THE HEIGHT OF SUMMER

There’s an undeniable effortlessness to this season’s high summer collection and we see day and evening dress codes collide in a seamless manner. The result is an 18-hour wardrobe that feels fresh, relevant and beautifully natural. From dramatic floor-sweeping maxi dresses to playful printed shorts, we present the pieces that no warm-weather wardrobe should be without and look at how to style them in a way that captures the essence of the season.

THE IMITATION GAME

Blend in with tropical surroundings by choosing botanical prints in saturated hues. This season’s iterations come applied to all manner of silhouettes, from sweeping maxi dresses to chic playsuit alternatives. The real beauty here lies in impact levels (high) versus effort levels (low). Even when worn solo and dressed down, a stylish piece like one of our printed dresses is sure to make an impact.

PARED-BACK PERFECTION

There’s something of a cool serenity to this season’s dusky palette and when imagined in languid, throw-on silhouettes, it epitomises the simple luxury that we associate with long days in the sun. Breeze from bed to brunch in day dresses that promise to remain relevant whatever the day entails.

WHEN POLISHED MEETS PLAYFUL

If there’s a single piece that no summer wardrobe should be without, it’s the playsuit. This season, tuxedo-inspired styles put a polished slant on this hitlist non-mover. Epitomising day to evening dressing in the most contemporary sense of the word, an all-white piece forms the perfect canvas for a multitude of looks. Keep things understated and wear it simply with statement sunglasses.

IT’S ALL IN THE DETAIL

Chic black swimwear remains a favourite this season and it’s your short-cut to a confident poolside look. But black needn’t mean basic; there’s a host of styling tips and tricks that can put a contemporary twist on the look. No matter how delicate, layered jewellery holds unrivalled styling power and chains in varying lengths will make for an enchanting addition to an otherwise minimalist look.

SEEING GREEN

There’s something ethereal about the season’s wash of muted pastel shades and they travel effortlessly from invite-only events in the city to far-flung beach shores. Don’t eschew the adaptability of full length summer dresses – whilst these lend themselves beautifully to the wedding season, for example, they also hold a very relevant place come sunset on holiday.

AN UNEXPECTED TWIST

Tailoring takes on a casual-cool aesthetic when removed from the boardroom and adapted to suit the modern traveller. Try loose-cut tailored trousers for chic silhouettes in-flight, but make the most of them whilst away as well – they’re a chic and unexpected addition to the simplest of separates and they adapt surprisingly well to more rural surroundings.

URBAN SAFARI

Urban-meets-ethereal in the form of silk shirt dresses. Endlessly versatile, these fare just as well worn unbuttoned and layered over swimwear as they do styled done up and teamed with mules for city escapades. Emphasise this transitional styling technique by taking your Monday to Friday tote in lieu of a beach bag as you head for sunnier climes.

OFF-DUTY EASE

Not only is it one of the most effortless ways to enliven your summer wardrobe but nothing captures the spirit of high summer quite like a tropical printed short. The ultimate suitcase addition and an undeniably fuss-free piece to style (a simple colour-block cami is all that’s needed), the right pair will take you seamlessly from beach to bar without so much as an outfit switch-up.

A SLICE OF SUNSHINE

Whether you’re on home turf or somewhere more exotic, exchange primary brights for pastel alternatives this season. Softer, more approachable and universally flattering, they’ll inject a slice of summer into your wardrobe in an understated, sophisticated manner whilst nodding to the season’s pastel focus. Try our range of yellow dresses to keep that sunshine look.

LOST AT SEA

Parchment tones and lightweight linens bring a refreshing simplicity to holiday dressing. Forever relevant, bohemian accents will add a sense of escapism to any look, so choose separates like casual tops with pleated detailing, loosely tied waist belts and billowing silhouettes that promise to make dressing in the mornings as easy as your off-duty schedule.

ALL IN ONE ELEGANCE

For celebrations that start at sunset and require something a little more elevated in terms of design, look to the season’s host of dramatic playsuit designs. Full black jumpsuits seem surprisingly relevant when cut to a shoulder-baring silhouette and styled with flats, and hair and make-up that’s left a little undone will stay in-keeping with the season’s effortless styling directive.

WHEN THE SUN GOES DOWN

White is the perfect way to showcase sun kissed skin and there’s nothing more elegant than a full-white look done right. When teamed with same-tone trousers, white shirts and blouses take on a new purity. Rolled at the cuffs and unbuttoned at the neckline, these are set to be the easiest pieces in your rotation.