Structure for Summer

And by that I do not mean structured activities for your kids (although aren't they great?). What I mean, quite simply is this: while summertime clothes tend towards the loose and unfitted for reasons of ventilation there is something to be said about deploying structure when it is hot outside.

Why, ye may ask?

Well, for one, structure tends to mask bits better. Despite the natural inclination upon seeing your 'bits' to run for the sackiest thing in your closet, I would strenuously recommend reaching for structured items instead. They corral bits in while not adding bulk. So there, reason number one.

Reason two has to do with the fact, already stated above, that summer clothes tend to be loose. Most summer pants, for example, while delightful, can look like baggy, limp, and - god forbid! - hippy things due to their preferred fabric (linen is often featured), if paired with a slouchy top. Structure can come to the rescue.

Vests, or waistcoats, or as they are known in Europe gillets, are the best structure summer has to offer.

There are two options for vests:
1) Short, fitted, and worn closed - those are best when paired with looser cut pants or longer length  
    pencil skirts.
2) Longer, looser, and worn open - those are best when paired with mini skirts or skinny pants.

The basic principle here is to avoid repeating the same silhouette on top and bottom - if bottom is loose top should be fitted and vice versa.

With that in mind, ladies, here is a selection, in our usual categories:

DREAM:

- short: Rochas:

Rag and Bone:

Vera Wang (this is a longer one that could work as a short one because of its cut):

Phillip Lim:

Kenzo (a perfect short!):

WISH:

See by Chloe: 

ANN DEMEULEMEESTER

Robert Rodriguez:

Alice+Olivia:

WANT:
* Theyskens Theory - and I think the perfect one! in all categories:

Saks:

Tahari:

Mango: