LE CATCH

$85, nordstrom

Simply sleek--and yet excruciatingly hard working.

1. Chloe dress, $3790, netaporter.com

2. Adriana Degreas swimsuit, $260, mytheresa.com

3. Pat McGrath Labs and Candy Crush Nail Polish, $32, nordstrom.com

4. Miu Miu raffia bucket bag, $1200, mytheresa.com

5. TKEES sandals, $85, nordstrom.com

My son just took off on his own European summer adventure—before me--pre-gaming like a seasoned pro with a carry-on backpack and a SoCal-infused glow that radiates "senioritis." He's not the only one soaking up the sun early though. My IG feed is already bursting with Aperol, slinky silhouettes and seaside ease. Yes, the early birds are out in full force--and they've packed well! So far, I definitely like what I see: the sheer Siedres dress, above, Chloe cascades, sweeping red A.L.C., lots of Eliou lace, glittery Dries Van Noten, rope-trimmed Prada, Farm Rio florals and ruffles, La Double J green goddess-ness, and Sea New York embroidered fringe (last pic). Plus (all under $300), this, this and this!

Photos: Mikal Curtis, Silvia Pescia, Stephanie Covington, eliou, JJ Martin, Lucy Williams

$140, MC2 Saint Barth

Diving into Miu Miu's bandana print trend with these board shorts.

1. Quince sweatshirt, $19, quince.com

2. MC2 Saint Barth's shorts, $140, mc2saintbarth.com

3. Quay sunglasses, $45, quay.com

4. Same asymmetrical bikini top, $230, mytheresa.com

5. Same bikini bottom, $195, mytheresa.com

6. JW Pei shell clutch, $119, shopbop.com

7. GAP jelly shoes, $49, gap.com

Now you can add a little charm to every step you take this summer. Enter Jeffrey Campbell's embellished boat shoes, above, Zara's colorful gingham-strapped sandals, below. Can't decide which one is cuter.

Consider this another gentle reminder you're going to need to bead up this summer. Go gumball-sized and super colorful--the bolder, the better. Here are some affordable options from Madewell, Mango, Hijas de Puka, Anthropologie, and Mayamar.

$556, saks

Inspired by this--but for daytime reveling.

1. Toccin embellished crochet dress, $556, saks.com

2. Lizzie Fortunato necklace, $385, modaoperandi.com

3. Gucci Nail Polish in Goldie Red, $35, nordstrom.com

4. Aquazurra sandals, $486, mytheresa.com

Gwyneth Paltrow was recently spotted in a sleek Left On Friday swimsuit, above, on a yacht in Capri — because, of course, she was. She’s always ahead of the curve when it comes to wellness and effortless style (all in!). But for once, I can say I was already on board! I've sworn by Left On Friday suits for years (here and here) for their clean, flattering lines, technical fabrics, and go-anywhere versatility and myriad hues. And my sister, also Left On Friday’s #1 fan, even shoots their campaigns, which makes it a true family affair. See her images below!

While the white button-down has long been my ride-or-die staple (crisp, classic, impossibly versatile), this summer, it’s getting a little competition from... wait for it... the yellow button-down! It’s the sunny, buttery hue that looks fresh, adds mood, and yet it still plays the same neutral role—the perfect partner to a swimsuit, statement skirt, or basic denim. It’s got that just-threw-this-on magic we all love. Toteme makes the best (and most coveted) one, but I also love these amazing iterations from Polo Ralph Lauren (so classic!), Homme Girls (on sale), Alex Mill, and The Reformation.

Summer officially began this past weekend with a festive Friday lunch at Chez Mia with an oversized dancing robot drifting through the outdoor patio, blowing bubbles on us (because why not). By sunset, we were at San Vicente in Santa Monica for an al fresco birthday dinner, with golden light, extra layers to stave off the sea breeze, and that easy, anticipatory rhythm only a June evening can bring. From midday whimsy to evening elegance, it was a reminder that the best summer days stretch across settings—and that the right outfit makes each me feel effortless. On that note: Net-a-Porter just launched an edit for summer occasions that makes getting dressed easier (and honestly, more fun). It's worth bookmarking because the season’s just getting started--and so is shopping, specifically Johanna Ortiz floral dress (above!), the Isabel Marant, below, this lunch-to-dinner ruffled Staud, this printastic La Double J, and this stunning ethereal Zimmermann. Check out the masterful party-ready capsule here!

Photo: Monica de La Villardiere

Like clockwork, just as the heat is beginning to hum, the fashion gods are drawing back the curtain—and the cult items of summer are stepping into the light. They're clinging to the necks of creative directors in Paris, or dangling from bags that don’t yet have waitlists—but will. And now, we see them clearly. The paracord wave is cresting with quiet confidence—on ankles, charms, and strap details that say more about energy than accessory. Spotted at The French Open yesterday: Veronica Beard's more-is-more take, above, (perhaps inspired by this Prada). Fish pendants (Blooming Dreamer, below, Eliou), albeit a 2024 holdover, are bigger than ever, circling the necks of the in-the-know (Lucy Williams, below) like aquatic talismans. Handwoven bags in burnished golds and silvers feel almost nostaligic--love these options from J.Crew and a non-metallic one from And Other Stories. And netted sandals, barely-there but utterly intentional, tell us this summer walks softly but with purpose. Dorsey founder Meg Strachan models the perfect version by Staud. Balloon-fit pants (thank you, Chloe--on sale now!) are taking space unapologetically, as if exhaling. And aren't we all ready to exhale? P.S. Helping us breathe easier: this and this! Happy Weekend!