Most Wanted: Summer In The City

Deciding what to wear in the city during the summer can be a challenge – especially in a heatwave – but it’s not impossible providing you have the right staples. Something as simple and effortlessly chic as oversized shirt can work wonders when moving from the heat of the sidewalk to an air-conditioned office, while a simple column dress will see you through a day filled with important professional and social engagements, as well as an appointment at your favorite cocktail bar.

“I love seeing what everyone is wearing in our London office; it is such a good barometer for trends and how to approach summer styling in a chic yet effortless way,” says NET-A-PORTER buying manager Lydia Zacharis. “This season, my own uniform consists of mid-length skirts (although I do also have a soft spot for knee-length styles as well) with crisp white shirts or T-shirts (Flore Flore is a buying team favorite) and elevated flip flops or kitten-heeled pumps, accented with statement jewelry from the likes of By Pariah, Le Sundial and YSSO.”

Follow Zacharis’ lead by opting for a midi skirt in an interesting silhouette or a characterful print. Covering all bases is Dries Van Noten’s cult city sarong, which comes in silk-satin patterned with contrasting marble motifs and has an easy-to-adjust wrap front. Style yours with Matteau’s shirt in crisp pinstriped cotton, pushing up the sleeves and leaving a few buttons undone at the collar for a touch of Parisian nonchalance. Next, add Alaïa’s breezy mesh ballet flats, swapping them for Jude’s black leather ‘Fame’ pumps when dinner calls. Finally, opt for earrings by Completedworks and Jil Sander’s copper-toned ‘Goji Pillow’ bag before heading out in the heat.

If you’re more of a pants person but can’t face the thought of wearing them again until at least September, then Bermuda shorts are a smart and versatile alternative. Wear Khaite’s ‘Auggie’ pair either with a silk-organza blouse or Róhe’s ‘Boss’ shirt, slipping a linen blazer over your shoulders when the temperature cools come sundown. Continue the earth-toned palette with Saint Laurent’s ‘Babylone’ mules in tobacco-colored suede and Bottega Veneta’s caramel-hued leather ‘Maxi Veneta’ tote, which has plenty of space inside for your laptop, water bottle and spare a pair of flats for busier days. Alternatively, add a pop of color into the mix with Saint Laurent’s ‘Icarino’ bag in butter-yellow matelassé leather – ideal for strolling around the city with only your essentials in tow.

Browse more in this week’s New In.