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This year, with a bit of finesse, you can make simple things regain the power of surprise.

TEE PARTY
Picking the one essential summertime piece? Impossible. Closest approximation? The T-shirt dress.

While it may have felt a bit anticlimactic in seasons past, this wardrobe staple has been updated with cutouts, ruching, smocking, chains and strapping details. These pieces embody the comfort and casualness of your go-to tee, but with a heaping dose of style.

Exemplifying the elevated T-shirt dress is Jonathan Simkhai. The ruching and cutout details on the designer’s cotton dresses create refined looks suitable for an outdoor event or luncheon, but without sacrificing ease.

Ulla Johnson, Veronica Beard, ATM and A.L.C. also have jumped all over this trend, so you don’t have to settle for just one comfy-yet-chic addition to your wardrobe. To keep it casual, wear a T-shirt dress with a pair of Golden Goose Super Stars. But, if you go for glam, don these dresses with one of the season’s on-trend strappy metallic sandals by Aquazzura.

SHORT STORY
At the beach, in the office, out for cocktails—shorts are everywhere this season. Thanks to an array of styles, from super casual to practically formal, there is a style perfect for any occasion.

Boardroom-bound? Make a power move with black shorts and a Nili Lotan blazer and blouse. IRO’s sophisticated cargo shorts (yes, cargo shorts are back) pair perfectly with an extra-feminine top for a fun date-night look.

Look hotter than the noonday sun in Marissa Webb’s chic pleated-front shorts. The paperbag pants trend gets a warm-weather makeover, courtesy of Hudson. For a weekend or vacation vibe, you can’t go wrong with denim shorts from SLVRLAKE or a bright white pair from
Dorothee Schumacher. Dress them up or down; there is no shortage of ways to style these quintessential summer pieces.

STEP LIVELY

Whether you are rocking a pair of on-trend boot-cut or flare-bottom jeans or you’re addicted to the day-dress trend, you’ll need the right footwear to take your look to new heights. Fortunately, designers are showing a variety of bright-pattern platforms and cork wedges for spring and summer.

Go bold with a spunky pair of Christian Louboutin sky-high platforms. This season the designer worked in an array of metallic leathers and candy-like colors. With a pair of linen shorts or a breezy boho dress, go for a laid-back look with wedges or espadrilles in earthy shades of cognac and hazelwood. With these classic summer soles, your style is sure to be a kick.