It's August, which means we're only halfway through the year. Nevertheless, I don't think we need to wait until December to confirm that the most annoying social media trend has already been awarded to the two little words that have been monopolising your feed and mine: "kinda chic".

On Instagram, this refers to a carousel where each photo is overlaid with text starting with "kinda chic to..." Examples of its usage range from the heartfelt—Reese Witherspoon's contribution started with, "kinda chic to be underestimated"—to the frankly rather niche ("kinda chic to know your barista by name," "kinda chic to order fries for the table," and, my personal favourite, "kinda chic to not dump ur lime bike").

It can't have started more than a few months ago—Witherspoon's post was as recent as 5 August—but the backlash quickly gathered pace; first with an inversion of the phrasing, "kinda not chic to...", before snowballing towards cringe with alarming speed. In short, kinda chic now has as much cachet as "Live, Laugh, Love". But while that trend at least had time to do a brisk trade in mugs and motivational coasters, kinda chic already has zero social currency. Coco Schiffer, a stylist based in New York, summarised the situation in six words on 2 August: "PSA: 'kinda chic' has been revoked". Cultural Memory, the newsletter written by Naomi May, hit my inbox this week with the subject line: "we must retire the adjective chic for the sake of humanity."

What's interesting—and equally what shows how trends now move at warp-speed—is that evidence suggests "chic" actually is falling out of favour. The Instagram account @databutmakeitfashion has reported that, "the word 'chic' is objectively losing its value". How they worked this out is by conducting a "sentimental analysis" on online articles mentioning the term. The results showed a clear downward trajectory to August (apparently "positive sentiment" has been dropping by 14% a month since March).

This feels like a fairly drastic reaction to a social media trend that went viral then went viral again (for the wrong reasons)—and is especially interesting because it's not "finger shoes" (which, for the record, have grown on me!) or a polarising item of clothing. This time, we're talking about a word.

I actually wrote my own newsletter about breaking up with the adjective earlier this month, for different reasons than "kinda chic", which was on my radar but obviously not irking me enough to include. It turns out one of my favourite writers, Hanya Yanagihara, banned the word from being used when she first joined as editor-in-chief of T Magazine. It's also the fact that it falls down on precision.

As I wrote in that post, "You see it deployed perhaps not interchangeably but in a similar context to words such as ‘elegant’, ‘put-together’ and even ‘minimal’, but while those can all be summarised more straightforwardly—put-together, for example, means someone who takes care of their appearance in a way that’s not just presentable but precise (that word again!)—chic is more of an umbrella term for all of the above, pretending at specificity and yet eluding a clear meaning other than something generally positive and grown-up."

I guess this is partly why it worked as a trend—for a (very) short while. It's a word that was able to be co-opted; your manicure could be chic but so could the way you parked your car or buttered your toast. Maybe, however, it's nothing to do with the word's lack of meaning, and more to do with how getting a bit rage-y online will always drive engagement. Anastasia Vartanian, whose online alter-ego is @fatannawintour, just posted a newsletter with an intriguing headline on her Substack, Cultural Cyberbully: "Everyone has to be annoying these days." It's about the cycle of despising people's "inane" captions and fluffy-mic videos and "algorithmically-mandated" hot takes, but then also realising that all of these things are a part and parcel of what it means to work in media right now. "After all, I’m also in the business of siphoning attention and turning it into money," is how she ends her introduction.

There is a solution to not getting dragged into a trend (and then dragged for participating in said trend). Vartanian is rebuilding her algorithm from the ground up. "Low cortisol content at its finest: no internet discourse, trends or formats, just vibes. People filming a video like they have no idea what a hook, a microtrend, a ring light or an affiliate link is. But that’s exactly the appeal." Now all you have to do is resist the urge to call that advice, "kinda chic".

You've been hashtag blessed with a supermodel mother (Cindy Crawford)—and, even better, have been industriously sidelining your nepo baby origin story by starring in The Shards, Ryan Murphy's latest show based on the novel by Bret Easton Ellis (The Guardian gave it five stars). In fact, on the promo trail, Kaia Gerber—whose father is businessman Rande Gerber—has been showcasing one of the best wardrobes (read: easy and elegant) of summer 2026.

The Shards might be set in a high school—the vibe? The Secret History crossed with American Psycho—but the model-actor's looks have been a lesson in the opposite mood: grown-up minimalism. Together with her stylist Emma Jade Morrison, Gerber has pulled off custom Prada, Gucci and Valentino, not to mention a dusting of Fendi Couture.

Where it gets interesting, however, is her off-duty style, which you'll be glad to hear might contain designer but is more about contemporary brands. (In fact, this also goes for her "on-duty" wardrobe on closer inspection. One of her outfits while promoting The Shards—a fluid black slip dress paired with a lightweight white scarf—is from Toteme.)

Not only has been carrying one designer handbag for the past few months—a rarity in today's pap culture, especially if you work in Hollywood!—but she wears (and rewears) a capsule wardrobe comprised of brands such as Repetto (for ballet pumps), With Jéan (for jersey dresses and skirts), DÔEN (for lace-trimmed blouses) and Alo (for activewear). With help from Star Style, which is one of the best resources if you see a celebrity wearing something you love and ideally want to own, we've found some of the exact pieces in her rotation.

Shop Our Favourite Kaia Gerber Staples

Yes, runways are bursting with trend inspiration and influencers look especially cool posing in the latest pieces, but that doesn't always translate to what we—the people getting dressed for real life rather than Instagram—actually want to invest in. So I, as any great journalist must, took on the treacherous task of heading to the luxury resort of Anda Barut in Türkiye—well worth the trip for sun, sea and food lovers, and especially if you have kids, as there's even an on-site waterpark—to see what women are actually wearing. Reframing hours spent lying on a sunlounger as effective market research. Someone's got to do it.

And after the sixth pair of the same summer shoe strode past to lay a towel down by the pool on the first morning, my mission proved fruitful: Christopher Esber flip flops are, indeed, a firm favourite. The practical yet trend-led PVC sandal is staking its claim as one of the most popular shoes of the summer, and there are a few reasons why.

Opt for the clear colourway (the style I spotted the most of on holiday) and they pair with almost any outfit, no colour-matching required. They're waterproof, making them perfect for poolside—even if you're in the splash zone of the kids' section, or worse, your shoe is mistaken for a pool toy. And I'm told they're especially comfortable, while being arguably more fashion-forward and luxury-resort-ready than the beloved Havaiana. When this season has been dubbed the flip flop summer, and that of the jelly shoe, it simply makes a lot of sense.

As my own favourite leather flip flops are starting to discolour at the heel, I'm certainly tempted, especially after seeing these women style them with everything from denim shorts and a simple vest to sarongs, shirts and kaftans. And if it's other holiday outfit inspiration you're after, just say the word and I'll start packing the suitcase again. It's another excuse for a holiday, after all.

Shop Christopher Esber Flip Flops

Shop Similar Jelly Flip Flops

A few years ago, you might have dropped an objectively "eye-watering" amount on a, say, a handbag because you saw it on the Olsens, got caught in the cross-hairs of a persuasive shopping assistant or hoped it would last a lifetime. Nowadays, however, customers are looking for something that you might expect to be listed on a dating profile: emotional connection.

The Business of Fashion's recent report, The State of Fashion: Face to Face With Luxury Clients, which was produced in collaboration with consultancy firm McKinsey & Company, found the following: "Emotional connection is the number one driver of luxury brand desirability in both the US and China — above craftsmanship, heritage and logo recognition." A customer still expects quality but wants more besides.

"Things like beautiful imagery, exceptional product, operational slickness, high-touch customer service are par for the course—on top of that consumers now need to feel like they are buying into something," says luxury brand advisor Alexandra Carello. "The brand has to work hard to create something that people want to be a part of. This is not about pushing out information and product anymore this is about pulling people in and enveloping them in your world," she says.

The BoF report uses the case study of Chanel, interviewing the brand's president of fashion, Bruno Pavlovsky, about how it's managing to grow in a difficult luxury climate (2025's operating profit was $4,712 million, an increase of 5% compared to 2024). Pavloksky cites Matthieu Blazy, the new artistic director, and his vision—of a future that's rooted in a storied past—as the reason why customer interest has been reinforced. "Chanel, the brand, never stopped generating interest. Matthieu’s arrival has reinforced that interest. He has perfectly integrated the heritage of Mademoiselle Chanel, of Karl. But his work also makes space for more freedom, more audacity in an intelligent way."

Celine is another brand that has recently undergone a changing of the guard, with a new custodian in the form of creative director Michael Rider. Having previously worked at the maison under, arguably, its most venerated creative director, Phoebe Philo, Rider's design language is steeped in the lore of what the internet refers to as "old Celine". Similarly to Blazy, however, he's using that history and knowledge to move forwards, taking the brand into exciting territory that has got fans re-excited by a new Celine.

This new territory is where the luxury shopping experience goes beyond the transactional. How brands in more contemporary price brackets have managed this is by treating the product as just the starting point. "I've always believed the best brands create relationships, not just sales," says the co-founder and creative director of Daisy London, Ruth Bewsey. "That's what inspired the Daisy Summer Club, a series of pop-up experiences with aligning brands, at places our community already loves to spend time. Rather than simply selling jewellery, it's about creating moments to meet people, have conversations and hear their stories." The goal is to be part of someone's life instead of passing through one of its phases.

"It's never just about selling a necklace, it's about creating something that becomes part of someone's story," says the founder of jewellery brand By Alona, Alona Shelemy, who regularly talks to her long-standing customers via Instagram DM. "One of my favourite things is when customers come back years later asking us to refresh or re-plate a well-loved piece."

Traditional loyalty schemes that usually reward customer spend are similarly being rethought. "Rather than asking customers to earn access over time, we welcome them into our world from the very beginning," says Jennifer Chamandi, founder of her eponymous shoe brand, who opened a salon-style meeting space, The Apartment, in October 2024. "We involve them in the brand's journey through intimate events, workshops and masterclasses, creating meaningful experiences beyond the product itself. Over time, many of our most loyal clients naturally evolve into brand ambassadors with whom we build even deeper relationships."

Before you envelope your customer, however, it helps to know who they are. At Freja, a handbag label based in New York, its customer can be summed up in seven words: "women in the pursuit of something meaningful." Thoughtfulness is how the brand's founder, Jenny Lai, weaves her own worldview into Freja; "it’s how my parents showed love to me growing up. Not with praise or gifts, but attention. Noticing things and helping in a quiet way," says Lai, whose bags, "quietly make your life a little bit easier without you needing to ask. Key leashes, intuitive pockets, flap shoulder straps, and long strap drops. It all calls back to my foundational definition of care and love."

This kind of ethos can't just be at the foundation of a brand; it has to be woven throughout. "For us, culture isn’t something we consciously place into a collection. It’s already there. It lives in our instincts, our eye and the way we approach design. Every silhouette, fabric and detail carries that perspective," says the co-founder of Noon by Noor, Shaikha Noor.

Above all, it's about humanising the customer; taking an interest that goes deeper than niceties. "Seeing people in the clothes, how they style them, learning about their lives—that's why we do this," says the founder of denim brand DALA, Rosie Ingleby. "Denim has such a history and a function—I love to find out what people do and then imagine how their jeans will look in 10 years—the fade will be so specific to their life and becomes very personal."

There is a tendency in summer to opt for the easiest outfit—brought on by chasing kids around, not quite fancying a faff in the heat, or simply being more focused on getting out and about than on what you're actually wearing. Denim shorts and a trusty tee, or a simple sundress and sandals, easily become a kind of uniform. But there is a bolder, far more fun pairing currently doing the rounds, and some of the best-dressed women on the internet are already big fans. Enter: the sarong and shirt.

Simple in its elements, yes—all you really need is a sarong (or pareo, or extra-large scarf of sorts) and any shirt of your choosing—to create an off-duty look that's both laid-back and loud. Accessories, shoes and bags can then come as you wish. Think a simple flip flop, sun hat and raffia bag for everyday wear. A strappy sandal, shell jewellery and clutch for alfresco dinners. Add a bikini and it will take you to the beach.

Though while the sarong dates back centuries in South and SouthEast Asia, it's popularity surged here in the UK in the 90s, with even David Beckham stepping out in a silk Jean Paul Gaultier style in 1998. A look that seemed to be on the Dries Van Noten Spring/Summer 26 menswear moodboard, as an impressive number of the silk wraparound skirts walked down the runway. A style that's equally trending, FYI.

So, yes, it's another 90s trend back yet again in the spotlight, but with the weather in the UK set to stay warm, it's no longer a look reserved solely for holiday. So go bold with your colour choices and play around with prints. Below, a handful of sarong and shirt options by way of inspiration.

Shop Our Favourite Shirts + Sarongs:

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Summer can frazzle the most cool-headed among us—and not just because of sultry temperatures. Whether you're holding down the fort at the office while everyone's on annual leave (no handover notes included!) or managing school holidays, it can feel like the busiest, most breaking-point, time of year. None of these circumstances are conducive to making wardrobe decisions, which feel low-priority to say the least. Having said that, a put-together outfit might just make you forget the morning's drop-off and train delays with no WiFi, especially when they've been sourced from our favourite stylish mums and generally busy women on Instagram.

4 Stylish Throw-On Outfits for Busy Mums

A Printed Midi Dress

Practical doesn't need to be boring, as a simple printed midi dress can do so much heavy-lifting with the addition of choice accessories. . The below-the-knee length is perfect for constant bending over, picking up little ones or sitting down on the grass in the park and you can never go wrong with a pair of leather ballet flats—comfortable and polished in equal measure. Julia Kalmanovich's sleeveless checked shift feels like the perfect starting point for experimentation.

Bermuda Shorts

Bermudas combine the practicality of shorts with the sophistication of a trouser which can save you time getting changed in between the day if you have to go from the playground straight to a meeting. You can go for casual polish like Monikh Dale—the stylist swears by the comfortable long-sleeved tees from Leset—or tuck in a tuxedo-style white shirt if you're short for time at the end of the day and looking for a quick evening outfit.

Crisp White Trousers

White trousers might feel like something of a danger zone if you have children (or like sitting on park benches), but, similarly to a crisp white shirt, they can edge any outfit towards "put-together". Diana-May accessorised hers with a wide-brimmed straw hat, a striped mesh tote and supportive rubber flip-flops, which feels like the blueprint for how to style out a heatwave.

An Airy Co-Ord

It's a no-brainer why you should have a summer co-ord on standby; it's perfect for those days when you want to look "dressed" but can't quite summon the brain power if you're sleep-deprived. Hannah Allen's DÔEN set couldn't be a better example; just add your favourite flats, statement sunnies and you're good to go.

Sale season separates people into three camps. There are the ones who will spend hours scrolling, searching for the perfect piece to add to their wardrobe. Then there are those with wishlists at the ready, poised to check out in record time should the discount prove impressive enough. And then there's the crowd who haven't yet been won over by any serious sale, finding only dregs in strange shades and sizes. To you, I say no more—I'm determined to change your mind by revealing the gems hiding in the Reformation summer sale.

The key is not to be pulled in too far and buy things you won't actually wear. Instead, keep your current wardrobe in mind and start with the questions: what's missing? What have I been searching for the longest? And what do I truly love?

For the latter, I can lend a helping hand, having first-hand insight into what you, our Marie Claire readers, actually invest in from Reformation. The Hunter Stretch Mid Rise Wide Leg Jeans, the Cashmere Boyfriend Sweater and the Layla Knee Length Skirt are just three beloved pieces to have already been discounted—and I'll also be pointing out the sale pieces that more than deserve a place in your wardrobe. Scroll on for 11 key highlights from the Reformation summer sale.

Shop The Best Of Reformation's Summer Sale

Hands up, who can spell Havaianas without looking? If you’d asked me two years ago, there would have been far fewer a’s and a couple of extra i’s in my answer. But now? When I can’t walk down the high street, through the supermarket or into my nan’s house without seeing the rubber flip flop in every iteration of shade, I could probably spell it backwards.

The brand’s relentless staying power, despite now being 64 years old, is truly something to marvel at. If you can tell me another non-luxury label, aside from Levi’s, that has done the same with just one product, my inbox is open. So, we have to ask: what keeps them on top?

Just last week, at Copenhagen Fashion Week, the brand debuted a brand-new design, and a rather daring one at that: the Havaianas kitten heel. Picture an enclosed big toe but open other toes, and a kitten heel in a swathe of shades—white, lime green and black—spotted on key influencers across the event and on the Studio Constance runway. And with thousands of likes and comments across Instagram, they’ve clearly hit the mark.

Though not everyone's a fan. With such a divisive shape, the debate about whether they're actually wearable (or beautiful) is raging. And there’s one key catch: they aren’t actually available to buy yet. Sorry.

If you’re now thinking, but Havaianas only just collabed with Isabel Marant on a capsule summer collection? You’d be quite right. The coveted collection launched towards the end of May, spanning four flip flop designs that swiftly sold out and commanded many a fashion fan’s conversation in the process. And just before that, a Zara collab, with three slightly platform flip flops taking centre stage.

Then there was the House of Havaianas Hackney takeover on the 11th of July, bringing their Rio de Janeiro flair to East London with DJs, cocktails and, of course, flip flops. And, on top of that, there’s been no shortage of celebrity sightings in the favourite flip flops: Dua Lipa, Jennifer Aniston, Olivia Rodrigo and many more. Whether they’re paid placements or paying customers of the brand, we’ll probably never know, although I imagine it to be a mix of the two.

And, take a breath, that was in just one summer—and the season’s not yet over. The Havaianas marketing team are clearly working double time. Though this multifaceted marketing approach is far from new for the brand.

In 1999, the Brazilian sandal brand featured in Jean Paul Gaultier’s runway show, launching it into the fashion space. Then came collaborations with streetwear label A Bathing Ape, Farm Rio, Manolo Blahnik via Naomi Campbell, Gigi Hadid Saint Laurent and even computer game Minecraft and many more, aligning the label with often even bigger brands.

You see, Havaianas have a knack for always staying relevant, tapping into culturally relevant names and labels to reach new customer segments without ever straying too far from the original design. The core collection shifts only slightly to adapt to modern trends—just take a look at the square-toe design—all the while keeping the price of a pair of flip flops competitive enough to rival any high street store. Though my mum regularly likes to let me know she used to snap them up for less than £3.

So, there you have it: a great product and a forward-thinking marketing machine have gone a long way towards keeping Havaianas at the head of the flip flop game. Here’s to seeing whether the new kitten heel design, possibly the most daring yet, stands them in even better stead.

And if you already knew “Havaianas” means “Hawaiians” in Portuguese, chosen by the brand to evoke the feeling of an endless summer on the islands, hats off—you’re a true Havaianas mega-fan.

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Welcome to What Lily Loves, a personal edit of the pieces, places, and ideas currently inspiring me. Think of it as your insider guide to what’s shaping my wardrobe and daily rituals. From standout finds and under-the-radar designers to shopping destinations, cultural hotspots—from restaurants and theatres to podcasts—here are the latest discoveries I’m loving.

The Designer Drop

Prada

Heading back to work after the summer holidays can be a struggle, but I always find that making a few select additions to my work wardrobe puts a spring in my step. It’s rare to be scrolling and stumble upon a handbag that is both beautiful and practical, but just this week, while scrolling through Mytheresa's new in page, I came across the Prada Boogie bag. Its roomy shape is perfect for in-the-office days that require carrying my laptop around central London, along with all my other handbag essentials, while the wider shoulder strap makes it comfortable to carry. Throw in the signature Prada distressed leather finish, and I’m sold.

Spotlight On

Every Day Earrings That Aren't Boring

Over the years, not just through my love of accessorising but also after nearly a decade of styling fashion shoots, I have accumulated quite a collection of jewellery. From earrings to statement necklaces, rings… you name it. If there’s a style or colour you need, I have it. A few weeks ago, I was tidying up my jewellery and I was excited to show my daughter, now seven, my collection and tell her that one day she could share it all with me. But her reaction wasn’t quite what I expected. Instead of jumping with excitement, her words were: “Mamma, why do you need so much jewellery?!” All of this to communicate how vast my jewellery collection is.

I’m quite a magpie and love to pick up unique pieces of jewellery on my travels. Whilst they are usually bold and vibrant, there is another side to my jewellery box: I always have a concise selection of everyday statement earrings. Substantial enough to be seen and to complement an outfit, they are equally styles that are timeless enough to go with a multitude of outfits and can be picked up as I get ready for work without much thought. If you’ve ever felt your everyday outfits were missing something, just add a pair of these.

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New In This Week

Massimo Dutti

Massimo Dutti has long been my go-to for designer-inspired pieces on the High Street without compromising on quality. My particular favourite is the brand's selection of leather bags and shoes. I've found quite a shift in the quality of leather accessories on the High Street over the last couple of years, but Massimo Dutti continues to deliver. If you have The Row or Celine taste but are on a slightly more limited budget, then bookmark the Massimo Dutti New In page, because, in case you missed the latest Lyst Index results, Massimo Dutti came out on top alongside designer brands such as Chanel and Miu Miu.

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On My Radar

The Burberry Trench: Crafting an Icon

From September 21 September 2026 – 3 January 2027 the V&A and Burberry have announced The Burberry Trench: Crafting an Icon, a free exhibition celebrating Burberry’s 170th anniversary and the enduring legacy of its iconic trench coat. Drawing from the Burberry Archive and V&A collection, the exhibition follows the evolution of the trench coat from practical military outerwear to being a globally recognised fashion symbol. Divided into ‘Invention’, ‘Craft’ and ‘Creativity’, it explores Thomas Burberry’s 1879 invention of cotton gabardine, the coat’s distinctive functional details and its continued reinvention through 19 catwalk iterations. The display also celebrates the longstanding relationship between Burberry and the V&A, ahead of the 2028 Burberry Gallery launch.

The Burberry Trench: Crafting an Icon opens Monday, 21 September 2026, Prince Consort Gallery, V&A South Kensington, London

In Case You Missed It...

From the jubilant Arsenal parade to the verdant scenes at Wimbledon to the rallying cry of “it’s coming home” that echoed around every corner of the UK, it really is the summer of sport. The summer of sweat and power and persistence – and, lest we forget, fashion.

Hang on, you may be thinking. Fashion? Of course, for the uninitiated, the sporting arena may not seem like the most obvious terrain for couture. All of that snarling and grunting and grime! Think of the tulle!! But sport and fashion have always been strange bedfellows.

After all, Chanel has its origins in tennis dresses. In 2012, Vivienne Westwood drew from London’s hosting gig and served up a Spring Menswear collection inspired by the Olympic Games. Dior’s Resort 2021 collection presented modern athleisure silhouettes. And, of course, the likes of the Williams sisters have been pushing the boundaries of sportswear for years, with everything from a fierce tennis catsuit to a delicate tutu and embellished nails.

This article is part of our 2026 Women in Sport special. For the full cover interview with Lioness Chloe Kelly, click here.

However, the trend is, without a doubt, on the rise—and morphing into something bigger and bolder than before. This summer, more than ever, these seemingly disparate worlds collided at full pelt as athletes and fans alike embraced the strength and power of a good sartorial moment, opting for fashion that is more elevated, more intentional, more avant-garde—more, if you’ll excuse the pun, ballsy than ever. It is, in other words, the summer when sport met method dressing.

In case you’ve somehow missed every A-lister press tour over the past few years, method dressing is all about reimagining the red carpet gown as a larger-than-life costume by making intentional sartorial nods to the project at hand. See, for instance, Margot Robbie recreating iconic Barbie looks for the 2022 Greta Gerwig film or Zendaya draped in goddess-worthy garments for Christopher Nolan’s upcoming Odyssey film.

In sport, we’re now seeing a similar trend. American tennis star Naomi Osaka, for instance, transformed the grass and clay courts into red carpets with her headline-grabbing couture walk-on moments: a gilded, sequinned tennis dress with a cascading tulle train by Germanier at the French Open, followed by a draped, custom-couture white embroidered kimono by Tokyo designer Hana Yagi at Wimbledon.

"She’s not simply participating in fashion; she’s using it as a tool to express different facets of herself – her heritage, her creativity, her emotions, and the many identities she holds beyond the court," explains Osaka's stylist Marty Harper. "That’s what makes her style resonate so powerfully: it feels authentic, but it also expands the way we think about athletes and who they’re allowed to be."

This is new territory. "Naomi brought fashion into a space where traditionally athletes have been expected to minimise self-expression and focus solely on performance. By bringing that level of intention and creativity onto the court, she challenged the idea that athletic excellence and personal style exist separately," he continues. "The kimono moment was especially powerful because it wasn’t just visually striking – it carried meaning. It connected culture, identity, history, and performance in a way that felt deeply considered. It transformed a uniform into a statement."

Meanwhile, Ukrainian tennis player Marta Kostyuk put a dainty spin on the classic tennis dress in the balletic white lace Wilson dress in a nod to the iconic lace dress worn by Chris Evert during the 1971 US Open.

In the football world, players have made their own fashion statements on and off the pitch with “tunnel ‘fits” becoming the footie version of a tennis walk-on. At the World Cup 2026 just last month, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s team swiftly went viral when they arrived in Houston wearing matching leopard print suits by Congo-born, Paris-based designer Alvin Mak. Last year, at the 2025 Euros, Denmark’s ladies arrived in oversized embroidered Rotate Birger Christensen two-pieces, while Poland’s team rocked three-piece red tailored suits by Lancerto.

And although couture moments actually on the football pitch aren’t yet as common as they are in the tennis world, Arsenal and England player Declan Rice quite literally turned his pitch into a red carpet, when he walked in Labrum’s London Fashion Week Show at the Emirates Stadium.

In addition to all of these viral IRL fashion moments, there are the endless collaborations. Ralph Lauren and Wimbledon. Gap, Aerie, American Eagle have all got their piece of the World Cup cake. Loewe recently announced a four-year partnership with Spain’s national teams, while Jacquemus has collaborated with France’s team. Indeed, cast your eyes up towards any billboard, and you’ll likely find your favourite footballer fronting a designer campaign.

According to Harper, this is just the beginning. "Right now, many of the most memorable fashion moments happen around arrival, entrances, or major events – those 'before the game' moments. But there is an opportunity to expand that storytelling ecosystem much further," he says. "The future is about creating a more complete visual narrative around an athlete: how they dress for competition, how they celebrate, how they travel, how they train, how they engage with fans, and how those moments collectively build their legacy."

On one hand, the growing alliance between sport and fashion feels like a logical capitalist inevitability. It's no surprise that, with all eyes on Wimbledon and the World Cup this summer, fashion houses and athletes alike were cashing in on the moment with theatrical, viral-worthy sartorial displays. Then again, perhaps there's another explanation.

As Zendaya explained during a BBC One Show interview, her relationship with method dressing helps her step into character. "Fashion is something I've always used as an outlet, a tool,” she said. “Ultimately, I think I am a more shy person so it allows for me to create this persona, this character that I get to live in for the day.” And after all, are the pressures and demands of a sporting arena really all that different from those of a red carpet? Perhaps turning to high fashion, athletes are able to craft their own costumes that help them to get into character – to get ready to perform. Stepping into a moment so grandiose demands an outfit worthy of the occasion. And draping oneself in a costume can have a real psychological impact.

“An athlete is no different [to an actor],” says Jennifer Michalski-Bray, celebrity stylist. “Tapping into their alter-ego before a competition helps create a powerful, confident mindset to match.”

Osaka herself has explained how embodying a character helps her perform. “For me, my Japanese heritage means a lot. They say all white at Wimbledon and I thought it would be really cool to come out in a kimono,” Osaka said in an on-court interview of her latest look, adding that she took inspiration from Kill Bill. "So I really love Lucy Liu’s character, O-Ren Ishii, and she comes out in this really iconic white kimono. I always tell people I like to be like a video game character sometimes, I don’t want to be myself when I’m playing on the court. And I kind of try to embody her a little.”

So, while some traditional sports fans may bristle at Osaka’s layers of tulle or Bellingham’s crisp cashmere, fashion may just be another piece in the mysterious puzzle of sports psychology. And just as method dressing on the red carpet gets fans excited about a film, these moments in sport can also draw in new fans.

"Audiences are craving a deeper connection," Harper says. "They don’t just want the statistics or the highlight reel; they want to understand the person behind the performance. Fashion is one of the most immediate and powerful forms of storytelling. In a single image, an athlete can communicate their values, their creativity, their heritage, or their mindset."

Adds Michalski-Bray, “I love seeing athletes express themselves through fashion because it brings an entirely new audience. People who might normally only watch because their sport-obsessed partner has the game on suddenly have another reason to tune in.”

It’s true – just as the method dressing trend in the entertainment world has seeped into fan culture in cinemas, sports fans are similarly rising to the sartorial occasion this summer. Where once pubs and watch parties were filled with uniform team jerseys, increasingly, you’re more likely to be greeted with a sea of carefully curated, intentional fan looks, filled with personality and self-expression.

Wimbledon has always been a fashion-forward sporting event, with guests playfully adhering to the all-white dress code. But other sporting events are catching up, too. For the World Cup, fans are not only sporting their team’s jerseys but also making their own playful nods to iconic fashion moments in the sport’s history. Chances are, you’ve already seen plenty of Victoria Beckham-inspired England looks at your local pub. I can also attest that this summer’s Arsenal parade was, thanks to a lot of sartorial creativity, a jubilant celebration not only of the team but also of the fan base’s diversity and personality. Celebrities are also getting in on the action. Take Taylor Swift’s viral DIY Knicks pun T-shirts, or New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and his wife, Rama Duwaji, in her Knicks T-shirt dress by 2026 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalist Miss Claire Sullivan.

As Felicia Pennant, founder of football and fashion zine Season, explains, fans have always used fashion as a means of expressing their allegiance to a team, but in the past few years, it's become more visible (and more trendy) than ever. "From a football perspective, we've been seeing this trend for the past few summers with people being really unapologetically expressing their fandom or really embracing this so-called blokecore aesthetic. It's more visible," she says. "I just think more people have tapped into the zeitgeist. And there's way more merch, which means there are more options. We've diversified fanwear and merch so everyone has a choice. And obviously it's not just male-centric. Women have women designers and feel empowered to express femininity and creativity and different narratives in their designs."

Is this another brand of fan method dressing? "It's an expression of interest in fandom, so it's motivated by the same things," she says. But, when it comes to fan dressing, there's one key difference. "I don't think that being a fan is a different character – it's just who you are," she says.

This summer, sport has become more widely celebrated, more inclusive than ever. Amongst all of the bubbling sporting excitement, it does, of course, make a lot of business sense that fashion houses would be chomping at the bit to collaborate with the biggest sporting stars. But there’s a more positive side to the rise of sporting method dressing, too. High fashion is having a theatrical moment under the headlights of the sporting world – and this new brazen and bold love affair shows that sport really is more fun when it’s for everyone.

The trifecta of bike-friendly outfits, outdoor show locations and mountains of whipped butter mean one thing and one thing only: it's Copenhagen Fashion Week. Even those who've never been to the capital might know something of its street-style scene, which is famously exuberant (read: more fun than Paris; less polished than Milan). And with its position ahead of New York, which kicks off fashion month in early September, it's very often a litmus test for autumn-facing trends; a chance for show-goers to experiment. While many continued to prove that fashion can be fun (and cheerful!), others took a surprisingly wearable approach to front-row dressing, making the most of shoes that will soon be stowed away until next summer, for example, or slipping on what looks very much like the autumn jacket after months of bare arms.

The Copenhagen Fashion Week Street Style Trends to Note

Leather Jackets

With lower temperatures than London, Milan or Paris, Copenhagen is often a good bellwether for what jackets will be popular in the core-four fashion capitals next month. Leather won by a landslide, with iterations that dialled back the bells-and-whistles in favour of minimal styles that were largely single-breasted.

Kitten-Heeled Flip-Flops

As the last chance a lot of attendees have to wear summery footwear before fall, Copenhagen Fashion Week usually features plenty of sandals. This season's pick is the kitten-heeled flip-flop, a shoe that's about as evergreen as its flat rubber counterpart. Keep things simple with black or choose something more statement (a pomodoro shade of red or PVC).

Lace Dresses

There was much to love about this outfit, but it was the contrast between its dressy lace and more casual denim that made it particularly worth bookmarking. Psst: OpéraSPORT's asymmetric dress could also be styled over cargo pants or nylon tracksuit bottoms for an evening-adjacent take.

Turquoise

There's nothing revelatory about the colour blue, except for one gradation doing the rounds: turquoise. The shade cropped up repeatedly—on dresses, sequinned tees and fringed clutch bags in otherwise monochrome outfits—edging out its competition to become the "pop of" shade in Copenhagen.

Answer me honestly: how often do you read Marie Claire? Every month? Every week? Every day? Our most avid, fashion-focused readers may well remember that way back in February, I dubbed safari chic the key trend to take note of this summer. And, not to toot my own trend-spotting horn too loudly, that bet has become a solid winner—Alexa Chung is here to prove my point, stepping out in a khaki shirt, shorts and studded leather belt look that's surprisingly easy to recreate.

Has the model-turned-TV-host-turned-muse been scrolling our site? I'd like to think so. Or perhaps she's kept a sharp eye on the Spring/Summer 26 runways of Isabel Marant, Burberry, Balmain, Saint Laurent and Lemaire, toeing the line between elevated everyday and off-duty cool. And as with all great outfits, the key is in the details. A longer-length short for a more polished finish. A studded belt for an extra layer of interest. A more feminine shoe to soften an otherwise action-man-inspired look.

As someone who tends to shy away from a loud logo, however, tracking down Alexa Chung's exact outfit is near impossible. So I bring you the most similar pieces our favourite retailers have to hand—though you probably own a few of them already.

Shop Alexa Chung's Khaki Look

If you asked a bunch of fashion-week attendees—from editors to photographers to buyers to customers—to nominate the person they considered the best dressed (consistently, not just for that season), I'd be willing to bet several would reply without missing a beat: Christine Centenera. Not only is she the Editor-in-Chief of Vogue Australia, but she has also built a career as a celebrity stylist, working with clients including Kim Kardashian, and is the co-founder of the influential clothing label Wardrobe.NYC. Together with her co-founder, the designer Josh Goot, Wardrobe.NYC has become a go-to for celebrities such as Rosie Huntington-Whiteley (who designed a collection with the brand), Margot Robbie (who wore Wardrobe.NYC + RHW) and Selena Gomez.

The brand's next logical step? A high-street collaboration with the retailer who is responsible for bringing the biggest designer brands to a mass audience: H&M. Launching tomorrow, 6 August, with an edit that's based on the archives of Wardrobe.NYC, it's arriving just as you're preparing to build your autumn uniform for September.

Wardrobe.NYC H&M delivers a complete wardrobe of hard-working pieces that you'll come to rely on—from an oversized black coat that's hefty and double-breasted to a nip-waisted denim jacket, elongated for elegance but still wearable enough for everyday. "What we want is for all pieces to become staples: You're building the base of a wardrobe and mixing it back in—with things you already own and with pieces from the collection itself," says Centenera, adding: "That versatility was always the goal."

Many of the pieces could form the backbone of your office wardrobe—tailoring has always been part of Wardrobe.NYC's DNA—but each has edge. "You could see immediately that it was the ultimate wardrobe essentials—but made with such thoughtfulness and a quiet passion. It's pared back, on the cleaner side, but it still has a lot of character," explains Ann-Sofie Johansson, H&M's creative advisor and head of design for womenswear. "The sculpturality, the way every shape is so well considered—you can really feel how it will be to wear one of these garments just by looking at it."

She's not wrong. There's nothing basic about the collection's white T-shirt, which is actually a bodysuit with subtly-moulded shoulders. There's also the drawstring-waist black trousers, perfectly wide-legged and designed to be styled with a heel (Centenera always navigates fashion week in stilettos).

They've also considered how their customer wants to wear the clothes. The ability to layer, for example, is key to Centenera, who uses "wardrobe staples almost like building blocks to create an ensemble," she says. The long-sleeved black bodysuit could be fitted underneath the blue shirt—the collab's only concession to a colour outside black and white—which, in turn, would go snugly underneath the cropped bomber jacket. "I trust these pieces completely. That trust, that reliability, is really what Wardrobe.NYC is all about," says Centenera.

Shop The Marie Claire Edit Of Wardrobe.NYC H&M

If I were to say "that's hot", what would first spring to mind? If it's Paris Hilton, we should be friends. If it's the seemingly never-ending heatwave we're having here in the UK, your priorities are probably in the right place. But if your mind jumps straight to the Lyst Index—the quarterly ranking of each season's hottest fashion products and brands—then you're in luck, because the latest list has just been released, and Massimo Dutti has clearly been making waves.

Typically, it's the luxury labels earning a much-coveted spot in the top 20 hottest brands. This time around, Chanel takes the top spot, closely followed by Miu Miu, Dior, Saint Laurent and Gucci, so no surprises there. But nestled in at number 10 is high street star Massimo Dutti, clearly no longer known solely as Zara's older sister. Both brands sit under the same Spanish parent group, Inditex.

For our team at Marie Claire, this ranking comes as little surprise. Massimo Dutti has long been our go-to for everything from elevated everyday basics to office outfits—the latter being where the brand truly excels. While trends absolutely influence each collection, with many a runway reference visible to the shrewd fashion fan, the Massimo Dutti design team have a particular knack for putting their own spin on them, making each piece feel effortlessly cohesive. Minimalist with a modern twist is the key draw.

It's a specific celebrity endorsement, though, that the Lyst team have pinpointed for the sudden global surge in rankings: Bella Hadid's brown slip dress, black flip flops and woven bag look, worn in Saint-Tropez in May and still in stock. Almost certainly a paid placement, but clearly one that's paid off, sparking what Lyst describes as a "growing desire for its elevated Mediterranean-inspired pieces".

And elevated really is the key word when it comes to Massimo Dutti. Every collection feels grown-up, catering to a customer who cares about current cuts, colours and styles while always looking polished. Workwear, by default, has become one of the brand's most in-demand categories, for creatives and highly corporate women (and men) alike. Though it's not just workwear: holiday-ready sandals (the mid-heel style in now sold-out black takes sixth place among the last quarter's most popular products), cleverly crafted leather pieces and accessories are all proving plenty popular too.

For the brand to be holding its own among a list of luxury giants, though, you probably don't need me to spell out its plus points. With its popularity only rising, I'm certain you're already well attuned to them.

Massimo Dutti Pieces We're Loving Right Now

Dresses over trousers is not a pairing for the risk-adverse. Having said that, choose the right dress, the right trousers and you'll have found an option for summer-evening dressing that, miraculously, doesn't involve a dress. (This, by the way, follows on from the daytime alternative we've already covered: a tunic over trousers.)

Chase Sui Wonders, who's on the promo trail for I Want Your Sex, provided evidence of this claim just last night. At the film's premiere in New York, the actor wore a look from Valentino, opting not for an ingénue gown but a diaphanous cape over a sheer bustier dress over high-waisted trousers. The colour palette's moodiness gave the fabrics—the pairing of lace and lustrous satin—even more edge. In short, dresses over trousers? Definitely a good idea for late-summer (or autumn) nights out.

Shop Chase's Dress Over Trousers Look

In autumn, you can factor an oversized blazer into the equation (Arket's single-breasted wool style will also be a great addition to your office wardrobe). And, obviously, you can always experiment with different shades of slip and trouser, brightening the combination if you're on holiday—or at home but dreaming of being out-of-office (By Malene Birger's coral slip dress would perfectly offset taupe silk bias trousers by Comme Si).

Shop More Dresses To Wear Over Trousers:

If you were to peek into my Net-a-Porter wishlist, one brand would appear more than most: Dries Van Noten. The bold and colourful shoes, the printed dresses, the beautifully packaged lipsticks and perfumes all snapped up rather quickly by many a maximalist. This season, though, one piece is proving more popular than the rest: the printed silk wrap skirt. And versatility is its great pulling point.

By versatile, I don't simply mean a flip flop for daytime and a heel come evening. I mean it can genuinely be worn anywhere, any way, which is precisely what makes it one of the most interesting finds of the moment. On a winter's day at the office, a knee-high boot and a high-necked jumper will pair perfectly. On a mid-summer holiday, a sandal and a swimsuit slot in without a second thought. And for a fancy dinner, a tucked-in shirt, strappy heel and statement earrings will have the same skirt destined for a seat at the long-stretching bar.

So it's little surprise that so many impeccably dressed women are weaving it into their wardrobes—particularly when it comes in a swathe of prints, colours and lengths. Although the sudden surge in popularity does mean the decision often comes down to what's left in stock rather than personal preference.

Below, a handful of our favourite Dries Van Noten wrap skirts and their similar-style counterparts. Consider it the easiest way to liven up a wardrobe, whatever the season.

Shop Dries Van Noten Wrap Skirts

Shop Similar Printed Wrap Skirts

If you love the 70s-inspired wrap skirt but would rather not buy the Dries Van Noten style, there are plenty of other brands to turn to, from Alémais's fish-printed sarong to H&M's monochrome wraparound.

When Kylie Jenner posted about her collaboration with Meta Glasses—making a pair of £359 opticals that can tell you everything from the weather forecast to what to make for dinner in her voice—a lot of users saw red. "SAY NO TO SURVEILLANCE CAPITALISM," posted one. "The people don’t want this," commented another. The biggest objection seems to be that as well as incorporating Meta AI, meaning you can ask questions on-the-move, and the ability to translate more than 20 languages with a simple voice command, you can "capture memories hands-free" (read: secretly take photos of your food without judgment or, more worryingly, another person).

The Instagram account @everyonehateselon has dubbed them "pervert glasses", with its own ad that depicts a pair on the face of Jeffrey Epstein. Its tagline speaks volumes about how the accessory is being perceived by its critics: "Glasses for people who don't do consent." Others are coming up with clever ways to "hack the system". An Instagramer user called @marie4pole posted: "Women are being advised to play Disney songs when they notice a man is recording them with Meta glasses without consent." Her conclusion? "Because apparently music is more protected than women in 2026."

The language that's being used to object to these glasses, and their technology, has been notable. "Fascism chic for summer," Gabriella Karefa-Johnson wrote on her Substack Brain Matter, referencing the launch party thrown by Meta (in attendance? Kylie Jenner, Timothée Chalamet and Mark Zuckerberg, who accessorised with a pair of, you guessed it, Meta glasses). "Need some of you to get a single scruple and F A S T. Stroking the surveillance state for an open bar and dj-set is just sad ):," continued Karefa-Johnson. Spying, gathering intelligence and giving citizens the power to operate covertly in plain sight? This might sound like a dystopian thriller set in the Cold War, but it's happening today—right under our noses.

EssilorLuxottica, who owns the eyewear brands Ray-Ban and Oakley, has beat its profit forecasts not in spite of its tech glasses but because of them. According to a report by Reuters, published on the Business of Fashion: "Franco-Italian eyewear maker EssilorLuxottica reported a 15 percent rise in first-half adjusted operating profit on Tuesday [28 July], comfortably beating analysts’ expectations, while revenue growth ​was ⁠driven by strong demand for AI-enabled glasses ⁠and products in its myopia management portfolio."

If you're glasses-shopping at Meta—where you can choose between spectacles and sunglasses made by Meta itself, Ray-Ban or Oakley—myopia might not even come into the equation. The BoF article continued: "The Ray-Ban maker made adjusted ​operating profit of €2.75 billion ($3.13 billion) in the six months to June 30, compared ​with a Visible ⁠Alpha analyst consensus of €2.46 billion."

The hype machine is clearly working. For as many people who are voicing their concerns and calling them "creeper glasses", as one person did underneath another photo of Kylie Jenner, others are being influenced: "Obviously bought them already!!! 😍," reads the comment directly underneath.

Maybe the entire debate is, in fact, moot—and, like driverless cars, they'll be not so much a choice but an inevitability in the future (at least for those who can afford to keep up with technology). Mark Zuckerberg certainly seems to think so. In June 2025, Fortune reported on the following comment made by the Meta CEO. “I think in the future, if you don’t have glasses that have AI or some way to interact with AI, I think you’re kind of similarly, probably [going to] be at a pretty significant cognitive disadvantage compared to other people and who you’re working with, or competing against."

Technological advances that make people's lives more "advantaged" are inevitable. But if the billionare makers behind them (as well as the promoters like Kylie Jenner; also a billionare), haven't considered what the consequences might be for more vulnerable members of society if they are misused, then it's not just a failure of responsibility but potentially dangerous. I've worn glasses for short-sightedness since junior school, have owned at least seven pairs (of all descriptions) since and can say with a degree of certainty that one of Meta's—even the cat-eye style of Kylie's—won't be telling me the "feels like" temperature anytime soon. Call me a Luddite, or a person at a "signature cognitive disadvantage"—that's fine—but a pair of glasses doesn't need to find me a recipe or take a photo of the resulting dish.

Welcome to What Lily Loves, a personal edit of the pieces, places, and ideas currently inspiring me. Think of it as your insider guide to what’s shaping my wardrobe and daily rituals. From standout finds and under-the-radar designers to shopping destinations, cultural hotspots—from restaurants and theatres to podcasts—here are the latest discoveries I’m loving.

The Designer Drop

Saint Laurent

Whilst it is most definitely not sweatshirt weather, designer collectables wait for no one. This Saint Laurent piece riffs on the embroidered logo sweatshirts Yves Saint Laurent produced throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, updating the house's signature branding with the more recent "Saint Laurent Paris" logo introduced by former Creative Director Hedi Slimane. It may be quite an investment, but if there was ever a sweatshirt capable of making even the most casual of days feel decidedly fashionable, this is it.

Spotlight On

Sarongs

My holiday wardrobe isn't complete without a wide selection of sarongs. I usually head to the beach wearing a kaftan or beach dress, but I always take a sarong in my bag for when I want to head to the bar or go for a stroll without covering up completely. Five years ago, it was virtually impossible to find sarongs anywhere other than on holiday, but that has changed. From Toteme to Pucci, investing in statement sarongs that will continue to bring joy year after year is one of my favourite pre-holiday purchases.

Shop the edit:

New In This Week

Mango

Whether you're looking for an easy holiday dress, a standout occasion piece for a destination wedding, or are already planning some smart tailoring investments ahead of autumn, Mango ticks all the boxes right now.

Shop my edit:

On My Radar

NIGO: From Japan with Love at the Design Museum

NIGO: From Japan with Love is the Design Museum's first-ever retrospective of pioneering Japanese designer and creative director NIGO. Founder of A Bathing Ape (BAPE) and HUMAN MADE, co-founder of Billionaire Boys Club with Pharrell Williams, and Artistic Director of KENZO, NIGO has played a defining role in bridging the worlds of streetwear and luxury fashion. The exhibition explores his influence across fashion, music and design through more than 700 objects, including rare pieces from his personal archive. It runs at the Design Museum until 4 October 2026.

Tickets are available to book online at designmuseum.org.

In Case You Missed It...

I'm going to paint a scene, tell me if it sounds familiar. You've found the perfect outfit, headed out to the restaurant, bar or holiday resort—any location will do—only to realise when you get there that not one but two women are wearing the exact same thing. That high street buy you thought was especially chic clearly garnered the same reaction from many another lunchtime browser. So now you're after something (almost) nobody else has, to avoid the uncomfortable outfit Uno, and luckily, our Marie Claire Masters and Editors have a handful of niche brands up their sleeves.

Think boldly printed dresses and co-ords from Lisa Ing Marinelli's beloved Alémais, perfect for holidays and special occasions alike. Australian label SIR., which has Leila Kashanipour sold. And minimalist-fashion-fan-friendly Róhe, satisfying Susan Bender's high wardrobe standards. All easy enough to get hold of, yet still known only to your most fashionable friends.

Or, if you want something even further under the radar, Tijan Mansour's pick of Da Luna and Lily Russo-Bah's Chan Luu suggestion sit neatly in that sweet spot. Scroll on to see why each label has been chosen as a niche brand to know now.

Chan Luu, Lily Russo-Bah

Vietnamese designer Chan Luu launched her eponymous brand in 1996, yet has largely flown under the radar despite cultivating a fiercely loyal following. Once best known for her bohemian jewellery and wrap bracelets, the label has entered a new chapter with Luu's niece and longtime Head of Design, Tessa Tran, now serving as Creative Director. However, it is the brand's clothing that has taken over the internet. If you've spotted a pair of shantung silk trousers or a tunic embellished with oversized discs on your favourite influencer, chances are it's by Chan Luu.

ALÉMAIS, Lisa Ing Marinelli

Right now, because it's summer, I'd choose ALÉMAIS. They have the best prints—and not your typical ones, either. Not classic florals, but fringing, brown hues and even neutral shades that I find really refreshing as an alternative to what we usually see during the warmer months. I've got a fringe dress from them that I wore to Wimbledon, and a pair of shorts too, in patterns quite unlike anything you'd find elsewhere.

Bernadette, Hannah Almassi

My go-to brands are those that successfully marry a level of femininity and prettiness with simple, classic cuts. I like clothes that are detailed but unfussy, timeless and not particularly tied to a trend or season. Antwerp-based Bernadette is a label that offers that mix with modest silhouettes and charming fabrics.

SIR., Leila Kashanipour

The brand draws heavily on a 70s aesthetic—think soft, neutral tones and a laid-back Studio 54-by-the-beach feel—but translates it into pieces that stay wearable and modern rather than costumey. Its dresses, which are the label's signature, are known for their beautiful cuts: fluid silhouettes, open backs, strapless styles and tiered or pleated fabrics that flatter without being fussy. Even the tailoring and knitwear lean minimal and clean, with a strong emphasis on natural fabrics and craftsmanship over trend-chasing. The overall design philosophy is "effortless luxury"—confident, feminine and easy to move in, whether that's for a beach holiday or a polished everyday look. I love them!

éliou, Lauren Cunningham

If I had to wear only one brand for the rest of my life, it would be éliou, the Miami-based label with Brazilian roots crafting incredible jewellery, dresses, co-ords and shirts. Beautiful pieces, essentially, that you could wear to any elevated beach club. They have just one store—which I was lucky enough to visit last year—at the front of their Miami HQ, but they do ship worldwide. Only a small number of pieces are added each season, and they often sell out before you've had the chance to add to basket. Consider this your warning to move swiftly if something catches your eye.

Róhe, Susan Bender Whitfield

I am completely obsessed with Róhe right now—this niche brand has my whole heart. There's something about their silhouettes: fluid, quietly architectural, layered with experimental details woven into classic tailoring. Every piece is a study in design at its most considered—the construction, the fit, all thoughtfully rendered and cut from only the finest fabrics. These aren't just clothes. They're keepsakes that you'll return to, treasure and wear year after year. Fortunately, they've just launched a dedicated space in Selfridges, where you can immerse yourself in the Róhe universe.

Da Luna, Tijan Mansour

I love Da Luna! It's such a special brand, rich in heritage, and I find treasures every time I walk in. I specifically love their leather patchwork jacket, burgundy mud-dyed silk harem pants and their silk cropped jackets. I can always find something in there that feels so utterly unique and yet, at the same time, totally my style. The mix of heritage, silk materials and prints that are both earthy and show-stopping makes the brand one to watch. They have a website, but I also love going to their Brompton Road store. And you have to try their handbags—the perfect evening bag with a twist!

If your holiday bag is your work bag, you're doing life wrong. A dramatic statement but one that is borne out by facts. Just how are you supposed to relax and unburden yourself if you're quite literally carrying the weight of the world (and the work that waits for you at home) on your shoulders? The answer is to go for a diametrically-opposed accessory. And what tastemakers have chosen as very "summer 2026" is the drawstring bag.

It's this season's version of a clutch bag or evening purse, prioritising a statement exterior (think beads, patterns and luxurious fabrications) over a spacious interior. Having said that, these pouches can fit everything you need to stroll down to your local trattoria (Prada's has a fairly lofty height of 35cm if you've taken to carrying around a wooden fan alongside your essentials).

Rather like this summer's trend for novelty bags, a drawstring pouch has an "out-of-office" charm that you can't quite emulate with a leather tote or bowling bag. Size definitely comes into play here. See Marianne Smyth's grey tank, silk chartreuse trousers and minimal flip-flops? An imposingly-large handbag would have taken over, muddling the simplicity of such an outfit. Casa Allyon's grey suede pouch, however, doesn't muddle anything. It's chic, lightweight and impressively carefree.

A drawstring pouch can also be carefree but with dressy attitude. When Florrie Thomas visited The Lakes by YOO, a luxury sustainable hotel located in the Cotswolds, she styled her knit dress (a ripe shade of tomato) with a peach drawstring bag to pose on the wooden deck.

Another approach is a pouch with one handle that can be threaded through the other (Violetta Fainšil's fringed bag added extra dimension, not to mention interest, to a semi-sheer dress on her holiday in Marseille).

The best thing about a drawstring bag—or satin pouch—is that, contrary to popular opinion, you don't have to retire it once you're back at work. Marina Zholobova might have carried hers for a wellness-resort stay, but her outfit had "back to school" energy that's perfectly in step with September (a shirt, a knee-length skirt and point-toe pumps). You might have to slip your laptop into a slim leather tote, and surrender to carrying two bags on your commute, but it's worth it to have a hint of holiday about your person.

The Best Drawstring Bags

Tracee Ellis Ross is famous, of course, for her acting prowess and for being the daughter of the legendary Diana Ross, but her outfits are so good that they've become yet another string to her bow. And last week's wardrobe rotation served as further evidence of that, while also confirming that our spotlighted summer trend—red and blue colour pairings—is absolutely still standing. Ross has simply taken it in an office-friendly direction, with the help of stylist Karla Welch, who also has a hand in the wardrobes of Olivia Wilde, Tessa Thompson, Sarah Paulson and many more Hollywood faces.

While Ross's look was an all-Prada ensemble, the core components can be bought from just about any retailer. Think a blue shirt, a statement skirt—if red isn't your top choice, silver, green or a bold print work just as well—and a classic court shoe, which you may well already own. Simple in structure yet impactful in shade, with a basket bag and silver earrings adding subtle accents.

And as we've also dubbed 2026 the year big skirts bring the energy, it feels fitting that the often overlooked wardrobe staple forms the centrepiece of this easy-to-recreate outfit—suitable for even the strictest office environments. Though we'd probably swap the straw tote for something capable of actually holding a laptop, and possibly a spare pair of shoes, should you have a hefty commute.

Below, the building blocks to make this summer-ready workwear look your own.

Shop The Tracee Ellis Ross Look

Best Blue Shirts

Best Statement Skirts

Best Court Shoes

Shorts should, by all intents and purposes, be a no-brainer during the summer months. And yet, they're one of the trickiest things to wear in a way that feels suitably grown-up. A pair of track shorts might work well for a park meet-up, or some denim cut-offs for a muddy festival weekend. But what does one reach for when the temperatures soar and you're heading somewhere that requires a smart-casual dress code? Bermuda shorts are becoming the answer for multiple generations. The elongated short has been gaining popularity over the past few summers, mostly in denim or tailored form to add polish. Now, Bermudas are multiplying and showing up in different iterations that are more wearable than you think. This will be music to your ears if cotton boxers and denim cut-offs no longer feel like "you", but you're in the market for something more practical and casual than a dress or skirt for late summer.

With a knee-length silhouette and a relaxed cut on the leg, Bermuda shorts should generally be styled so you can see their waist, meaning a tucked-in shirt or tank top. A heel is another good idea, although a closed-toe mule or leather flip-flop can work if a flat is one of your non-negotiables.

With several variations to choose from in the world of Bermudas, we've broken down the shorts trend into three crucial categories: denim, tailored and holiday. And we've considered exactly what goes with each of them to allow you fuss-free styling and to delve into your wardrobe for existing options.

Denim Bermudas

Marilyn Nwawulor-Kazemaks dedicated a whole carousel to what she called "long shorts". It's her take on how to wear the denim version—with a checked shirt, leather belt and mule sandals—that we're bookmarking for how to feel grown-up in Bermudas. (See also, a windbreaker jacket with heeled ballet pumps or a crew-neck cardigan with closed-toe slippers, either of which would dress up the denim—but not too much).

Tailored Bermudas

A Bermuda short lends itself naturally to a tailored cut (just think of them like a loose suit trouser that's cropped at the knee). And while you could style them with a shirt that's cotton-crisp rather than linen-crumpled, a relaxed T-shirt, one that's long enough to just tuck in, will register as slightly more effortless.

Holiday Bermudas

Bermuda shorts with a stretch waist—and maybe a hint of fluidity to their fabric composition—will make the best (and certainly most comfortable) bottom half for seafood dinners or poolside cocktails. Follow Marianne Smyth's playbook by styling yours with the lightest of lighter-than-air camis.

Sandals get all the attention in the summer months, naturally, but there's another contender for shoe of the season this July. Not gladiators, which didn't even get much airtime in The Odyssey, not flip-flops, but closed-toe mules that mean you don't even have to redo your pedicure.

The "French" way to do a mule—which has a backless silhouette and either a strap of leather to create a sandal or a closed-toe upper—is with the smallest of heels, giving your calves a petit lift that looks particularly good with any length of skirt or ankle-cropped trousers. Influencer Sabina Socol teamed hers, a checkered mule by Chanel, with a linen co-ord and the finest gold chain encircling her right ankle.

A mule lends itself to fashion's current mood—ladylike and more than a little Parisian—which you can see to full effect on the catwalks of Chanel. For AW26, Matthieu Blazy chose the mule as one of his key styles ahead of the next season, with two-tone styles made of patent leather (the monochrome version, complete with a contrast emerald heel, was a favourite).

But the very nature of a mule—often almond-toed to create a sleek cut on the foot—means that you don't need to wear a heeled version to look elegant (especially if you prefer a flat in the warmer months). Flat mules were the favourite sandal alternative at Paris's Haute Couture Week, with show-goers making their way around the city in closed-toe mules in mushroom suede or monogrammed leather. An office-appropriate option is also a backless loafer—a mule by another name!—that's just as preppy and versatile as its closed-heel counterpart (Miista's Gianna buckled mules will have back-to-school energy with a ribbed sock in September).

A mule, especially a black leather version, can be treated like an everyday sandal, finishing an outfit with no fuss except a minimal flourish. A more statement mule on the other hand—Reformation's tiger-striped, "snip-toe" mule is the one you want—can be used to add extra spice to a lace-trimmed skirt or pair of silky balloon trousers.

Shop the Best Closed-Toe Mules for Summer