LE CATCH

Unlike most people, I like to bust out my blacks during the summer--when they're least expected! After all, what's more flattering than a black swimsuit! (Case in point: this, this and this!) For me, an LBD enhances my sun-kissed skin, however ,it must be feather-light and loose-fitting.

Banana Republic's off-the-shoulder jumpsuit will resolve those dreaded pre-party what-am-I-going-to-wear conundrums in one simple step. Plus, it's ideal for summer vacations, able to go sight-seeing, shopping to sipping sunset cocktails without skipping a beat!

$80, topshop

I enlisted this standout army jacket into my get-dressed-and-go routine. (It's a lot less expensive than Valentino's version!)

1. Dolce & Gabbana dress, $1995, netaporter.com
2. Topshop embroidered jacket, $80, topshop.com
3. Anne Sisteron turquoise and diamond ring, $1220, annesisteron.com
4. Chloe sandals, $970, netaporter.com

For me, warm weather and white cotton blouses go hand in hand. They're light, airy and heat-proof, plus ultra versatile: they go with pretty much everything from bikinis to structured trousers. So, of course, this summer calls for a few more! I found these lovelies from Zadig & Voltaire, Rouje (pictured above), A.P.C (on sale, see note below!), Love Sam and Club Monaco. P.S How cute are the platform espadrilles above? They're $75 and available here. P.P.S: Shopbop's Sale on Sale ends today! You can get an extra 25% off with this special code.

Summer hasn't officially arrived yet but its hottest bag is already breezing about. Introducing Staud's macrame and leather bucket bag, which seamlessly goes from the beach to city streets. It boasts the (ubiquitous) basket bag's easy, laid back vibe, but its structured shape imparts a more sophisticated effect. Fortunately, it's not outrageously expensive, but it's bound to sell out fast. Get it here before it goes!

Photos: Leandra Medine, Aimee Song

$110, j.crew

Playful patches make this striped staple fresh-looking and utterly irresistible.

1. J.Crew striped sweater, $110, jcrew.com
2. Ray-Ban sunglasses, $150, shopbop.com
3. Anne Sisteron diamond ring, $560, annesisteron.com
4. Phase 3 Rope Handle bag, $75, nordstrom.com
5. K. Jacques slides, $222, shopbop.com
6. Anna Sui silk shorts, $330, netaporter.com

For my trip to Sardinia next month, I'm looking to Italian stylist Giovanna Battaglia Englebert (above left and below) for what-to-pack inspiration. With flashy prints, long skirts, ruffled tops, and statement sunglasses, she has Mediterranean-glam nailed. Accordingly, I'd like to holiday in this punchy Dolce & Gabbana-inspired strapless frock, this ruffled Lisa Marie Fernandez swimsuit, this beach-to-street Stelen dress, this buttoned-up Pixie Market mini, this flouncy Reformation midi, this Rebecca Taylor wrap dress (and this fun print top!), this Altuzarra cherry-print skirt (on sale!) and these statement sunnies.

Photo: Giovanna Englebert

$128, banana republic

This day-to-night, sandal-to-stiletto LBD is poised to work overtime this summer.

1. Banana Republic one-shoulder dress, $128, bananarepublic.com
2. Stella McCartney sunglasses, $330, shopbop.com
3. Marc Jacobs Beauty Le Marc Lip Creme in Oh Miley, $30, netaporter.com
4. Perrin Paris bucket bag, $1495, modaoperandi.com
5. Attico sandals, $740, netaporter.com

In this Insta snap, French blogger Marta Cygan provides a lesson in effortlessly chic summer dressing--and, thankfully, it's easy to learn! All it takes are straightforward basics, along with a few unexpected elements thrown in! Let's start with the fundamentals: the perfectly fitting white tee, like this or this and cropped white jeans, such as these, these, or these. A structured basket bag (a summer must!), such as these by Lindroth Design, Nannacay, Muun, yields Parisian elan. For the unexpected touches that pull the look together, try a statement geometric earring like this or this. An holster-like vest kicks up the cool factor. Footwear that's classic with a twist punctuates (and at the same time updates) the outfit. I'm obsessed with the feminine suede mules, above, by The Row (also here), and I also covet these beauties from Balenciaga, Nine West, Topshop and Valentino (on sale!).

Photo: Marta Cygan

$49, h&m

The kind of blouse I'll reach for again and again. (P.S. The grommet-trimmed sleeve are so good!)

1. H&M eyelet blouse, $49, hm.com
2. Yvonne Leon palm tree earrings, $1550, kirnazabete.com
3. Gucci Sheer Lipstick in 670 Ladybird, $40, neimanmarcus.com
4. Clare V sisal tote bag, $285, shopbop.com
5. Marc Jacobs sandals, $227, shopbop.com
6. Mother cropped jeans, $200, netaporter.com