3 Summer City Looks
What Are We Wearing?
City summers are a vibe of their own made up of steamy sidewalks, iced coffees on repeat, and that golden-hour glow. Getting dressed and staying chic yet comfortable however, is a style strategy on its own. Many of us are commuting, meeting friends downtown, running to and from events and tasks on any given sweltering day but we always want to look and feel our best. Check out these city-ready looks that will keep you effortlessly cool and impossibly polished.
1. The Effortless Commuter
It’s a formula you may have seen across your feed; it starts with relaxed but tailored trousers, a boxy linen vest or blouse + leather slides or flats + statement sunnies. This look is all about breezy tailoring with an urban edge. Opt for high-waisted, wide-leg trousers in a breathable cotton-linen blend and choose neutral tones like ivory, beige, gray, for your base. Pair these with a sleeveless vest or button-down blouse that is slightly cropped but doesn’t show skin. Finish with a pair of minimalist leather slides, loafers or flats and sleek sunglasses, and you've got a work-to-weekend look that looks pulled together without trying too hard.
Tara’s Style Code: For an elevated take, opt for a monochrome moment using secondary neutrals like stone, sage, bone, butter yellow or soft khaki. Not sure where to start? Choose a color that compliments your eye or hair color. Blondes look stunning in pale blue or slate hues, brunette and red heads make a striking statement in sage green. For my silver and salt and pepper queens, ivory, blush, butter yellow and pale blues again are all great choices.
2. From Dinner to the Rooftop to the Streets
Since the early 90s, the slip dress has long been regarded as the MVP of Summer. No piece works harder than a slip dress from May to September (and beyond). An elegant, beautifully cut slip dress in silk, cotton, linen, or even a blend should be lightweight, sensual, and flattering to your natural shape. Style it with strappy sandals, low to mid to high heel whatever your preference, and finish with an oversized blazer tossed over your shoulders for rooftop cocktails, a gallery opening, or an impromptu date night. Gold or enamel statement earrings and a low bun complete this city-cool-girl look.
Tara’s Style Code: I love a slip dress in a silk or satin fabric in a vibrant hue like cerulean, coral or amethyst. The sheen of the satin/silk catches the colors in the evening city light so beautifully captivating your look. If color isn’t your vibe, a sleek black, minimalist slip dress is a slam dunk every time, for years to come season after season.
3. Out and About - The Street Stunner
For the everyday look that can take you anywhere, any time, opt for a casual look with chic details. Style a whimsical boho style blouse or tank in a cotton, gauze, silk, or linen fabric. Style this statement top with cargo or denim cut off shorts. This look is perfect for days spent strolling city markets, hitting vintage shops, grabbing lunch al fresco, or running from errand to errand (in style of course). If cut offs and cargoes aren’t your preference, switch them out for a poplin style cotton midi or maxi length skirt with your favorite flats for a city look that’s a classic throw back to effortless style.
Tara’s Style Code: If you want to dress this look up, add a polished belt with shiny hardware to elevate the look. If the midi skirt feels more on brand for you, opt for a contrasting style top like a cropped tee or minimalist tank with spaghetti straps to balance the proportions of the skirt.
