel, and Hunting Season’s raffia clutch for a leather tote.

For days spent traveling from coast to coast or exploring local sights, reach for Matteau’s pleated Bermuda shorts. “I can’t wait to bring my Bermudas back into rotation for summer,” says NET-A-PORTER’s junior shopping editor Millie Parry. “I find longer silhouettes so versatile, offering a relaxed yet polished alternative to skirts and pants, and love this pair from Matteau.” Follow Parry’s lead by styling with a simple tank or opt for Tove’s embroidered ‘Leighton’ blouse and Le Monde Béryl’s ‘Stella’ Mary Jane flats in smooth ecru leather. Finally, add a few sleek accessories into the mix. “I love incorporating beaded jewelry into my usually minimal outfits and Jia Jia’s ‘Oracle’ necklace is perfect,” Parry adds.

Browse more in this week’s New In.