When you think of summer fashion, there are likely a few things that will come to mind. Strappy dresses, espadrilles, sun hats and swimsuits are just some of the garments and accessories that are so intrinsic to the warm-weather season. Lately, however, I've noticed that fashion types have been wearing another key wardrobe component commonly associated with the cooler months, even in peak temperatures. I'm talking about tailoring.
No longer is tailoring relegated solely to our workwear wardrobe. If nothing else, lockdown blurred many a sartorial line, and now, tailoring worn outside of the office is more popular than ever. And fashion's obsession with it is showing no signs of waning as we enter summer. In fact, I'd go as far as to say it's ramping up.
Summer tailoring is very much a thing right now.
Wide-leg tailored trousers have been a headliner this season, with pairs selling out faster than proverbial hotcakes. Then there's the tailored vest, which influencers have been slinging on with everything, from baggy jeans to linen shirts to slip dresses—or wearing on its own sans top underneath. And I need not remind you of the furore surrounding Frankie Shop's oversized Bea blazer. These tailoring staples have become so in demand that they currently populate every new-in section of note—not to mention the outfits of my favourite follows. For the summer months, tailored silhouettes become slightly more fluid, meaning they're less constricting, but in no way are they less sharp looking. Worn with wardrobe basics, summer tailoring makes getting ready an easy endeavour, whether you're using it to elevate your denim or give your wedding guest outfits fashion-person appeal.
Below, I've chronicled my favourite looks—seven of them to be precise—which perfectly demonstrate why tailoring should be a part of any well-rounded summer capsule. From the aforementioned pieces to the staples to style them with, scroll on to see the best summer tailoring ensembles I could find.
1. Invest In a Full Suit
Style Notes: While I don't like to encourage it, whenever I haven't bought both pieces in a matching set, I've always come to regret it. Don't follow in my footsteps. A lightweight suit in a summery shade—how beautiful is that tangerine?—will serve you well for a multitude of soirées and occasions.
Shop the look:
This sorbet orange hue has summer written all over it.
This is 2023's mantra: If in doubt, add a white racerback vest.
Let your finest footwear peak out from under these trousers.
2. Try Longline Shorts
Style Notes: Shorts and summer go hand in hand like a flake in your ice cream. This season, however, hemlines are longer than what we've seen previously in fluid tailored silhouettes.
Shop the look:
This will pair so easily with jeans, miniskirts, shorts…You name it.
This COS pair keep cropping up on IG.
Always here for minimal heels.
3. Elevate Your Swimwear
Style Notes: One of the biggest moods on the summer 2023 runways was thinking up new ways to wear bra tops and bikinis in the city. Just add a pair of tailored trousers and you've nailed the assignment. I like how Rachael has opted for a printed pair here.
Shop the look:
These look so much more expensive than they are.
Hunza G bikinis double up as the perfect crop top.
Linen tailored trousers are classic.
4. Take the Easy Route With a Tailored Vest
Style Notes: The easiest way to channel the tailoring trend in the summer? With a tailored vest. Not only will it dress up your jeans in a flash, but it also makes for a cute cover-up option over dresses. Me? I like wearing mine with slip skirts for a pretty juxtaposition of fabrics and silhouettes.
Shop the look:
So elegant.
I'm considering investing in this pair.
The dream basket bag.
5. Experiment With Alternative Hues
Style Notes: Many will readily assume that tailoring relies heavily on the colour black. A black blazer or pair of trousers is always a sound style investment, but for the summer season, why not lighten your look with a different shade such as brown, as seen on Lydia above, or navy? A camisole and mules will instantly take a pair of tailored trousers from day to night.
Shop the look:
A silk camisole is the minimalist's nice-top go-to.
This Monki pair of trousers comes in so many prints and colours.
I have my eye on these—and they're vegan-friendly.
6. Don't Disregard the Dress
Style Notes: Tailored dresses have come a long way from the peplum midis that dominated the early '00s. Now significantly more modern, they present a foolproof way of wearing tailoring when it's hot out.
Shop the look:
Our shopping editor Remy Farrell wore this COS number on her first day at Who What Wear, after which so many of us bought it for ourselves.
There's no outfit a pair of gold hoops won't suit.
Remy also has an impressive shoe collection.
7. Keep Things Casual
Style Notes: If you thought tailoring would make you look stuffy, might I guide your attention to Dawn, who has given her grey trousers a downtime spin with chunky trainers and a cropped vest. This look is the epitome of cool.
Shop the look:
A basic on a budget.
I really love the texture of this fabric.
If you buy a new pair of trainers this season, make them New Balances.
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
Next Up, Spring/Summer 2023 Fashion Trends: 21 Expert-Approved Looks You Need to See
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