Midi skirts might form the backbone of many a wardrobe, but they don't get as much air-time as the more extreme hemlines—blink-and-you'll-miss-it minis or supersized maxis. Ahead of autumn, however, in this strange in-between period when you're subconsciously gearing up for autumn, in-between is actually bang on, with knee-length skirts emerging as the "new" length of interest.

The Autumn/Winter 26 catwalks had plenty of knee-length skirts that had "back-to-work" energy without feeling remotely schoolgirlish. Marni's skirts fell to just above the knee cap across the board, with a straight-up-and-down cut that complemented the zippered leather and sequin-embellished fabrications. With a lower-rise waist, the proportions were fresh and unexpected—an upside of choosing a tricker length instead of sticking to a safer calf-length midi.

Jil Sander's knee-length skirt was more A-line in silhouette, with a delicious suede version, paired with ecru tights and patent court pumps, that is guaranteed to make you feel slightly more positive about the end of summer. Chanel also endorsed the knee-length skirt for Autumn/Winter 26 (Paloma Elsesser got first dibs on the collection's gorgeously textured style, embellished with scale-like layers of paillettes, to attend the label's show at Haute Couture Week).

Marni's knee-length skirt was also paired with a heel, a slightly lower slingback or criss-cross sandal worn over socks. I mentioned shoes because the choice becomes crucial with a knee-length skirt. Flats aren't completely forbidden, FYI, but it's probably a good idea to ensure your skirt hits on or above the knee to avoid a rather shortening effect. Otherwise, a midi heel pairs brilliantly with on-the-knee skirts, giving lift and a touch of the ladylike mood that inflected many catwalks for Autumn/Winter 26 (Elsesser's toe-capped, gloved pump is a case in point).

You're looking for a pump with a heel (the height can vary), a slingback or a totally-closed silhouette. A square toe will add a point of interest (COS has a great loafer-style pair with a chisel heel). A heeled ballet pump is another easy option because you can go modest with the height (Massimo Dutti's suede ballerina measures 3.5cm). As dinky (or perhaps dinkier still) is this bow-tied, kitten-heeled mule from M&S, which would look on-point with grey ribbed tights or a scrunched knee-length sock. You also can't go wrong with a gloved pump like Aeyde's, which has an hourglass-shaped heel measuring a higher 6.5cm.

As well as considering what's going on south of your skirt's hemline, it will pay to consider what to wear on top (and whether or not you need to tuck it in). Marilyn Nwawulor-Kazemaks recently posted a perfectly-composed outfit: a knee-length skirt, lipstick red and leather, paired with a tucked-in white T-shirt, a chunky beaded necklace and patent burgundy pumps.

It's the kind of look—hinging on the in-between length of the skirt—that will give you a boost as you head back into the office after a few weeks of sun-lounging (or, more likely, chasing your kids around the pool with a bottle of suncream).

Shop Our Favourite Knee-Length Skirt And Shoe Combinations

Many of us sell items on eBay to earn a few extra pennies on the side, but, please correct me if I'm wrong, we haven't turned it into a multi-million-pound business spanning 16 stores across France, Spain, the United States and the UK, hundreds of employees and a brand name known to anyone who shops at the upper end of the high street. That's exactly how Morgane Sézalory started out in 2004, though, before launching the label we know today as Sézane. And on Sunday, the brand story shifted once more.

The French label we've come to love has relaunched with a slower, more intentional edit—dropping only monthly, with a stronger focus on natural materials and designs that truly stand the test of time. In a nutshell, the approach couldn't be more intertwined with everything we've always admired about French fashion. The vision: "to create original designs guided by the same pursuit of excellence," reads the press release. And a scroll of what's just landed on the site seems to hold true to that goal. Picture funnel-neck trench coats, soft leather jackets, cashmere knits and office-friendly staples that will instantly elevate any workwear wardrobe. Our edit of favourites is listed below.

"I’m now 41, and since turning 40 I have seen a real shift in myself," Sézalory tells Marie Claire. "Everything has become clearer and now I’m ready to put this new perspective into Sézane that feels more intentional, and a reflection of me growing up." A new logo, a new website and a still-secretive Paris apartment among the changes, though we already have the location: 117 rue du Bac.

"I have taken a step back to look and I’m now excited to bring my vision to life and to share it with everyone," she adds.

Although, if talk of change sends a ripple of panic through any long-devoted Sézane shoppers, you needn't start searching Vinted for old-season favourites. The roots of the brand remain very much intact: "dressing women through every chapter of life, every mood, every version of themselves," they write to their almost six-million-strong Instagram following.

While Sézalory adds, “the new chapter is for everyone, we hope that our existing loyal customers, that are so important to us, love it, and it may open the brand up to a new audience too."

“This is a new chapter with renewed intention, but it is the same Sézane instinctive approach and commitment to the elements that have defined the brand from the beginning—the quality, creativity and accessibility. The icons that remain true to Sézane will continue, alongside a fresh approach to our design," continues Sézalory.

And with 20 years of learnings under her belt, this change can only be a good thing. I, for one, am excited.

Shop The New Sézane Collection

The weather might have taken a turn for the damp—decidedly so if my soaked pair of jeans is anything to go by—but it's still technically summer until 21 September. The good news is that we've identified an item of clothing that encapsulates our warmest season but, crucially, can be worn into autumn: the camisole top.

Dua Lipa's post-honeymoon wardrobe included the cami in a big way—with styles from 16Arlington, With Jéan and Chloé. Alexa Chung's famous "outfitcam" carousels, meanwhile, also feature several camis, both lace-trimmed and primary-coloured. In fact, A-list Instagram feeds are endorsing the camisole left, right and centre. Daisy Edgar-Jones's Chloé top is particularly whimsical, helped by the fact that she's holding a bunch of lavender. But Tracee Ellis Ross, who posted less than 24 hours ago, wins for sheer fabulousness. Her camisole is liquid silver mesh (need we say more?) and, paired with lo-fi denim and sneakers, shows us exactly how to do "jeans and a nice top" in summer 2026.

Another A-lister who just wore a similar pairing, except an autumnal version, is Keri Russell, who's promoting the latest season of The Diplomat. The actor shrugged a collar-popped blazer over her camisole-and-jeans combo, a timely reminder that just because it's whisper-thin and lace-trimmed doesn't mean your cami has to retire at the start of autumn.

It's all very Saint Laurent, whose lace camisoles were paired with lace pencil skirts for Autumn/Winter 26. My advice is to bookmark that look for party season, which means you can wear your camisole now, during autumn and, finally, at Christmas.

Shop Our Favourite Camisole Tops

I've failed, and I'm sorry. A large part of any fashion editor's job is to sniff out the newest, most exciting brands before they hit the mainstream—and this one has slipped right past me, while the most discerning fashion fans, Monikh Dale included, have quietly been investing in its sculptural skirts, office-appropriate dresses and elevated basics. So much so that the brand features as one to watch on this quarter's Lyst Index, with searches up 232% year-on-year. Its name? Voranida.

Founded in 2019 by designer Voranida Rujekitnara, the brand names timeless style, impeccable detail and precise craftsmanship as its three key focus points, with reinventions of everyday wardrobe favourites the core aim. A double-collar shirt, a layered silk vest and the exposed-pocket Tracey trouser are just a handful of examples of how it's absolutely hitting the mark. Though, according to Lyst, Voranida has an extra edge.

"Voranida also capitalised on this seasonality-led demand," writes the 2026 second quarter Lyst index. "Across both contemporary and luxury fashion, the brands making the biggest gains were those that embraced the realities of the season, meeting consumers where they were rather than asking them to buy into collections not yet fit for purpose."

Step into any high street store and you're sure to be met with boots, knits and jackets—pieces many of us aren't quite ready to invest in, especially when this summer is one of the hottest on record. This real-life seasonality simply signals, yet again, that Voranida seems to know exactly what we want from our clothes: what they look like, how they're crafted, and when, exactly, we want to wear them. Practicality and polish, standing hand in hand.

The designs aren't synonymous with any one location or style, and that seems to stem from Rujekitnara's background. The designer was born in Bangkok, studied womenswear fashion design at the London College of Fashion and worked with the likes of Fendi and Rejina Pyo before setting out on her own. Her pieces, as a result, cater to no particular location, age or setting—just those searching for something a little different, yet still actually wearable.

And though it's already stocked at luxury stores such as Harrods, I have a feeling we're about to see a great deal more of this brand. Though I promise I'll be a little quicker on the mark next time.

Shop Voranida

Yes, you can simply shrug a knit over your favourite summer outfits to stave off the chill while still wearing flip flops, but it's not the only way to shift your wardrobe from high summer to autumn-appropriate. So, as shorts slowly give way to trousers, vest tops to long-sleeve tees and (sorry) sandals to fully covered shoes, the search is on for some softer middle ground—so we're A) not shivering and B) not overhauling our entire wardrobe. And by way of inspiration, some of the best-dressed women on the internet are already showcasing some especially strong suggestions.

Take Marilyn's swapping of the summer-favourite denim mini skirt for one far longer and fuller, cosied up even further with a long-sleeve tee. Or Debora's easy summer look of black linen trousers, a grey tee and flip-flops, made autumn-ready with the simple addition of a trench coat—a piece perfectly suited to this in-between season. Or Bettina Looney's clever switch-up in fabrics, wearing a classic, seemingly summer-ready vest top in a far warmer leather. Too sweaty in summer, yes, but expertly suited to autumn, allowing us to bare our arms for just a little longer.

All prove that a few easy touches are all it takes to eek our summer wardrobes out into the next season. Though do, by all means, get experimental with layers, all in the name of prolonging the love affair with sandals. Because unless you're off on holiday, we'll be back in closed-toe shoes for what feels like a lifetime.

5 Transitional Autumn Outfit Ideas to Bookmark

Denim Midi Skirt + Striped Tee

If you, like me, have a habit of wearing only jeans, allow me to gently nudge the denim midi skirt into your line of sight. Just as easy to style yet noticeably more striking, it's a piece that rarely gets the attention it's rightly owed. A long-sleeve tee and a peep-toe heel will have it effortlessly treading that high-low balance, making it an easy formula for many an occasion.

Trench Coat + Simple Layers

Answer me honestly, how many trench coats are currently in your wardrobe? I have three. So let’s use this as a reminder that this tricky transeasonal period are what the lightweight coats are actually built for. Layer yours over everything from mini dresses to trouser suits and your favourite summer look—linen trousers, a classic tee and flip flops, for one.

Statement Top + Jeans

The Instagram algorithm is, I fear, a little too advanced, as I've spotted this fringed leather vest top no fewer than five times. And on every occasion, I've headed straight to the brand website and added it to my basket. Only to forget, then repeat the cycle the next time it crops up on a morning scroll. With jeans and a peep-toe mule, it far outdoes the everyday jeans-and-a-nice-top formula, evoking high summer while offering that bit of extra warmth.

Statement Trouser

If the Holli leather vest tops are taking over our algorithms, so too are La Veste’s striped shorts and trousers, the latter ticking more of our transeasonal dressing boxes. Add a denim shirt, belt, printed neck scarf and preppy pumps and suddenly they feel office appropriate. Just because we’re stepping out of summer, doesn’t mean colour gets left behind, after all.

Black Separates + Accents

Black trousers, like jeans, are a basic outfit building block that belong in every wardrobe. To take them from the warm weather and into autumn, opt for a closed-toe shoe, lightweight jacket and liven up the look with a scarf tied around the waist.

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

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:

Shop Shirts

Shop Sarongs

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

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.

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.

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

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