LE CATCH

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

There's something about the way Europeans dress during the summer that completely enthralls me. As I watched the French Open final (i.e., Rafa Nadal) yesterday, I couldn't help notice the stylishly dressed audience in the stands, decked out in their woven fedoras, cat-eye sunglasses and crisp, elegant suits. Everyone looked polished and put together, despite the Parisian heat. Further feeding my Euro style obsession this weekend was my Instagram feed, flooded with dazzling images taken by friends attending a lavish days-long wedding celebration in Croatia. Yes, the seaside scenery, the medieval turrets and towers were captivating--as was, of course, the sartorial splendor. Even during the daytime, (see above) Euro chicness was in full tilt. Of course, now I want to pull off continental glam right here at home, and all it will take is a few key pieces, such as this casually refined peplum top by Prabal Gurung, this flowy Robert Rodriguez swing skirt, this feminine Free People sundress, this snappy, Mediterranean-ready Asos mini, these simple leather TKEES sandals (or these by Splendid) and this woven Sensi fedora.