Solving Your Summer Style Dilemmas
Non-frilly dresses, comfortable sandals and the 'do it all' layering piece? I've got you covered...
This post is in partnership with NET-A-PORTER*. I know, I know.
I love being a problem solver. It gets the old neurons firing, you know? Relationship advice? Career chats? I am here for it all. As a certified yapper, I love nothing better. And when it comes to style? Well, you’re combining two of my favourite things right there!!! I asked in the chat for your summer-style dilemmas, and today, I’m answering the ones that so many of you agreed were sticking points for you too. Let’s dig in…
This was by far the most frequently asked question, and for someone who has feet that like to blister even just looking at a strap sandal, I feel you. I mean, you *knew* that I’d recommend the Emme Parsons Sandals* here, right? I bought my pair last year, and they’ve been on my feet ever since. No blisters, no digging in, no need to even wear them in; they’ve been comfortable right off the bat. A 10k step kinda sandal and those are hard to come by! I’ll also throw A.EMERY* into the ring too. They crop up a lot in clients’ closets, and most of their styles have padded soles, which is a big win in my book. I really love the look of the Pae Leather Sandals* or the Jalen Suede Sandals* if you fancy something chunkier.
Now, this is a question I feel is qualified to answer. As a certified frilly summer dress hater - I GOT YOU!! My advice would be to go micro or maxi. I live for a mini dress (and have been on a run with them recently!); the shorter, the better! I’d recommend wearing something like the SKIMS Boyshorts* underneath. I really love this LETSET one*, which also comes in black, because it’s simple and acts as a great blank canvas for whatever jewellery and accessories you want to throw on it. It’s a classic.
If you’re going to go maxi, either stick to something like the MATTEAU dress*, which is straight up and down (scroll down a few photos to see that), or add serious volume with one like the Faithfull Maxi Dress*. I agree that a simple square or slight scooped neckline with a thin spaghetti strap is a look that feels effortless.
I’m on a ‘nice tops’ scrolling spree at the moment, and NET-A-PORTER has a great range to pick from. Whilst t-shirts and tanks are great for the summer, I agree that sometimes you just need something a little more elevated. This LESET Open Back Tunic* is fun because from the front, it just looks like a standard thick strap vest, but the drama is all at the back (it pairs well with a pair of high-waist jeans). Another one to try if you love a cutout detail is the Christopher Esber Cotton-Poplin Blouse* - their pieces feel quite sexy and pair beautifully with the basics in your wardrobe. Perhaps my favourite, though, is the Anine Bing Haltertop*. Sling it on with some linen wide-leg trousers for a relaxed look, or go all out with flared black trousers for an evening OOTD.
As someone who works from home most of the time and hasn’t worked in an office setting for 10+ years, I’m fully aware that I’m not necessarily the top candidate to answer this question. However, from styling clients on Indyx, I feel like I’ve got a bit of a grip on the dos and don’ts of modern office dressing (most clients briefing me for work looks specify nothing too tight or short, and some ask for no vest tops). I feel like this look ticks the box of being suitable for work without feeling too buttoned up and still showing some personal style. Plus, everything can be broken up for weekend dressing, too. I’d wear The Frankie Shop Trousers* with a black vest top and flip-flops or the Faithfull Linen Vest* with a wide-leg pair of jeans.
I will forever be arguing in the corner of a simple slip-dress. It’s just so darn chic and so darn versatile. Like, imagine this one with flip-flops, big earrings and a basket bag. You’re ready for the beach. Pop on a heeled sandal and a cute clutch, and that’s a wedding guest dress right here. I digress, but this MATTEAU dress* is so good that I’m desperately trying to find a way to justify adding it to my wardrobe. In terms of layering over it, or any dress for that matter, I’d recommend a blazer. More specifically, a linen blazer - that’s the search term you want to use here. This one from The Frankie Shop* is light and airy, but without enough structure so that it doesn’t have too much drape to it. I’d suggest one in a lighter fabric, too, as it stops it from feeling so formal. Throw it over your dress and scrunch up the sleeves, or wear it over your shoulders - it truly is the ‘do it all’ layer.
Hopefully, that’s solved a summer-style dilemma or two for you. I’m always here to yap on about what’s in our wardrobes, so subscribe if you’d like me to join you in your inbox on the reg. I’d love to be there!
Anna x
Loved this post. Thanks Anna - in particular the semi-corporate styling. My only issue is being on the other side of the world (Australia) is that I want the same question but for the opposite season! I’d love if you could maybe link to equivalent posts from 6 months ago to cater to those of us down under!
That full maxi dress! I may just pull the trigger on that and let the boobs fall where they may!