Art of Style

Your Summer-In-The-City Survival Guide

When the temperature rises, curating a polished look can feel like a challenge. Discover the tried-and-tested capsule pieces you can depend on to stay stylish in the heat – and wear on repeat

Words Colleen RossFashion editor Millie Parry
Fashion
A breezy shirt is a warm-weather essential – whether it’s for the office or laid-back weekend outings

The breezy shirt

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 Marni’s bowling shirt – it’s decorated with a retro-wave motif and has a loose, boxy fit. 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 Toteme’s ‘Monogram’ style makes a great alternative to suiting, especially when worn with the matching pants.

  • TWP
    Big Joe cotton-poplin shirt
    $490.00
    Select a Size
    XXS
    XS/S - out of stock
    M/L
  • TOTEME
    Embroidered organic cotton and Lyocell-blend shirt
    $450.00
    Select a Size
    32
    34
    36
    38
    40
    42 - low stock
    44
  • AURALEE
    Cotton-poplin shirt
    $495.00
    Select a Size
    0
    1
    2 - low stock
  • THE FRANKIE SHOP
    Arlen cotton shirt
    $144.00
    Select a Size
    XXS - out of stock
    XS - low stock
    S
    M
    L
    XL - out of stock
Whatever your style, knee-length shorts are a sleek alternative to pants on warmer days

The city shorts

Shorts have been given a seriously stylish upgrade in 2026 (cue luxe fabrics and tailored shapes), making a crisply cut pair an elegant addition to your city closet. Invest in fresh linen, cotton or crepe designs to wear with a coordinating oversized blazer and a button-down shirt to work, or opt for a simple tank top. For the office, Saint Laurent’s pleated knee-length shorts are a sleek alternative to pants on warmer days – and just as versatile. Dries Van Noten’s pair in soft cotton-jersey and Róhe’s distressed denim shorts, on the other hand, are an off-duty must-have and look so chic styled with a white tee, basket bag and ballet flats.

  • DRIES VAN NOTEN
    Ruffled cotton-jersey shorts
    $680.00
    Select a Size
    x small
    small
    medium
    large
  • CITIZENS OF HUMANITY
    Court denim straight-leg shorts
    $285.00
    Select a Size
    23
    24
    25
    26
    27
    28
    29
    30 - low stock
    31 - out of stock
    32 - low stock
  • SAINT LAURENT
    Wool straight-leg capri pants
    $1,072.00
    Select a Size
    34 - low stock
    36
    38 - low stock
    40
    42
  • RÓHE
    Distressed denim shorts
    $315.00
    Select a Size
    34 - out of stock
    36 - out of stock
    38
    40 - out of stock
    42 - out of stock
    44 - out of stock

The knee-length skirt

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, Posse’s polka-dot ‘Leo’ style 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 Leset’s ‘Barb’ style which has a beautiful, liquid-like drape. Match your shoes to its pearlescent shade and finish the look with an oversized linen blazer.

  • LESET
    Barb satin midi skirt
    $245.00
    Select a Size
    x small - low stock
    small
    medium
    large
    x large
  • POSSE
    Leo polka-dot TENCEL™-blend satin midi skirt
    $231.00
    Select a Size
    xx small - out of stock
    x small - out of stock
    small - out of stock
    medium - out of stock
    large - out of stock
    x large - out of stock
    xx large - out of stock
  • KHAITE
    Kendra denim skirt
    $740.00
    Select a Size
    24 - out of stock
    25 - out of stock
    26 - out of stock
    27 - out of stock
    28 - low stock
    29 - out of stock
    30 - out of stock
    31 - out of stock
    32 - out of stock
  • STELLA MCCARTNEY
    Lace-trimmed satin midi skirt
    $845.00
    Select a Size
    34 - out of stock
    36 - low stock
    38
    40
    42
    44 - low stock
    46 - low stock
    48 - low stock
    50
Knee-length skirts are a versatile must-have for any summer wardrobe
A printed, floaty dress is a summer staple – just add mules, sandals or flats

The printed dress

Closet heroes should be effortless, and the right printed dress will help you look instantly put together, with minimal styling required. The key is to choose a motif that echoes your aesthetic and comes in a silhouette that can easily be paired with sandals, sneakers or flats. For something bold and beautiful, turn to Dries Van Noten’s ‘Davita’ maxi dress, which is printed with optical spots and a highlight from the spring/summer 2026 runway. Elsewhere, Faithfull’s polka-dot number is another gorgeous option – it’s cut from recycled crepe and has a flattering halterneck with ties at the back. The same goes for Zimmermann’s ‘Daylight’ dress in cool linen – the tapestry-inspired botanicals are perfect if you prefer daintier prints. What’s more, both are highlights from our NET SUSTAIN edit.

  • FAITHFULL
    Jennah polka-dot recycled-crepe halterneck midi dress
    $245.00
    Select a Size
    x small - out of stock
    small - out of stock
    medium - out of stock
    large - out of stock
    x large
    xx large - out of stock
  • KHAITE
    Erin floral-print silk-organza mini dress
    $2,030.00
    Select a Size
    10 - out of stock
  • ZIMMERMANN
    Daylight scalloped printed linen mini dress
    $655.00
    Select a Size
    00 - out of stock
    0 - out of stock
    1 - out of stock
    2 - out of stock
    3
    4
  • DRIES VAN NOTEN
    Davita printed satin midi dress
    $2,530.00
    Select a Size
    34 - out of stock
    36 - low stock
    38 - low stock
    40 - out of stock
    42
A woven bag is the ultimate summertime investment piece

The woven bag

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. Drawn to classic silhouettes? You’ll find the perfect style in Savette’s ‘Symmetry’ bag, which comes in a structured shape evocative of vintage vanity cases, or Bottega Veneta’s timeless doctor’s tote in classic intrecciato leather.

  • DRAGON DIFFUSION
    Santa Croce Big woven leather tote
    $545.00
  • BOTTEGA VENETA
    The 1998 Intrecciato leather shoulder bag
    $5,356.00
  • SAVETTE
    Symmetry leather-trimmed woven raffia shoulder bag
    $1,905.00
  • ST. AGNI
    Bateau woven leather tote bag
    $995.00

Thong sandals

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. Delivering on both minimal elegance and comfort, Emme Parsons’ ‘Meta’ flip flops are crafted from glossy croc-effect leather and will go with all your favorite summer outfits. Elsewhere, Christopher Esber’s wedge-heel sandals are a perfect choice for summer parties and events. Wear them to rooftop drinks with a slip dress.

  • KHAITE
    Archer snake-effect leather sandals
    $800.00
    Select a Size
    35 - low stock
    36 - out of stock
    36.5
    37 - low stock
    37.5 - out of stock
    38
    38.5
    39
    39.5 - low stock
    40 - low stock
    40.5 - low stock
    41
    42
  • CHRISTOPHER ESBER
    Scala leather sandals
    $537.00
    Select a Size
    35 - low stock
    36 - out of stock
    37 - out of stock
    38 - out of stock
    39 - out of stock
    40 - out of stock
    41 - out of stock
  • EMME PARSONS
    Meta croc-effect leather flip flops
    $500.00
    Select a Size
    35
    36 - out of stock
    37
    38
    39
    40 - low stock
    41 - low stock
  • TOTEME
    Croc-effect leather sandals
    $495.00
    Select a Size
    35 - low stock
    36 - low stock
    37
    38
    39
    40
    41 - low stock
    42 - low stock

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