THE LOOK
Style Trends To Stay Chic This Summer
Move over Antibes and Cannes, your beaches may be lovely and great for vacationing, but your style has nothing on New York. Especially in the summer. Everyone knows that no one quite does summer chic like the Big Apple. The city is a melting pot of inspiration at the forefront of what’s trending in fashion, which is why the world continues to look at what we’re wearing. Whether sailing on the Hudson, strolling down the High Line or having that special dinner for two, here’s a run-down of this summer’s hottest trends to keep you looking fab through to Labor Day.
The Linen Effect
You know it’s summer when one of the most viral trends on social media comes back from its hibernation season - namely “the linen effect.” The fashion theory professes how anyone, especially guys, immediately experience a glow up when donning a white linen shirt. The same can be said for ladies and it doesn’t just stop at white linen shirts – pants, dresses, blazers, shorts – the linen effect is very real and spans beyond white. Shades of blue, navy, coral, beige, crème, even olive-green tones are all safe bets this summer. Their lightweight breathability makes them your best friend for those scorching summer days when you want to look cool and not sweat through your clothes as linen is absorbent and dries faster than cotton. Linen also looks expensive making it perfect for a night out on the town or a weekend out east in Montauk.
The Perfect Knit
Counter-intuitive to what many would consider a summer textile, crochet is one of the most popular trends for both men and women this season thanks to the breathability of knit patterns. Especially when you factor in the scorcher of a summer we are predicted to have!
Crochet provides coverage but more importantly provides an avenue for air to flow keeping you cool during the warmer months. This is a hot trend in tops. A crochet overshirt is an easy way to make a casual outfit look elevated or to dress down a stuffy, buttoned-up ensemble. Simply pair it with a tank underneath and you’re good to go. Crochet polos are also popular and fun way to break from the typical short-sleeve collared shirt of seasons past. From Zara to Saks, you’ll have no problem getting your hands on one around the city.
Raffia Harvest Season
Summer also signifies the start of raffia season – the time of the year where those raffia bags and totes are the ‘it’ bag of the summer. Not only is raffia one of the most environmentally friendly textiles but its quintessential summer and easy to find everywhere from H&M to Prada, Loewe, Bottega Veneta and beyond. Simply take a stroll down Madison Ave and you will find no shortage of raffia accessories to compliment your summer chic attire. If you are also all about the latest bag charm craze, yes, raffia is also Labubu-friendly – feel free to accessorize – they want to enjoy summer, too.
It’s OK to Flip-Flop
Wicked’s Jonathan Bailey recently ignited a big debate while promoting his latest film – he wore flip flops to the red carpet. At first, reactions were mixed but the end verdict was that it was a very chic risk that paid off, further cementing his style icon status. The secret was in the styling, and this applies to everyone this summer. There’s a time and place for Havaianas and that’s at the beach or on the road when you’re vacationing and relaxing with family a la style Lampoon. If we’re looking to pull off summer chic in the city then we need to pay attention to the material, color and how we’re pairing them with our attire.
Leather is always a safe bet when deciding to wear flip-flops this season. Neutral colors generally pair well with most outfits. Should you find yourself wearing black this summer, a monochromatic look with black sandals is a very classy and elevated way to let your toes breathe while looking stylish. Now be advised - consider scoring the bottom of your sandals to create traction and prevent slipping before heading out the door! Those Hermes Izmir sandals are beautiful but they can also be very dangerous when walking on cobblestone or slippery sidewalks – this is the summer to live our best life not one to be remembered as fashion roadkill.
Remember, this is the season to have fun and take risks - be loud, proud, bold and stand out! Don’t forget those sunnies and jewelry pieces that stand out. And as with any fashion advice, the ultimate style tip is always to be you and celebrate your personality. The hottest and most exclusive look that everyone will love is always the one where you look and feel your best.