I'm a Fashion Editor Who Lives in Paris—5 Simple and Classy Outfits I'm Wearing On Repeat This Summer

It's officially summer, meaning it's time to evaluate your arsenal and pull lighter pieces to the forefront. As you may be aware, I don't tend to advocate for occasion-specific shopping, however, I've noticed that investing in versatile pieces will pay dividends when building an intentional and re-workable collection, especially in summer. Because although summer styling loans itself to nonchalant fabrications and one-fell-swoop outfits, it's challenging to know ways to elevate ensembles and create sophisticated outfits with less.

The UK is known for two things where the weather is concerned—downpours and unprecedented heatwaves, the latter of which calls for little to no fabric touching the skin. Having spent the majority of my life judging the UK's weather forecast and wanting to remain uniform despite it, and now I live in Paris, it's still very much the same. Over the years, I've done the research and devised some simple outfit formulas that add a touch of sophistication to my summer repertoire, while keeping the precarious European weather in mind.

The fact is, there are some very simple shortcuts to creating classy outfits in the height of summer. Bandeau necklines, linen suiting and perforated knits are just a handful of styles that will keep you cool, whilst loaning a fashion-forward look. The same is true for jewellery. It lends an intentional sophistication and interferes in the best possible way, whilst not compromising an outfit or adding to the bulk.

Some of my favourite influencers follow the same theme, with sophisticated summer outfits that are breathable and comfortable, foremost. Continue reading for five classy summer looks I've bookmarked for July until September, fingers crossed!

1. Bandeau Dress + Shoulder Bag + Flip Flops

Style Notes: Marisa's outfit is effortlessly chic. The combination of a sculpted bandeau dress with a shoulder bag and flip-flops (a current trend we've witnessed in Wimbledon) is the perfect way to balance a dramatic silhouette. Exposing the décolletage is bound to keep you cool, although you can add a linen skirt atop if the weather calls for it.

Shop the Look:

Whistles

Bandeau Knit Dress

£159

The sculpted top and fluted skirt work beautifully in conjunction.

AEYDE

Renee Leather Flip Flops

£210

Refined flip-flops are the summer sandals I recommend to all. When summer rolls around I'm rarely seen in anything else.

DEMELLIER

+ Net Sustain Tokyo Leather Shoulder Bag

£345

Demellier is best known for competitively priced, suave handbags. The Tokyo Shoulder bag is no exception.

Astrid & Miyu

Infinite Pearl Drop Studs in Gold

£120

Astrid & Miyu released its latest pearl range just this week. The twisted infinite pearls are the perfect earrings for highlighting off-the-shoulder and bandeau silhouettes.

2. Linen Waistcoat Co-ord + Heeled Sandals + Rattan Crossbody Bag

Style Notes: Last summer, we witnessed an influx of waistcoats and it's continued well into 2024 with an emphasis on linen for summer. Pair the waistcoat with matching linen trousers for a uniform look and add your open-toe footwear of choice. The coordination adds an element of formality, particularly if you opt for smarter wide-leg linen trousers.

Shop the Look:

Reformation

Aspen Linen Top

£148

We're still championing the Aspen linen top a year on. The gold rimmed buttons are a nod to '80s style.

& Other Stories

Relaxed Breezy Trousers

£77

A nonchalant pair of trousers you can dress up, or down.

hush

Sophie Straw Crossbody Bag

£99

Opt for a contemporary shaped rattan bag in this year's popular hammock shape.

MANGO

Strappy Heeled Sandals

£36

Your summer sandals, sorted.

3. Free Flowing Dress + Heeled Sandals + Red Clutch

Style Notes: If you're looking for a day-to-night outfit, opt for a streamlined dress with a little heel and a trench coat as an additional outerwear layer. It is the UK, after all. The red handbag adds dimension to the look, as does the green jewellery. It's all in the small but intentional details.

Shop the Look:

Arket

Cap-Sleeve Dress

£119

I'm so impressed with the shaping. It hangs beautifully on the body!

THE ROW

Abby Suede Shoulder Bag

£1350

This plush bag will add a supple touch to any outfit.

Reformation

Serenity Bare Sandal

£248

Freshen things up with cream heels over black.

DAPHINE

Dhari Necklace

£115

This teardrop jade stone introduces a natural element which ties in with the raw-hem cotton dress.

4. Sleeveless Knitted Co-ord + Bright Mules

Style Notes: When summer rolls around, so too do the knitted co-ords. Abi shows how to elevate a seemingly casual fabrication with satin mules in a zesty green.

Shop the Look:

Selected Femme

Selected Femme Agny Sleeveless Knit Top

£45

A light and breezy pointelle knit.

Selected Femme

Selected Femme Agny High-Waisted Knit Skirt

£75

This peek-a-boo knit skirt features a considered underlay.

Reformation

Daniela Kitten Mule

£298

Satin slip-on mules with an itty bitty heel.

5. Tank Top + Straight-Leg Jeans + Mesh Ballet Flats

Style Notes: Jeans are a staple year-round, particularly if you're residing in the UK. When elevating a humble pair add a ballet pump and a classic handbag. Tuck the lengths of a top into the waistband for a streamlined look.

Shop the Look:

COS

Ribbed Tank Top

£17

COS excel when it comes to wardrobe basics.

hush

Katie Oversized Straight Leg Jeans

£85

An expensive-looking pair of jeans on the high street.

COS

Wide-Sleeved Linen Shirt

£35

Swap the velvet blazer for an open linen overshirt in a neutral yet rich hue.

Jigsaw

Woven Leather Tote Bag

£220

You'd be forgiven for thinking this is designer!

LE MONDE BERYL

Leather-Trimmed Mesh Mary Jane Ballet Flats

£395

A nod to the cut-out ballet trend, although it feels a tad more refined.