There’s something about summer that calls for a reset. A stripping back of complications, a return to ease. This season, that philosophy is reflected in the wardrobe. Whether you’re leaning into tailored elegance or undone cool, the best summer pieces strike a balance between classic and current, masculine, and feminine, structured, and soft. This week, we’re spotlighting five timeless warm-weather staples, for him and for her, that belong in every stylish wardrobe. Think of them as the foundation of summer 2025, reimagined for the way we dress now.
The Linen Shirt
For Her:
Zara100% Linen Shirt
The ultimate summer piece, the linen shirt works as a breezy cover-up at the beach or thrown on with a staple pair of jeans. This season, opt for slightly oversized cuts in soft neutrals - bone, sand, or pale lilac. Unbutton it low, layer over a bikini, or pair with linen trousers for a co-ord set.
For Him:
Massimo Dutti Linen Shirt
Classic white, slate blue, or sage green linen shirts for men should feel relaxed, never stiff. Pair it with lighter-coloured tailored trousers or chinos. A lightweight blazer can elevate the look for a professional setting, while loafers or espadrilles add a touch of coolness. Alternatively, an oversized linen shirt can be worn casually over swim shorts or with denim and sandals for a relaxed summer look.
The Tank
For Her:
Sleek, minimal, and oh-so-90s. A fine-ribbed tank in crisp white or black adds instant edge to flowy silk skirts, satin pants, or even tailored shorts. Dress it up with gold hoops and a bold lip for that model-off-duty energy.
For Him:
The tank has officially gone from gym gear to fashion staple. Keep it fitted, pair it with relaxed trousers or under a short-sleeved shirt, and finish with loafers.
Statement Accessories
For Her:
MISHO Faun Choker
Chunky gold or resin jewellery, and oversized sunnies; accessories this season are all about impact. A sculptural necklace or bold cuff adds a personal twist to your warm-weather look.
For Him:
Minimal leather sandals, vintage-inspired sunglasses, and woven crossbody bags are redefining summer accessories for men. It’s about quiet confidence- details that speak without shouting
Relaxed Suiting
For Her:
Boxy blazers and fluid trousers in light fabrics offer that perfect masculine-feminine tension. Go monochrome in ivory or blush tones, and layer over a crop top or bandeau. Add strappy heels or chunky sandals depending on the mood.
For Him:
Looser silhouettes and deconstructed tailoring are defining men’s summer suits this year. Think seersucker or linen in beige, dove grey, or olive. Pair with a tee or tank underneath. Suited, but never stuffy.
Tailored Shorts
For Him:
Ralph Lauren Tailored Fit Performance Short
Go for a longer, boxier silhouette in breathable fabrics like cotton twill or linen. Earth tones and navy rule. Style them with a polo or an open camp-collar shirt and sleek sneakers. Add a woven belt if you want to feel a little Riviera.
For Her:
H&M Tailored shorts
Forget denim cutoffs, this summer, it’s all about tailored shorts that sit just right. Think mid waisted, pleated, and hitting mid-thigh. Pair them with a tank and strappy sandals for day, or a blazer and slingbacks for night. It’s polished, but still playful.
Where We’re Seeing It
These staples aren’t just runway trends; they’re showing up everywhere. In New York, linen tailoring is dominating Soho sidewalks, paired with bold sneakers or metallic flats for that fashion-meets-function balance. In South Asia, especially cities like Mumbai and Colombo, relaxed suiting and breathable co-ords are making their way into both streetwear and elevated eveningwear- often paired with local craftsmanship like handwoven textiles or artisanal jewellery.
Meanwhile, global runways have embraced this hybrid dressing approach- Prada’s SS25 men’s collection featured fluid tanks and shorts with a feminine softness, while brands like Jacquemus and Peter Do continue to blur the lines between menswear and womenswear, offering inspiration for a new kind of wardrobe: one built on versatility, personality, and heatproof style. Summer style isn’t about reinvention; it is about refinement. Whether you’re feeling tailored and crisp or undone and breezy, the best looks this season have one thing in common: they work hard without trying hard.
