What Team NET-A-PORTER Are Wearing This Summer
From breezy, wear-anywhere dresses to relaxed denim and tailoring, dressing for hot city summers has never been cooler – or more effortless. Read on to find out how two NET-A-PORTER editors are styling their favorite staple pieces this season
Alice Casely-Hayford, content director
How would you describe your summer style?
“My style all year round is understated, simple and timeless – but, in the warmer months, I lean into effortless and easy pieces. I love dresses because you feel put together without having to try hard. They also work well for the school and nursery run, my commute, a day in the office and then perhaps an event or dinner after my kids’ bath time. I like items I can return to each year but wear in new ways, transformed with fresh accessories or styled with different layers.”
“Some days I enjoy wearing something form-fitting, like this gorgeous terracotta Liberowe dress, but I’m typically more drawn to billowing and oversized shapes
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How do you navigate dressing for the office in the heat?
“It’s got a lot to do with smart layering – but above all, the power of a handheld fan.”
Which is your favorite look from the shoot?
“My body has changed so much in the past five years since having my two boys. Where my stomach was once the part of my body that I might occasionally show off in a crop top or cut-out silhouette, it is now the area I’m most self-conscious about. But nothing makes you feel as good as a Khaite look can. A crop top is something I would have worn 10 years ago and usually wouldn’t dare to wear now – but Khaite strikes again and this is now something I’ll wear all summer long.”
“This exquisite Róhe dress is a current closet favorite. It is so chic in its simplicity and will continue to deliver in fall
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What silhouettes are you most drawn to in summer?
“It really depends on my mood. Some days I enjoy wearing something form-fitting, like the gorgeous terracotta Liberowe dress, but I’m typically more drawn to billowing and oversized shapes. This exquisite Róhe dress is a current closet favorite. It is so chic in its simplicity and will continue to deliver in fall, paired with tailoring or a denim jacket.”
What accessories are on your wish list this season?
“The brown Aeyde ballet flats are so comfortable – and perfect for summer weekends whiled away on long walks. I’ve got my eye on a few other colorways.”
What are your favorite brands for versatile summer staples?
“I pretty much only wear a handful of brands on rotation. I’ve been loyal to them for years – Loewe, Proenza Schouler (I’m eagerly awaiting to see the future of these favorites with new designers at the helm), Khaite, The Row, Tove, Toteme, Agolde and Bottega Veneta – plus the latest addition, Róhe.”
Gillian Brett, head of fashion content
How would you describe your summer style?
“I have a slightly more laid-back summer style alter ego; I go more whimsical and colorful. And there’s something about bright, sunny days that makes me want to embrace more playful silhouettes.”
“The Tove dress is such a flattering design. Despite being quite sculpted with a paneled waist, it’s really comfortable – and I love that the length works with flats
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What is the one item in your summer wardrobe that makes you feel most confident?
“Great denim is the holy grail of my wardrobe. If you find well-cut silhouettes, it can look surprisingly polished. Agolde is my go-to and I recently got the brand’s ‘Lotta’ shirt. I adore the color and the roomy fit. If I’m struggling to decide what to wear, I know I’ll feel good in it.”
Which is your favorite look from the shoot?
“I honestly can’t choose between the Saint Laurent shirt, tank top and shorts and the Tove dress. The Saint Laurent look is exactly how I love to dress in summer, and the bag is the perfect size to stow away my laptop, a paperback and SPF, while the Tove dress is such a flattering design. Despite being quite sculpted with a paneled waist, it’s really comfortable – and I love that the length works with flats, as I’m rarely in heels. I’m also a huge Tove fan. The name is Danish, meaning strength and beauty, and that’s truly how you feel in all of its designs. And really, what more could you ask for?”
What silhouettes are you most drawn to in summer?
“I love floaty dresses, oversized linen shirts, relaxed denim fits and Bermuda shorts. I don’t like to feel too constricted generally in what I wear – but especially in the warmer months, I seek out movement and airy fabrics.”
“The Saint Laurent look is exactly how I love to dress in summer, and the bag is the perfect size to stow away my laptop, a paperback and SPF
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How do you navigate dressing for the office in the heat?
“Breathable fabrics such as linen and cotton are perfect for the office on balmy days. The key is to look for slightly heavier linen weaves that are less inclined to crease – not a good look in an important meeting.”
What are your favorite brands for versatile summer staples?
“St. Agni is great for day-to-night dresses and many of its designs are made using considered processes or materials. I love Matteau and Deiji Studios for chic summer sets that work for multiple occasions, and A.Emery makes the most beautiful, minimalist sandals that are sleek enough for the office; I live in my brown ‘Jalen’ style in summer. Finally, I always look forward to seeing what the annual Loewe Paula’s Ibiza collaboration brings – its vibrant pieces look as good at a festival as they do at a fancy beach club brunch.”
What accessories are on your wish list this season?
“Definitely the Saint Laurent ‘Le 5 À 7 Bea’ suede tote. I love the nostalgia of the boho trend, not least because it takes me back to my teenage years. While I made some questionable fashion choices back then, this chic tote nods to the look in a subtle way and is an investment I will never regret. I know my daughter will thank me for it in years to come, too.”