After months of mindlessly shopping without rhyme or reason, my summer wardrobe is in need of a fix. It’s the classic trope of having too many options without having anything to truly wear, so in light of my situation, I’m getting more strategic. While I don’t need to go overboard with a whole new closet, I do want to invest in a few essential pieces that will do the heavy lifting and reduce how long I sit and stare into the abyss that is my closet. Since the runways are always a source of discovery, I went back and combed through the spring-summer collections for some fresh inspiration. Now that these collections have finally trickled from the shows into the retail stores, it made even more sense to give them another look. Hours of clicking and scrolling later, I finally arrived at my dream summer wardrobe, and it came down to five key pieces.
From prep-school mini skirts (thank you Miu Miu) to happy hour halter vests, and cocktail hour crochet, these were the standouts among the host of florals and linen pieces on the runways. The point is that I can incorporate them into my current wardrobe as a focal point, with my existing staples as the supporting act.
They’re ready to set the tone and define the mood of the summer—keep scrolling to see the buys energizing and unifying my summer vibe.
Two pieces are better than one. Designers proved that on the season’s runways with two-piece matching sets in an array of lightweight fabrics and eccentric shapes. Acne Studios is always one of my favorites, so as soon as this midi-skirt and cropped jacket combo appeared during its spring-summer show, it didn’t leave my brain. I’m no stranger to the power of a matching set, but this one was different—the wired hem, the semi-sheer wool fabric, and the slightly distressed composition were all a statement that made you couldn’t glance away. The look fully convinced me that eye-catching sets were non-negotiable for the warm months ahead and thus far they’ve proven useful. It seems like every weekend someone is throwing a party for something, and a statement set like this takes the guesswork out of getting dressed—plus the whimsy makes compliments inevitable.
Shop the matching midi skirt ($440).
Shop the matching sequin tulle shorts ($220).
Shop the matching twisted silk camisole ($420).
Shop the matching Evangeline midi skirt ($330).
Sandy Liang’s spring show was filled with plenty of hits—sleek schoolgirl skirts, cool cut-out vests, and itsy bitsy bralettes—but the standout moment for me was this khaki-colored a-line dress. It’s a silhouette I’ve seen countless times, but Liang’s version, with a slightly dropped waist felt special. It also signaled a bigger moment I’m currently seeing a lot of now: modified puff ball or a-line dresses. Slimed at the bodice and spreading into a full skirt, the shape feels sophisticated but with an edge.
Leaning a less conventional, we have the halter vest, aka the summer vest. Coperni’s pinstriped version paired with billowy tan cargo pants is a look I’d like to wear right this very moment. It’s an outfit that means business but doesn’t take itself too seriously (hence the very Y2-inspired cargos). A halter vest is also something very new to my white tank top and linen pant-dominated closet, so it’s an opportunity to change things up—maybe it will be my new staple.
Until a few months ago I feverishly swore off mini skirts; the recent abundance of Miu Miu micro mini skirts changed my tune. This year I’m giving them a try, following London-based label, 16Arlington as the blueprint. The brand sent an off-white pleated mini skirt with a long-sleeve crystal embellished top that felt like something Britney Spears would’ve worn in 2003. For its faithful adaptation of early Aughts fashion (which we’ve already seen a lot of at this point), I’m still transfixed by this outfit. And thus I’m currently ordering every pleated mini skirt my fingers can scroll through.
Crochet is so synonymous with summer that it would be more of a surprise if it wasn’t mentioned within the context of summer fashion . However, this crochet is more fit for an occasion with a little more pomp and circumstance. Jil Sander was one of the many names that presented elegantly fancy crochet (or openwork) pieces within its spring-summer collections. Proenza Schouler and Ferragamo also followed suit with heavyweight crochet dresses that could function as worthy options for a fancy apertivo. The Michelin-starred rooftop restaurants aren’t ready.
