Spring might have only just settled in, but my mind is already drifting to summer. You know that sweet spot in the season when the sun suddenly lingers past 8 p.m., your calendar fills with drinks and garden gatherings and getting dressed starts to feel second nature again? That’s exactly where I’m at. After months of grey skies and practical layering, I’m fully ready to embrace lighter fabrics, optimistic colour palettes and pieces that are as effortless as they are elegant. This year, I’m taking a slightly softer approach to seasonal dressing—one that still aligns with my love of timeless silhouettes and tailored cuts, but with a few subtle nods to summer’s playfulness. I’ve always been a classic dresser (give me good shirting and a well-cut trouser any day), but lately, I’ve been drawn to delicate prints, breezy dresses and sandals that feel barely there. It’s less about reinvention and more about refinement and slowly building a warm-weather wardrobe I’ll rely on all season long.
(Image credit: NET-A-PORTER)
When I want to hit refresh without starting from scratch, NET-A-PORTER is the first place I turn. It’s more than just a luxury fashion destination—it’s where I go to find the pieces that make getting dressed feel exciting again. The new-season offering right now is full of beautifully wearable styles that sit in that sweet spot between elevated and practical—exactly what I’m looking for as my summer diary starts to fill up. Whether it’s a friend’s wedding, a work thing that requires a bit of polish, or just a weekend in the city, I want pieces that work hard but look like I’ve barely tried. That’s the beauty of the NET-A-PORTER edit—everything feels curated, not chaotic. And as someone who lives in London (where the weather could turn at any moment), I always look for pieces that layer well and can easily be styled across seasons.
So what am I eyeing up this season? There are a few categories I always return to when the invites to summer occasion start piling up: flowing midi skirts that catch the breeze and would look so chic styled with a flowing blouse for a wedding, easy sandals that go with everything from birthday party outfits to baby shower looks, tailored trousers in lighter fabrics, crisp shirting and versatile dresses I can wear on repeat to evening events. I’ve also been thinking about how these new additions will sit alongside last year’s favourites—like the Toteme cotton skirt and Loewe woven tote I wore to death last year (and fully plan on bringing out again). This season, I’m looking to layer in some subtle updates that feel joyful but won’t date—pieces that slot in effortlessly and can stretch well beyond summer. Below, I’ve rounded up the key buys I’m bookmarking from NET-A-PORTER’s latest edit.
Shop My Favourite Classic Summer Pieces at NET-A-PORTER
1. Flowing Midi Skirts
Few pieces feel as easy to wear in summer as a flowing midi skirt. I rely on them to bring movement and interest to simple tops and tanks—and they always work dressed up or down.
Shop Midi Skirts:
POSSE
Antoinette Scalloped Embroidered Cotton-Voile Midi Skirt
This skirt is light and luxurious but still has that understated Aussie feel that Posse is known for.
THE ROW
Irene Lace-Trimmed Silk-Charmeuse Skirt
The structure here is beautiful. I’d pair this with a silk vest and strappy sandals for a city lunch look that feels considered but relaxed.
DÔEN
Sebastiane Crochet-Trimmed Organic Cotton-Poplin Midi Skirt
Soft, summery and a little romantic. I saw a similar style worn with a white shirt tied at the waist at an event last season—so effortless.
MAX MARA
Carnet Silk-Satin Midi Skirt
This slip skirt is simple, but it still pairs perfectly with everything I own.
2. Barley-There Sandals
I love sandals that can take me from morning meetings to evening drinks without screaming trendy. These are minimal, flattering and designed to go the distance.
Shop Sandals:
A.EMERY
Jalen Suede Sandals
I’ve seen these on so many well-dressed stylists recently. They’re practical for city walking but still feel sleek enough to elevate a whole look.
ANCIENT GREEK SANDALS
Celia Leather Sandals
A modern upgrade on a Grecian classic. I love the clean silhouette and the way the ankle tie adds a subtle statement without trying too hard.
EMME PARSONS
Meta Leather Flip Flops
Thong sandals are the fashion crowd’s not-so-secret favourite. I tried these on last year and haven’t stopped thinking about them since. The fit and feel are just as good as the look.
AQUAZZURA
Oaxaca Knotted Leather Sandals
These have just the right amount of polish. The delicate straps are flattering on the foot, and they’d work for everything from weddings to weekend wear.
3. Tailored Trousers
Lighter, looser and infinitely wearable, tailored trousers are my warm-weather alternative to jeans. I’ll style these with knits, tanks and oversized shirts all season.
Shop Tailored Trousers:
ÉTERNE
Striped Cotton-Poplin Wide-Leg Pants
These feel like the perfect spring-to-summer option. They’ve got just enough stretch, and the ankle length works so well with sandals or mules.
TOTEME
Embroidered Silk-Twill Wide-Leg Pants
These trousers, worn with the matching shirt, are an instant summer occasion-ready look. The cut is fluid but still smart—very Toteme.
THE ROW
Lilas Pleated Cotton-Blend Twill Tapered Pants
Yes, they’re a splurge—but they drape like a dream. I’d wear these for a summer dinner with a slim vest and gold jewellery.
ANDRES OTALORA
Pleated Linen Wide-Leg Cargo Pants
Linen, wide-leg, cargo—ticking off all of the trends.
4. Romantic Dresses
My summer wardrobe always includes a handful of dresses that I can throw on and feel instantly put-together in. I’ll reach for these on warm days when I still want to look polished.
Shop Dresses:
STAUD
Mariana Strapless Gathered Jersey Maxi Dress
Butter yellow is one of the trending colours of the season, and this Staud dress does the colour right. I’ve worn similar silhouettes styled with barely-there sandals and a basket bag.
DÔEN
Enya Two-Tone Ruched Organic Cotton-Poplin Midi Dress
Light, easy and quietly beautiful.
ZIMMERMANN
Tiered Plissé-Taffeta Midi Dress
Elevated, but wearable. This is the kind of piece that works for weddings, dinner parties and everything in between.
FAITHFULL
Juliet Bow-Embellished Lace-Trimmed Shirred Cotton-Poplin Midi Dress
This brand always nails warm-weather dressing. I’d throw this on with oversized sunnies and a chunky earring for a no-fuss, high-impact outfit.
5. Crisp Shirting
A sharp shirt is one of my favourite summer layering tools. Whether thrown over swimwear, tucked into trousers or worn loose with a skirt, these styles are versatile and endlessly wearable.
Shop Shirts:
B SIDES
Marta Striped Cotton Shirt
I love a stripe in the warmer months. This one adds just enough detail to an outfit while staying easy to wear and layer.
ANOTHER TOMORROW
Linen Shirt
An editor favourite for good reason. I’ve spotted this on fashion week attendees more times than I can count—it’s the ultimate summer throw-on-and-go piece.
THE ROW
Nesson Striped Organic Cotton-Poplin Shirt
Subtle branding, impeccable fit. I’ve worn this one layered over a tank with trousers and loafers for a work look that still feels fresh.
AMI PARIS
Adc Embroidered Cotton Oxford Shirt
Imagine this worn with a miniskirt and some slingback heels for a very preppy look.
