The Fashion Memo

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

Words Gillian BrettFashion editor Connie Daw
Fashion

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 adds a dose of bohemian glamour to even the simplest of looks

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.

  • STELLA MCCARTNEY
    Fringed crocheted maxi dress
    $716.00
    Select a Size
    x small - out of stock
    small - out of stock
    medium - out of stock
    large - low stock
    x large - low stock
  • SAINT LAURENT
    Gold-tone and resin cuff
    $1,700.00
    Select a Size
    S - out of stock
    M - out of stock
  • ISABEL MARANT
    Oskan fringed suede shoulder bag
    $951.00
  • EMME PARSONS
    Loop satin sandals
    $210.00
    Select a Size
    35 - low stock
    36
    37
    38
    39
    40 - low stock
    41
    42 - low stock

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.

  • ETRO
    Cropped embroidered denim vest
    $460.00
    Select a Size
    38 - out of stock
    40 - low stock
    42
    44 - low stock
    46 - low stock
    48 - out of stock
    50
  • NILI LOTAN
    Neville embroidered cotton-voile blouse
    $150.00
    Select a Size
    x small - out of stock
    small - out of stock
    medium - out of stock
    large - out of stock
    x large - out of stock
  • THE ROW
    Alfidis pleated brushed cotton and cashmere-blend twill wide-leg pants
    $1,150.00
    Select a Size
    0 - out of stock
    2 - out of stock
    4
    6 - low stock
    8
    10 - out of stock
    12
  • CHLOÉ
    Summer Banana embellished embroidered raffia tote
    $990.00
Intricate embroidery puts a summer-ready spin on blouses and jackets
With its handcrafted feel, crochet is the ultimate symbol of summer style

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.

  • SAINT LAURENT EYEWEAR
    D-frame acetate sunglasses
    $520.00
  • ISABEL MARANT
    Paloma open-back crocheted cotton-blend maxi dress
    $654.00
    Select a Size
    34
    36 - low stock
    38 - low stock
    40 - low stock
    42 - low stock
  • JENNIFER FISHER
    Knot gold-plated earrings
    $250.00
  • CHLOÉ
    Flower crocheted slides
    $288.00
    Select a Size
    35 - out of stock
    36
    37 - out of stock
    38 - out of stock
    38.5 - out of stock
    39 - out of stock
    40 - out of stock
    41 - out of stock
Add instant romance to your look with one of this season’s statement ruffled blouses

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.

  • JOHANNA ORTIZ
    Zambra tie-detailed ruffled organic linen blouse
    $596.00
    Select a Size
    0 - low stock
    2
    4 - low stock
    6
    8 - low stock
    10
  • CHLOÉ
    Gold-tone necklace
    $725.00
  • AGOLDE
    Low Curve mid-rise straight-leg jeans
    $248.00
    Select a Size
    23 - out of stock
    24 - out of stock
    25 - out of stock
    26 - out of stock
    27 - out of stock
    28 - out of stock
    29 - out of stock
    30 - out of stock
    31 - out of stock
    32
  • ETRO
    Ruffled printed silk-crepon maxi dress
    $2,485.00
    Select a Size
    36 - out of stock
    38 - out of stock
    40
    42 - out of stock
    44
    46 - out of stock
    48 - out of stock
    50 - out of stock

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.

  • SENSI STUDIO
    Large straw tote
    $245.00
  • PROENZA SCHOULER WHITE LABEL
    Kailey pleated cotton-blend poplin midi dress
    $288.00
    Select a Size
    0 - out of stock
    2 - out of stock
    4 - out of stock
    6 - out of stock
    8
    10 - out of stock
    12 - out of stock
    14 - out of stock
  • MARIA MCMANUS
    Striped recycled-woven scarf
    $245.00
  • SAINT LAURENT EYEWEAR
    Cat-eye tortoiseshell acetate sunglasses
    $535.00
Whether you’re in the city or on the beach, a raffia bag is the perfect summer accessory
Sumptuous, lightweight and velvety soft, suede is a versatile option for any summer wardrobe

“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.

  • STOULS
    Suede vest
    $651.00
    Select a Size
    x small - out of stock
    small - out of stock
    medium - out of stock
    large - out of stock
  • LOEWE
    Flamenco mini leather clutch
    $2,600.00
  • STOULS
    Dean suede flared pants
    $775.00
    Select a Size
    x small - out of stock
    small - out of stock
    medium - out of stock
    large - out of stock
  • PARIS TEXAS
    Portofino snake-effect leather sandals
    $211.00
    Select a Size
    35 - low stock
    35.5 - out of stock
    36 - out of stock
    36.5 - low stock
    37
    37.5 - low stock
    38 - out of stock
    38.5 - out of stock
    39 - out of stock
    39.5 - out of stock
    40
    40.5 - out of stock
    41 - out of stock
    41.5 - out of stock
    42 - low stock

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