You Asked, Ali Answered:
Easy Summer Uniform?
We want to answer your most pressing questions—or, you know, just the things that you’re curious about. Please keep them coming to [email protected]. Below, a q for our creative and editorial fashion director, Ali Pew.
Q
Recently, I’ve been struggling to find outfits that keep me cool and look chic—especially office-ready
ones. What are your go-to summer looks?
A
Truth be told, the way I think about my uniform doesn’t change much from season to season. Whether it’s a sweltering 90-plus degrees or there’s a fresh dusting of snow on the ground, my guiding principles remain the same: Try styling what you own in new, imaginative ways. Stick to your color palette (summer is a tempting time to go off track, but trust me when I say styling will be much, much easier if you don’t). And have fun with your accessories—it’s a low-stakes way to add texture, color, warmth, and femininity.
CLASSIC ACT
This is easier said than done, but try to resist buying too many trend pieces. Instead, pick one item to update (I love these St. Agni trousers—the ultrahigh waist and sculptural side pleats are super flattering) and pair it with proven basics, like a plain white tee. Has it been done before? Sure. Is it still undeniably chic? Absolutely. Pile on the gold to take the look from day to night.
-
G. Label
Deven link necklace
goop, $2,500SHOP NOW -
G. Label
Chidi Lock charm
goop, $1,600SHOP NOW -
G. Label
Parker Pleated T-Shirt
goop, $145SHOP NOW -
G. Label
Dixon Floating-Diamond Bangle
goop, $4,800SHOP NOW -
St. Agni
trousers
goop, $541SHOP NOW
WHITE OUT
Nothing says summer like white on white. When the palette is pared back, I like to experiment with the silhouette—say, a cocoon-sleeve top tucked into cool baggy pants. Keep the minimalist vibe going strong with all-black accessories. This outfit will take me from the office to photo shoots and beyond (it may even make a weekend appearance).
-
Electric
sunglasses
goop, $250SHOP NOW -
G. Label
Talati puff top
goop, $395SHOP NOW -
G. Label
de la cruz pleated pants
goop, $495SHOP NOW -
Advene
bag
goop, $595SHOP NOW -
Hereu
sandals
goop, $480SHOP NOW
WRAP PARTY
Remember what I said about styling in new ways? Here’s how to breathe new life into two pieces you likely already own: Layer a wrap skirt over a long shirtdress, letting the hem peek out. It’s directional without doing too much, and I love the contrast of these light-blue menswear stripes against the natural hue of the skirt. Ankle-wrap sandals below keep the proportions balanced.
-
Maria McManus
Dress
goop, $790SHOP NOW -
Maria McManus
skirt
goop, $590SHOP NOW -
Advene
Tote
goop, $525SHOP NOW -
A Emery
sandals
goop, $150SHOP NOW
PUFF PIECE
I’m a fan of anything you can wear multiple ways. Case in point: the creamy cotton-twill skirt from above. I paired it with the Fallon top from July Core for contrast, both in color and texture. You might be thinking, Be real—that open back won’t fly at the office. But try leaving the bottom bow undone, crisscrossing the panels, and tucking them in tightly: Problem solved. A summery bucket bag pulls the look together.
-
G. Label
Balenger Diamond Bar Earring
goop, $525SHOP NOW -
G. Label
Fallon Tie-Back Top
goop, $395SHOP NOW -
Maria McManus
skirt
goop, $590SHOP NOW -
G. Label
Avant pavé crescent hoops
goop, $3,550SHOP NOW -
Métier
Perriand Mini
Métier, $2,150SHOP NOW
FINE LINES
If, like me, you tend to gravitate toward monochrome, may I suggest mixing things up with blue-and-white banker stripes? This ruffle-neck blouse is the right amount of feminine and looks great with anything high-waisted. I wore it with this cotton-gabardine skirt from Jil Sander (its clean lines make a nice complement) and warmed it all up with gold jewelry and a buttery leather clutch.
-
G. Label
brigette buckle ring
goop, $1,990SHOP NOW -
G. Label
JJ Ruffle-Trim Blouse
goop, $375SHOP NOW -
Jil Sander
skirt
Matchesfashion, $795SHOP NOW -
G. Label
elliott assorted-link bracelet
goop, $1,500SHOP NOW -
Loewe
clutch
Net-a-Porter, $2,450SHOP NOW
Related Reading
The 2022 Summer Shopping List
You Asked, Ali Answered: Easy Summer Skirt That Goes Everywhere?
6 Prestyled Seasonal Looks
We hope you enjoy the products recommended here. Our goal is to suggest only things we love and think you might, as well. We also like transparency, so, full disclosure: We may collect a share of sales or other compensation if you purchase through the external links on this page.
