The Ultimate Summer Eveningwear Guide
Discover the perfect eveningwear looks for all occasions – think summer soirees, glamorous after-dark parties and every other event in between – from Isabel Marant’s high-summer ’25 capsule collection, exclusive to NET-A-PORTER
On a balmy summer night in Los Angeles, NET-A-PORTER’s CEO Heather Kaminetsky, designer Isabel Marant and actor Milla Jovovich hosted an intimate dinner party at Oliver House – renowned architect Rudolph Schindler’s modernist masterpiece overlooking the Silver Lake Reservoir – to celebrate the launch of the Parisian designer’s exclusive high-summer ’25 capsule, stylishly modeled by guests. Read on to discover some of the chicest looks from the event and how to wear them now…
A knitted dress
The brilliance of a knitted dress is that it will work in pretty much any setting. Perfect if you prefer a touch more coverage, Isabel Marant’s ‘Gisole’ maxi dress is made from ultra-fine pointelle-knit with a pie-crust collar and a sheer pleated skirt. The sleek silhouette works just as well with flats as it does with heels, meaning you can go from daytime events to evening parties with just a simple change of footwear. If you want to amp things up a bit further after-hours, take cues from actor Madeline Brewer, who styled the brand’s cutout ‘Elmire’ dress from the spring ’25 runway with a tuxedo-style blazer and a smoky eye. Meanwhile, stylist Nausheen Shah added a laid-back feel to the knitted ‘Eileen’ dress by shrugging a tonal leather biker jacket on top.
The boho mini
For something short but very sweet, reach for Isabel Marant’s gathered silk-crepon ‘Aliyah’ mini dress – worn on the night by the designer herself, who styled it with wraparound gladiator sandals and stacked bracelets – or the scalloped suede ‘Charlina’ style, worn by actor Stephanie Suganami, which evokes the spirit of ’70s California. Balance the thigh-grazing hem with flats and finish with delicate jewelry, like Stone and Strand’s diamond-encrusted ring stack.
A romantic maxi
A floaty white maxi dress is a fail-safe for busy evenings with multiple plans in your diary, as it’s so easy to style. Several guests, including designer Aurora James and actors Kasmere Trice Stanfield and Lily Rabe, all attended the event in ethereal floor-length iterations from Isabel Marant’s SS25 and HS25 collections. James’s ‘Justine’ style echoes the brand’s effortless elegance yet is polished enough for dressier occasions, as well as an intimate dinner with friends. Wear yours with little else but a sculptural cuff, like Completedworks’ rippled gold-plated style, and heeled or flat sandals depending on the event, slipping the label’s lace-up suede ‘Edina’ jacket over your shoulders if you’re having dinner outside.
Effortless co-ords
While winter is all about clever layering, summer is the season of chic co-ords – the beauty being that you can pack just a few pieces in your luggage that can easily be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits. Actor Rachel Bilson opted for Isabel Marant’s dreamy ‘Rosaline’ blouse and matching ‘Rolande’ skirt, which are both made from featherweight silk-crepon and detailed with braiding and gold-tone beads, epitomizing the brand’s bohemian chic. Alternatively, if you’re seeking something a touch more colorful, then you’ll love this silk set worn by NET-A-PORTER’s fashion director, Kay Barron. “I fully embraced the Isabel Marant nonchalance and the relaxed LA vibe by dressing in the easiest and comfiest set I have ever worn – like wearing the most elegant of pajamas,” she says. “All I needed to dress them up were a pair of heels, gold earrings, and the warm California breeze to gently billow the silk.” Echo her look by styling the brand’s halterneck ‘Yickia’ top and the matching pants together for dinner or drinks, then wear them separately with denim during the day.
Dressed-up denim
If you can’t be prised away from your favorite jeans, then why not dress them up with a nice top and heels? As long as you aren’t adhering to a formal dress code (think black tie, wedding or gala event), then a printed camisole or a romantic blouse with denim will look just as chic as a dress or tailoring. Channel model Salem Mitchell’s look by styling Isabel Marant’s wrap-effect one-shoulder ‘Devona’ top with barely-there sandals and a tasseled suede shoulder bag, or echo model Hilary Rhoda’s insouciant style in the brand’s ‘Jenna’ blouse.