What We’re Wearing This Summer
From flip-flops in New York to all-black outfits in Paris, girls around the world share how they dress for the hottest months of the year.
Heatwaves are sweeping cities around the world this summer, but getting dressed is still a local affair. In New York, the air is thick, the sidewalks smell like hot garbage, and anything breathable is fair game. In Paris, black survives every forecast. London girls still carry a jacket just in case, while Sydney's proximity to the beach shows. Below, girls from cities around the world share their summer uniforms, wishlist items, and warm-weather essentials.
Ottilie, 20, London, U.K.
Describe your summer style.
Finally, I don’t have to put a huge jacket over my cute outfit. But still pack a light jacket, it’s never that hot in London.
What’s your summer essential?
My sparkly blue bikini!
What’s on your summer wishlist?
Gladiator sandals and a pair of beaded shorts.
Where do you shop?
Portobello Road.
Bella, 25, New York, New York
Describe your summer style.
I lose the need for my great coats and everything gets a bit skimpier. It’s my excuse to wear all white, and wear pieces that only compliment me when I have a tan. I also wear sunglasses for most of the day.
What’s your summer essential?
Flip flops are very frowned upon here, but they are my go-to. I suppose I’m un-influencible, or just incredibly stubborn. Also hand sanitizer. For some reason I don’t ever carry that with me in the winter.
What’s on your wishlist?
Alexander McQueen bumster pants and a Gucci waist bag! I dream of a hands-free, crack-out summer.
Where do you shop?
My friends’ closets.
Penny, 21, Paris, France
Describe your summer style.
Mini skirts, mini heels, mini dresses, mini purses! I try to wear less black during the summer, but in Paris, I feel most like myself when I’m wearing all black.
What’s on your summer wishlist?
More mules and the perfect pair of black sunglasses.
What’s always in your bag?
Water! Water! Water!
Where do you shop?
Pompom, Depot Sauvage, 29 rue Charlot, and Chinemachine.
Dasha, 26, Minsk, Belarus
Describe your summer style.
I’ll be wearing jeans and flip-flops and sweet perfume. In Belarus, I don’t always feel comfortable being naked, especially if I’m alone, but if I’m abroad and with my girls, I wear less clothes.
What’s your summer essential?
A top with a low neckline.
What’s on your wishlist?
An accent bag in mint or pink and Jaded London pink sport pants—I need them so badly.
Gabriella, 27, Toronto, Canada
Describe your summer style.
Living in Toronto means dealing with real humidity, so I go for practicality and comfort, nothing more and nothing less.. By peak summer, I’m not thinking too hard. I’m just reaching for whatever feels light and effortless.
What’s your summer essential?
A white tank top, but in every variation possible.
What’s on your wishlist?
The Courrèges black interlock tracksuit minidress. The sporty vibe has been my thing lately. And any shape of vintage Gucci sunglasses calls my name.
Where do you shop?
Smoking Vintage, Value Village, and Shop Boketto.
Polly, 20, Sydney, Australia
Describe your summer style.
A balance between comfort and cute. Pops of color for every occasion. Living on the beach means that you can wear bikinis anywhere and everywhere. Since it’s super hot, no one cares.
What’s your summer essential?
A denim short goes a long way with a little baby tee and flats.
What’s always in your bag?
I never leave the house without my lip combo. More recently, I’ve been bringing white sage roll-on perfume oil everywhere. It’s such a clean summery scent and lasts ages even in the heat.
Sacha, 22, Lille, France
Describe your summer style.
Silky sheer materials, thin layers. I don’t really know if it’s Paris or more the people around me that influence my style, but I’m really trying to build a timeless closet with good materials and fun pieces that I know I’ll wear for years.
What’s on your summer wishlist?
Some ballet flats like the ones Amy Winehouse had. I’ll wear them until they’re so beat up that they don’t even look like shoes. Also anything from Paloma Wool.
Where do you shop?
I don’t really shop in Paris, I prefer spending hours on Vinted to find the perfect piece of clothing I’m looking for. The only bad surprise is when it doesn’t fit you.
Lily, 21, Los Angeles, California
Describe your summer style.
Simple; it’s the girl that makes the outfit cool. In Paris they call me basic, but they just don’t get it. I dress for the heat, always.
What’s your summer essential?
A tank top and anything sheer.
What’s always in your bag?
Iron capsules because heat makes me dizzy. Jolly ranchers because of low blood sugar.
Where do you shop?
I love Kitson in Malibu. Go in there, and you’ll see just what I mean.