LE CATCH

$91, asos

Now's the time to bust out loud, vibrant prints. This floral shift executes perfectly.

1. Warehouse floral print dress, $91, asos.com
2. Saskia Diez Tahiti pearl ring, $908, stevenalan.com
3. Mary Katranzou leather clutch, $245, modaoperandi.com
4. Tibi ankle strap sandal, $425, shopbop.com

When I worked at Lucky Magazine, there was a regularly running column called How to Dress Around a. . . (insert a newly trendy, hard-to-wear item here). Accompanying pictures showed how to style the piece, so that ultimately you could pull it off with aplomb (rather than look like a fashion victim). For me, this column was especially convincing whenever I was on the fence about buying edgier pieces. Since I'm now considering a pair of culottes--an item of clothing I haven't worn since I was in the single digits--I spent some time this morning assembling my own version of "How to Dress Around." These images pretty much persuade me that my wearing culottes is 100% doable--and effectively cute. My options so far: this pleated Tibi (similar to above), this silk Whistles, this Kate Spade Saturday, and this textured Topshop.

$114, miss selfridge

A great t-shirt alternative that also makes a glam statement.

1. Miss Selfridge beaded top, $114, missselfridge.com
2. Lanvin sunglasses, $300, shopbop.com
3. J. Crew woven bag, $55, jcrew.com
4. K. Jacques sandal, $255, shopbop.com
5. Equipment silk shorts, $170, netaporter.com

While the fashion tribe may be favoring Birkenstocks (white birks in particular right now!) and slides this summer, I am remaining loyal to my gladiators, keeping them very much in the mix. They're classics, after all, and one can never go wrong with a pair with a few simple, narrow straps in a neutral solid (i.e., black, brown, metallic) with minimal details. Gladiators are also an alluring mate to a flowy dress or short shorts, and they emit summer's laid-back vibe. Some of my favorites this season wind up the leg a little (emphasis on little!), such as these lovelies by Madewell, Sam Edelman, and House of Harlow. Other ones I like have a decidedly feminine edge such as this Tibi and this Ancient Greek Sandal. I also like these classic versions from Jason Wu, Kurt Geiger, Circus and Dolce Vita.

$80, topshop

For me, a perfect summer day calls for a perfect white (denim, frayed piping) dress.

1. Topshop denim dress, $80, topshop.com
2. The Row sunglasses, $460, netaporter.com
3. Juicy Couture evil eye stud earrings, $32, shopbop.com
4. Cleobella fringe leather clutch, $158, anthropologie.com
5. Chinese Laundry mixed print sandals, $80, piperlime.com

This French blogger expertly finesses a basic jeans-and-tee outfit with the help of some standout accessories. I am inclined to follow suit with these Maiyet (or Aldo) slingback sandals, these round Quay Harper sunglasses and this Rag & Bone messenger bag.

Photo: Mango and Salt

$148, shopbop

This ultimate summer bag will go from a work meeting to a beach date without flinching.

1. Pixie Market top, $38, pixiemarket.com
2. Ray-Ban sunglasses, $150, shopbop.com
3. Splendid canvas bag, $148, shopbop.com
4. Schutz metallic sandals, $123, piperlime.com
5. Victoria Beckham jeans, $295, netaporter.com

I really love the look of frayed-hem jeans but fear cutting a pair that I own to achieve this look--you, know, the whole D.I.Y. aspect. I just know I'd botch it! Thankfully, a slew of ready-raw-edged jeans are trickling into the market. They look messy on purpose but somehow also "done." Among the best: this light wash, straight leg Frame, this bleached, skinny Mother, this white boyfriend Madewell, this high-waisted Topshop, and this distressed J. Brand.

Photos: Style, Pinterest, Man Repeller

$138, revolve

I once drove all over LA looking for a cute Baja-style hoodie to feature in a Lucky Magazine fashion shoot to no avail. At last I have found one--that's well worth the wait!

1. Joie cotton hoodie, $138, revolveclothing.com
2. Illesteva round-frame sunglasses, $300, netaporter.com
3. J.Crew bikini top, $50, jcrew.com; J.Crew bikini bottom, $46, jcrew.com
4. TKEES sandals, $70, shopbop.com
5. Rag & Bone denim shorts, $154, nordstrom.com