How Suede and Other Trending Textures Can Transform Your Summer Style
From breezy fringing to intricate embroidery, this season’s summer textures embrace the art of movement and craftsmanship in every stitch
Nothing says summer quite like the swish of fringing, embroidery blooming across blouses, and tactile raffias and crochets. Whether you’re perched poolside or on your morning commute in the city, wearing summer-ready textures can instantly give you a mood boost. Even if it’s only in your mind, let these looks transport you somewhere tropical…
Fringing
Languid fringing is about as synonymous with summer as ice cream, and thanks to the return of the boho trend, there are plenty of options to choose from this season. Stella McCartney’s fringed maxi from our NET SUSTAIN edit has been crocheted by hand using fully traceable, lower-impact materials and is perfect slipped on over a swimsuit for beach parties that carry on into the evening hours, as it looks just as good with flats as it does with heels. Isabel Marant’s suede fringed shoulder bag (a NET-A-PORTER exclusive), meanwhile, will add a free-spirited ease to daytime looks – style it with floral maxi dresses and super-sized sunglasses.
Embroidery
When the mercury rises, it’s time to switch out structured shirting in favor of breezy blouses. Nili Lotan’s embroidered ‘Neville’ blouse is the perfect blend of pretty and polished, and can be worn with midi skirts or tailored pants to the office. On weekends, channel your inner ’70s frontwoman by layering Etro’s embroidered paisley-print denim vest – another NET-A-PORTER exclusive – over the top. Grab Chloé’s ‘Summer Banana’ tote and your favorite sunglasses before you head for lunch with friends.
Crochet
There is something about crochet that makes us pine for music festivals and balmy nights on the dance floor, and Isabel Marant’s ‘Paloma’ maxi dress is begging to be taken out for a twirl. Style it on vacation with a bikini, gold bangles and barely-there sandals. Evoking the spirit of carefree summers, it’s been meticulously crocheted using open stitches and is sure to become a forever piece in your summer wardrobe. Slip on Chloé’s crochet slides and finish with sculptural gold-plated earrings by Jennifer Fisher.
Ruffles
Romantic ruffles will lend a Parisian prettiness to your look. Johanna Ortiz’s breezy organic linen ‘Zambra’ blouse is a timeless piece that you will turn to for everything, from formal events to laid-back lunch dates. Its soft ecru shade complements most colors, including the faded blue wash of Agolde’s ‘Low Curve’ wide-leg jeans. What’s more, both are from our NET SUSTAIN edit. Just add Gucci’s leather-trimmed raffia ballet flats and a basket bag to complete your Left Bank look.
Raffia bags
Speaking of which, one of our top picks is Sensi Studio’s straw tote. Woven entirely by hand, it’s the perfect size for a paperback and SPF – and really, what more do you need on a day off in summer? Nail summer-in-the-city styling with Proenza Schouler White Label’s ‘Kailey’ dress, which is crafted from crisp cotton-blend poplin, and a pair of woven ballet flats.
Suede
“Suede brings a fresh summer twist to leather; it’s feather-light, ultra-soft and moves with the body like a second skin,” says Stouls founder Aurelia Stouls. The Paris-based brand is known for crafting timeless pieces exclusively from innovative, machine-washable leather and suede. Consider its buttery brown suede vest and matching ‘Dean’ pants for your summer capsule closet – they will look super sleek worn together with heels or can be styled as separates. “I would wear the vest with light, embroidered cotton shorts and flat lace-up sandals, and the pants with a super chic, brightly colored, sleeveless silk or cotton shirt, accessorized with low-heeled ankle boots and a low-rise belt,” says Stouls.
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