Your Summer-In-The-City Survival Guide

Thong sandals are a true summer staple that work just as well with shirt dresses and relaxed tailoring in the city as they do with swimwear and cover-ups when you’re on vacation. Glossy croc and snake-effect styles by the likes of Emme Parsons and Khaite will add texture and a subtle statement to all your favorite summer outfits, while Bottega Veneta’s vibrant-green ‘Sampieri’ pair is a great way to incorporate color. Elsewhere, Chloé’s ‘Swimming Cool’ wedge-heel sandals from the À La Plage collection and are a fun choice for summer parties and events while Alaïa’s ‘Tong’ pair in sleek black leather are perfect for the office. Wear them to rooftop drinks with a slip dress.

A tailored shirt with a breezy, beach-ready sensibility is perfect for staying cool in the sweltering city heat. Guaranteed to be one of the hardest working pieces in your wardrobe, you can either wear it partially buttoned over wide-leg pants, tucked into tailored shorts for smarter days, or with denim for a weekend brunch. If you’re into prints, you’ll love Guest In Residence’s ‘Showtime’ shirt in striped cashmere and Polo Ralph Lauren's checked style – a nod to classic Americana. Alternatively, for something a little more office-appropriate, TWP’s ‘Big Joe’ design looks great paired with linen pants or a column maxi skirt, while Róhe’s asymmetric ‘Sabi’ shirt style makes a great alternative to suiting, especially when worn with the matching pants.

The street-style set are all obsessed with knee-length skirts, specifically those in light, flowy shapes. Why? Because they really can be worn anywhere. A touch more practical than a maxi and less revealing than a mini, it’s on par with a midi in terms of versatility but takes the top spot for playfulness. An elegant everyday style, Leset’s ‘Barb’ slip is made from weightless satin and looks ultra-chic styled with an oversized white shirt (knotted at the waist) and low-heeled mules. For low-key dinner dates, choose Saint Laurent’s lace-trimmed style which has a beautiful, liquid-like drape. Match your shoes to its pearlescent shade and finish the look with a slinky camisole and an oversized linen blazer. If you’re heading to the office or a business meeting, then reach for Calvin Klein Collection’s ‘Lunas’ wool skirt – a highlight from the spring/summer ’26 runway.

In warmer weather, a woven leather bag is a stylish choice. A touch more polished than beachy raffia styles, it will go with everything, from tailoring to midi dresses. Just be sure to choose something timeless that’s spacious enough to hold all your essentials, and by a brand that excels at impeccable craftsmanship. St. Agni’s ‘Bateau’ tote more than meets these criteria – it’s generously sized and has plenty of space for work or weekend essentials. Alaïa’s style, meanwhile, is woven from strips of black and white leather to create a graphic checked effect. Drawn to classic silhouettes? You’ll find the perfect style in Dragon Diffusion’s ‘Santa Croce’ bag, which comes in a structured trapeze shape evocative, or Bottega Veneta’s timeless ‘The 1998’ doctor’s tote in classic intrecciato leather.