Vacation is the perfect time to step up your style game and splurge on a few trendy pieces. But styles vary by destination and climate, so packing well isn’t a one-size-fits-all proposition. Here’s what to wear this summer to look your best in the world’s chicest cities.
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Los Angeles
Year-round, L.A. is all about the effortless cool vibe. This Oasis dress is perfect for the California heat, and transitions well from day to night. Pair it with these cork platform sandals that have a molded footbed, so you can walk and shop all day long in comfort. Add on this trendy bucket cross-body bag and sunglasses and you're good to go for a full day in the L.A. sun.
Shop the Look: Oasis dress, $81; Nine West sandals $79; Quay sunglasses $50; ECCO cross-body bag $260.
Los Angeles
Year-round, L.A. is all about the effortless cool vibe. This Oasis dress is perfect for the California heat, and transitions well from day to night. Pair it with these cork platform sandals that have a molded footbed, so you can walk and shop all day long in comfort. Add on this trendy bucket cross-body bag and sunglasses and you're good to go for a full day in the L.A. sun.
Shop the Look: Oasis dress, $81; Nine West sandals $79; Quay sunglasses $50; ECCO cross-body bag $260.
New York City
This French Connection dress is quintessential N.Y.C. summer—cotton fabric, crisp white, and effortlessly casual. Pair it with some oversized cat-eye sunglasses, classic sneakers, and a carry-all to accommodate all your shopping and travel needs.
Shop the Look: French Connection dress $112; Quay sunglasses $50; Converse sneakers $50; Lacoste tote $98.
Sydney
It's winter in Sydney, but temperatures are still in the 60s. This dress from French Connection is great since you can easily layer it with tights or a light jacket. Pair it with booties and a backpack to fit in at trendy neighborhood hangouts in Newtown and Surrey Hills.
Shop the Look: French Connection dress $122; Donald J Pliner booties $278; Scully backpack $100.
Paris
Paris sets the trends for the rest of the world, so don't be afraid to wear something bold. While locals tend to keep prints minimalist, this simple, mid-length floral dress from Zara is still perfect for summertime in the City of Lights. Pair with a hat, lace-up espadrilles, and a mid-size bag.
Shop the Look: Floral dress $69; black hat $29; lace-up espadrilles $49; mid-size tote $39; all from Zara.
London
London temperatures vary in summer, so it's best to go with lightweight fabrics and layers. These cotton high-waisted shorts by Topshop are perfect for London right now. Pair them with a simple linen top, Birkenstocks, and fringe bag. And, if it gets cool, add on a sweater or Pashmina.
Shop the Look: Gingham shorts $58; Madewell top $38; Birkenstock sandals $94.95; M&F Western fringe bag $55.
Milan
Milan is the place to take a fashion risk. If there's a trend you've been itching to try, Milan is the place to do it—for example, culottes. These ones from Love are great because they aren't too wide and have a stretch waistband. Pair them with a simple scoop-neck t-shirt, red shoes for a pop of color, and a mini city bag.
Shop the Look: Love culottes pant $32; J.Crew t-shirt $26.50; Sofft sandal wedge $89.95; Zara mini city bag $35.90.
Tokyo
Tokyo can get muggy in summer, especially during rainy July, but that doesn't stop the city's eclectic and loud sense of style. Go with a fun, graphic t-shirt, like this one from J.Crew and pair with a white denim pencil skirt. Top the look off with a red cross-body bag and sneakers.
Shop the Look: J. Crew cherry t-shirt $39.50; J.Crew white denim pencil skirt $88; Madewell saddlebag $108.50; Tretorn sneakers $68.
Dubai
When you're in Dubai, you want to be respectful (and still stay cool), which means covering up from your shoulders to your knees. This lightweight and breathable jumpsuit is a great place to start—the straps even unclasp so you can easily take it on and off. Pair it with a reversible Pashmina to cover your shoulders, or simply a thin cardigan. Dress it up with espadrilles and a clutch for a chic nighttime look.
Shop the Look: Lucy jumper $98; TravelSmith reversible Pashmina wrap $33.99; Lucky Brand espadrilles $56; Jessica McClintock straw clutch $55.
Singapore
Singapore is hot and humid year-round, but the summer months are among the most comfortable. Still, you'll want no-fuss, lightweight pieces. This cotton romper from J.Crew is perfect, as it can take you from day to night. Opt for a bright orange color if you want to make a statement or stick to classic navy and play it safe. Pair it with these neutral clogs and vinyl city bag.
Shop the Look: J.Crew tie-waist romper $118; TOMS clog sandal $129; Zara mini vinyl bag $39.90.
Berlin
Berliners tend to go with more minimalist fashion and lots of denim. This structured button-up dress from prAna is perfect for the mild summer heat. Pair it with these updated Birkenstocks and a backpack to complete the look.
Shop the Look: prAna denim dress $85; Birkenstock sandals $125; Weekday multimix crinkle bag $40.
More from SmarterTravel:
- What to Wear in Europe: An Outfit Guide
- Fashion Fakeouts! Look Great, Feel Like You’re Wearing Sweatpants
- Active Travel Clothes You’ll Actually Want to Wear in Public
We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
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