Summer is around the corner and, with vaccines being rolled out globally, we’re poised to amp up our wardrobes and safely dance the night away (insert dancing flamenco dress emoji).
In 2019, ‘hot girl summer’ went viral thanks to rapper Megan Thee Stallion’s hit single of the same name. Fast forward to today, the sentiment behind the statement still stands, but after more than a year of hibernating in our hoodies, it certainly does not feel the same. The solution? Finding a steady balance between the sensuous and exuberant, with practical ease fit for our times.
Whether it’s layering a luxe silk bralet beneath a sports jacket, towering platform boots with a tough edge, or balloon sleeved #Regencycore minidresses to effortlessly transition from a day of al fresco frolics to an evening on the dancefloor — here’s the Vogue guide to getting soiree-ready this summer.
A skirt for the summer? Make mine a mini
Miu Miu Spring Summer 2021, Chopova Lowena Spring Summer 2021, Maryam Nassir Zadeh Spring Summer 2021.
The miniskirt has been a trusted wardrobe mainstay since its huge popularity in the 1960s. Decades on, it still exudes boldness and remains a symbol of defiance. Opt for a Y2K-inspired textured low-rise ultra-mini to match your accessories, as seen at Miu Miu, or for a day-to-evening take, try pairing a multicoloured pleated Chopova Lowena version with printed tights and a crisp white shirt.
If your party pants don’t demand attention, you’re doing it wrong
Chanel Spring Summer 2021, Maximilian Spring Summer 2021, Louis Vuitton Spring Summer 2021.
Who said trousers were boring? It’s high time to spice up your pants game for the dancefloor. Whether it’s a wide-legged pair in fluorescent pink as at Chanel or Maximilian’s immaculately tailored cuts (we’ll take ours in tangerine), the ability to move seamlessly while making a strong statement is absolutely essential. If you’re feeling particularly daring, try a sequinned pair with a matching short sleeve jacket, as per Louis Vuitton.
The higher the platform, the closer to heaven
Valentino Couture Spring 2021, Rick Owens Spring Summer 2021, Harris Reed x Roker.
Strut into the post-pandemic era with sky-high conviction by wearing this season’s biggest footwear trend: platform boots. From the mesmerising thigh-high metallic pairs at Valentino haute couture and Rick Owens, to a textured ode to 1970s glamour with Harris Reed x Roker, an entire look can be elevated (quite literally) with a striking pair, even if simply wearing with boot-cut flared jeans and a white T-shirt.
E-girl debutante dressing for the win
Valentino Spring Summer 2021, Yuhan Wang Spring Summer 2021, Khaite Spring Summer 2021.
With Instagram and TikTok all over the trend, lest we forget the Bridgerton phenomena from earlier in the year, it’s safe to say that #Regencycore is undoubtedly a popular look of the summer. Whether it’s a floor-length gown in the lightest of chiffons as seen at Valentino and Yuhan Wang or a minidress with voluminous sleeves for dramatic effect à la Khaite and Loewe, live out your period drama fantasy IRL in a Regency-era inspired frock.
Big up the bralet
Isabel Marant Spring Summer 2021, Versace Spring Summer 2021, Rokh Spring Summer 2021.
For the undaunted among you, there’s nothing quite like a cropped midriff-baring look in the sunshine. Go all out in Isabel Marant’s layered silk, off-the-shoulder offering (complete with bedazzling hot pants to match) for the full effect, or balance out your bralet with a mid-calf skirt, as per Versace and Rokh. Either way, necks will crane, and with perfectly good reason.
A summer coat isn’t so frivolous after all
Simone Rocha Spring Summer 2021, Prada Spring Summer 2021, Fendi Spring Summer 2021.
Inevitably, socialising and dining will still predominantly need to be outdoors, therefore keeping warm in the evening is of utmost importance. How best to effectively do so? That’s right, a light coat for the summer. If you’re channelling a Regency-inspired aesthetic opt for Simone Rocha’s sheer trench in embroidered tulle, or set the tone for a spicy night out in a light, printed-silk Prada opera coat. For optimal snuggliness, Fendi’s oversized quilted version, reminiscent of a luxe duvet, will be sure to do the trick.
Editor
Alex KesslerCredit
Lead image: courtesy Bottega Veneta
