LE CATCH

Anna October's ruffled tops succinctly summarize my summer style! I especially love how they all turn heads, day and night. Check 'em out here.

$140, topshop

This skirt goes from the office to the beach without breaking a sweat. And I love the chic Altuzarra-ish vibe!

1. Simon Miller tank top, $130, matchesfashion.com
2. Self Portrait x Le Specs sunglasses, $125, shopbop.com
3. GAS Bijoux bracelet, $156, shopbop.com
4. Cle de Peau in No. 10, $48, nordstrom.com
5. Lanvin clutch, $525, frwd.com
6. Tom Ford sandals, $1590, netaporter.com

My twin sister flew to New York yesterday and as per usual called me upon arrival. Making up for the five and half hours of incommunicado airtime, she rattled on about the photo shoots she'd be working on, how she'd hoped to spend her little downtime (running along the Hudson River, dinners out at Le Turtle with friends, etc.), and what she had packed. Because Coliena crisscrosses the country regularly (two or three times a month!), her carry-on always contains precisely what it should, and I was curious to know the current specifics of her masterful mix. Among the items she listed, she said a dress that can be both meeting-appropriate and free time-friendly, like the easy maxi, above, is essential. Inspired, I sought out some of these versatile dresses and happily discovered this Sam & Lavi, this Theory, this Asos (or this!), this Topshop, this Tome, this Vince and this Timo Weiland.

*Randomly, in a notable case of twin synchronicity: this past week my sister and I separately stumbled upon the all-of-a-sudden must-have cuteness that is BCBG's spring collection, specifically this beach-to-street embroidered dress, this boho romper, this ethnic tunic, and this striped top. All so good!

$375, moda operandi

The stripes make it dress day-worthy while the ruffles lend evening drama. In other words: my ideal summer dress!

1. Viva Avivia one-shoulder ruffle dress, $375, modaoperandi.com
2. Rebecca Minkoff earring set, $48, shopbop.com
3. Clare V drawstring pouch, $199, clarevivier.com
4. Jin Soon Pop Orange Nail Lacquer, $18, nordstrom.com
5. Sophia Webster patent leather sandals, $495, netaporter.com

This slit skirt is going to do wonders for my effortlessly chic run-around-and-go summer uniform. Priced at $41, it's a must-have in all three colors!

I love the way New York City-based artist Jenny Walton goes about her business, elevating her work-ready outfit with an unexpectedly chic $60 basket bag. Inspired by a Japanese picnic tote and made of bamboo, the bag makes a street-savvy statement, plus is roomy enough for an iPhone and other on-the-go essentials.

Photo: Nabile Quenum

$64, nordstrom

Pretty scalloped straps--and a great price--make this sandal a slam dunk!

1. Apiece Apart dress, $495, netaporter.com
2. Super Sunglasses, $250, shopbop.com
3. Shashi beaded bracelet, $83, shopbop.com
4. Shashi tennis bracelet, $66, shopbop.com
5. Mango lattice bag, $69, mango.com
6. Sole Society sandals, $64, nordstrom.com

A sleek black dress that looks nothing like the other LBD's in my closet, boasts fashion-forward edge and a $145 price tag? But, of course!

Here's further proof that a bold skirt and a simple top add up to springtime success. And the funkier-than-ever print and perkier hue, the better! Prime examples: this floral Finders Keepers, this denim Marc Jacobs, this tweed Tory Burch, this boldly-colored House of Holland, this abstract patterned J.W. Anderson, and this embroidered Topshop. A white top like this or this would be the perfect teammate.

$70, river island

I'd like to revel in the warm temperatures by wearing a fun, flowery skirt like this. (Also love it with a more subdued, office-friendly black crew neck sweater.)

1. Stella McCartney print tee, $265, netaporter.com
2. Elizabeth and James sunglasses, $185, shopbop.com
3. Aurelie Bidermann, $225, netaporter.com
4. Clare V linen clutch, $165, shopbop.com
5. Alexandre Birman sandals, $595, bergdorfgoodman.com
6. River Island lace skirt, $70, riverisland.com