3 Styles at Work: How to Wear Summer Whites

An essential isn’t essential unless it’s versatile. It should pull its weight, appeal to any personality, and fit in seamlessly with various aesthetics. To put this theory to the test, we’ve asked three Vogue editors to style the same piece, each in their own way.

The Fourth of July weekend is here! And so is another scorcher in New York City. Ask our any of our intrepid editors, and they’ll tell you: the only sensible way to dress for this kind of weather is with an all-white ensemble. The look has become a go-to for staffers when the weather is too sticky for comfort—and street style from the recent men’s shows in Paris and Milan (where another heatwave took place) confirm it: all-white is the move.

As for the clothes themselves? You’ll want to stick to the basics—a breezy dress, lightweight Bermudas, or a cotton midi skirt and simple tank. From there, you can make the look your own with accessories. Take a cue from Vogue’s senior shopping writer, Cortne Bonilla, who pairs a white button-down and balloon skirt with a beaded pendant necklace and office knit cinched at the waist. The all-outfit with about ease, first, then a touch of personality. Our editors show you how to balance both, below, in this week’s Style at Work.

Cortne Bonilla, senior shopping writer

“Wearing all white in the summertime has been my go-to for a long time—although it matches the lightness of the season, there’s something about sporting it head-to-sandal that screams, effortless! Carefree! Curated! It’s also a foolproof, fuss-free way to get dressed; everything matches!”

Madeleine Schulz, US editor, Vogue Business

“This Harris Tapper dress is truly my summer uniform (ask anyone at the office). I love accenting an all-white look with pops of…other neutrals? I always gravitate towards my brown satin Tabis with this creamy white dress, and this Kallmeyer bag is huge when unfolded, to fit all my summer office necessities (including extra sunnies, claw clip, a sweater for the AC). And it looks chic as a clutch for after-work drinks in the sunshine.”

Andrea Zendejas, shopping market editor

“If I could wear white all summer long, I would, and honestly, I usually try to. I love that it acts like a blank canvas for color, texture, or a great accessory to be added on top. Whether it’s a silk scarf tied around the waist, a piece of jewelry, bold sandals, or a raffia bag, the accessories do all the talking. Practically speaking, it is one of those shades you can actually revive with bleach, which makes it as sensible as it is elegant.”

Shop More:

Slung on a leather cord or chain, the pendant necklace is more than just a necklace, it’s a personal touch—and for spring/summer 2026, brands confirmed the accessory as a summer must-have. Dries Van Noten sent shell pendants down the runway, while TWP presented more functional objects. On the market, you can find everything from leather key rings to sculptural shapes crafted from organic materials.

Vogue editors are loyal to the ones they wear: Justin Fernandez, contributing menswear editor, has a Celine letter pendant he reaches for like clockwork once summer starts. Concetta Ciarlo, our beauty shopping writer, meanwhile, has formed a deep connection to Vertigo tiger’s eye pendant. As for myself? I’ve been building a small collection, which all started with Hunting Season’s tagua pendant. Ahead, a look at how each of us styles it.

Justin Fernandez, contributing menswear editor

“One of my most cherished piece is my Celine Phoebe Philo era ‘J’ pendant necklace. I have a habit of reaching for it as soon as summer comes around every year. I love to wear it relaxingly low—and it goes perfectly as a little pop against an all white outfit. A very coveted item that was snatched off my neck after a night in Berlin… true story, but for another time.”

Minty Mellon, shopping market editor

“I have quickly adopted the pendant necklace as my own personal style signifier. When I first came across Hunting Season’s tagua and leather necklace, I was obsessed: I quickly added not one, but two to cart. The adjustable cord lets you wear it in more ways than one. I wear mine to the office, on vacation, and out with friends. Unlike just any regular chain necklace, it feels more intentional, and adds personality to my look.”

Conçetta Ciarlo, beauty commerce writer

“I’m on concurrent fashion journeys: buy less prints when shopping vintage, and lean more into accessories to dress up basics. Vertigo’s medallion necklace is perfect for its weighty feel, which drapes comfortably and hangs from adjustable leather, so I can sport it any which way, from choker to mid-chest. Plus, the yellow tiger shade suits my knack for wearing deeper colors. And if you’re into crystals and gems—tiger eye stones represent mental clarity, resilience, and supposedly ward off bad juju (all of which I could use). I’m wearing it here with a basic brown tee from Cos, a vintage YSL skirt, and vintage Prada kitten heels—but there are similar styles to be found!”

Shop More:

Officially in the heat of summer, it’s time to put away the long tailored pant and reach for something cooler and more comfortable: the Bermuda short. At the Vogue offices, it seems like an unspoken rule that the silhouette has quickly become a staple in our summer wardrobes—taking inspiration from the spring/summer 2026 runways. Fforme, Loewe, and Dries Van Noten, all sent their own take of the style down the runway as a spin on relaxed tailoring. Normally worn a little baggy, to give that cool girl effect, the tailored piece remains polished while the length adds a laid-back energy. You’ll often spot Libby Page, Vogue’s shopping director, in a pair styled with heeled flip-flops and a silk blouse. Consider this your sign to add to cart, as the market is brimming with new styles from luxury brands to great high-street finds for under $300.

Libby Page, executive shopping director

“These Bermuda shorts hit perfectly below the knee, which makes them the ultimate wear- to-the-office short. If I’m wearing shorts, I love to add a small heel for height and style with a long sleeve for balance.”

Kiana Murden, beauty editor, shopping

“I’m happy to see Bermuda shorts getting the love they deserve. Find the right silhouette, and you’re golden. My sweet spot is a little long and voluminous—paired with a barely there shoe (think: flip flop or ballet flat) and a similarly billowing top. It’s interesting with low effort!”

Ciarra Lorren Zatorski, fashion editor

“Never did I think that I would rejoice over the return of Bermudas, yet here we are! Tibi’s modern take on the knee-length style is the perfect hybrid between a classic cargo and a tailored, cropped trouser.”

Shop More:

Staud

Mateo Bermuda shorts

The flip-flop has always been a summer staple—but not everyone considers it office-appropriate. Spotted across the spring/summer 2026 runways in bold colors, jelly iterations, and embellished styles, the flip-flop has earned its rightful place as daily go-to. Editors have long been on board with the look, styling theirs with slouchy denim, breezy summer dresses, and everything in between. The enduring appeal of the flip-flop is in its ease: unfussy by nature but endlessly versatile by design. Whether your taste runs minimalist or maximalist, there’s a pair that will add a quietly fashion-forward touch to any look. Below, see how each editor styles theirs for the season ahead.

Naomi Elizée, fashion market director

“I love a flip-flop with a pop of color for summer. This red and brown style from Ancient Greek Sandals has slipped seamlessly into my wardrobe, going from work straight into my suitcase for a trip to Morocco!”

Talia Abbas, shopping director

“I’ve been wearing my A.Emery Kintos for three summers straight—each year I’ve faithfully added a new color, though the brown remains my most worn pair. They don’t take themselves too seriously (they’re just leather flip-flops) but nonetheless bring a sense of ease and cohesion to my wardrobe that other sandals can’t quite match.”

Hannah Jackson, fashion writer

“While they’re certainly not the most practical footwear—especially in the city, where you’re exposing your toes to the elements—I am a dedicated flip-flop fan, particularly my ultra-thin black Calvin Kleins. I love how they add a casual element to an otherwise involved outfit. I find they strike a nice balance with more outré pieces, like my beloved beaded fringe Prada trousers. Between the flip-flops slapping on the ground and the beads jangling together, you can hear me coming from a mile away—but I’m more than happy to announce myself in this ’fit.”

Calvin Klein

Crude sandals

Shop More:

The raffia tote has long been a summer staple—but Lié Studio is making the case for a year-round use. The woven material brings an ease and softness to your look while the structured silhouette allows it to function as a daily carryall, taking you from early morning meetings to late-night dinners without missing a beat. Editors are quick to swap out their leather bags for this lighter alternative as soon as the weather warms up, and celebrities are on board, too–Zoë Kravitz, for one, regularly sports hers with trench coats and other transitional pieces, proving the raffia tote is an accessory that transcends seasons. Below, see how each editor styled theirs for right now, from Lié Studio.

Mai Morsch, fashion editor

“A raffia tote, like this one from Lié Studio, is the perfect multi-purpose bag for spring and summer. Take it to the office, out for drinks, or down to the beach. The chocolate brown colorway is an elevated twist on natural raffia—still a neutral that goes with everything, but a little more unexpected. It’s one I’ll be reaching for again and again in the months ahead.”

Megan Rodrigues, assistant fashion editor

“It hasn’t quite felt like summer in NYC yet, so I’m manifesting blue skies and sunny days with this raffia tote. Perfect for a tropical getaway or just a leisurely stroll through the city, it somehow fits everything (ideal for those of us who carry our entire lives around), while still feeling lightweight and polished.”

Taylor Lashley, senior manager social media

“With summer around the corner, I’m excited to bring raffia bags back into my rotation. For the office you can never go wrong with a great pair of black trousers, and here I’ve styled them with simple sandals to give the look a lighter, more effortless feel. A raffia bag and breezy linen top add the perfect warm-weather touch, creating an outfit that transitions seamlessly from the 9-to-5 to after-hours plans all season long.”

Shop More:

The silk printed scarf is having its moment—the spring/summer 2026 runways made the case, and our editors are fully convinced. From Kallmeyer’s oversized striped scarves to the ease of Dries Van Noten’s pareos, the message was clear: this isn’t just a throw-on accessory, it should be the focal point of your look. Go bold with saturated hues and graphic prints, or let a neutral tone do the quiet work. Either way, their versatility is endless. It’s the difference between wearing clothes and building a look. See how each editor styled theirs, below.

Maddy Fass, fashion market director

“I’m always a fan of a dress over pants so I was captivated by the styling in Julian Klausner’s debut mens show for Dries Van Noten SS26. Multicolored printed sarongs were effortlessly tied and swished over relaxed trousers, topped with tailored blazers, and grounded with the ease and casualness of the classic flip-flop. I was instantly interested in recreating the formula for myself and the spring-to-summer transition we’re in now is really the most opportune time.”

Irene Kim, production and editorial associate

“One of my favorite summer styling hacks is tying a silk scarf or bandana around my hair. Not only does it help me prolong my hair wash days for a bit but it also adds a nice colorful touch to my outfits since my spring and summer wardrobe mostly consists of billowy white blouses from Dôen and a pair of blue jeans!”

Minty Mellon, shopping market editor

“A printed silk scarf is the gift that keeps on giving. Kallmeyer’s striped iteration feels chic and effortless when draped around the shoulders, but the possibilities are endless. Tie it as a headscarf, wear it over a pair of tailored trousers, or knot around your bag as an accessory for your accessories! It’s a subtle detail that elevates any outfit.”

Shop More:

This spring, classic denim has gotten a considered upgrade. Imagined in earthy tones—beige, brown, and everything in-between—the new hue feels like a quiet reset. Already adopted by celebrities and editors alike (Zoë Kravitz was recently spotted wearing a pair strolling through New York City), the neutral tone slips seamlessly into your existing wardrobe. Editors are turning to Mother, Citizens of Humanity, and Ossou to anchor their looks against an otherwise airy spring palette. The tone proves its versatility, effortlessly paired with tonal browns, playful pops of color, or a classic white tee. Could this be your new go-to denim style?

Talia Abbas, shopping director

“I could easily run through all the tiny details that make Ossou’s jeans special, but what keeps me coming back for more is what drew me in in the first place—the wash. The earthy brown shade is as versatile as any blue jean, pairing well with both neutrals and brights, but feels more considered on. You can tell a lot of care and thought have put into the construction, too—from the sharp front creases to the jewel-like button and zip closures.”

Nicole Martini, associate fashion editor

“The denim you need for a perfectly balanced fit – high-rise and straight through the leg, with just enough structure to feel polished without being stiff. Brown denim breaks you out of the blue-jean autopilot; it’s unexpected but still neutral, so your outfit feels intentional without getting complicated.”

Andrea Zendejas, shopping market editor

“Colored denim is back! The way I am easing into this trend is with a muted pair from Citizens of Humanity. I styled them with a classic striped button-down, and accessorized it with a floral brooch and punchy red sandals.”

Shop More:

TWP

Tiny Dancer wide-leg jeans

At Vogue, everyone has a distinct point of view, but each editor was drawn to Comme Si’s crimson shirt to kick off the series. Over the last few seasons, red has steadily taken over the runways and street style, offering an easy way to punch up an outfit with a bold flash of color. Worn as a shirt, thrown effortless over a matching set, or tied at the waist, it proves its ability to be more than one thing. See how each editor made it their own.

Libby Page, executive shopping director

“For someone that rarely wears color, a crisp red shirt has become a staple for me to inject some vibrancy into my wardrobe. Always paired with black, of course, and sometimes khaki or taupe to add interest.”

Naomi Elizée, fashion market director

“I love how versatile this Comme Si top is. I can wear it as intended or knot it at the waist as a little styling trick to make the whole look more interesting.”

Alexandra Hildreth, fashion news writer

“I normally don’t wear bright colors, as everyone in the office jokingly knows, but I really liked the subtle sheen to the Comme Si shirt. The material made it feel more like a neutral rather than something glaringly bright, and so I styled it like I would have any other black, gray, or white—casually and open over my usual monochrome outfit for a brisk spring day.”

Shop More:

Eres

L’intemporel Mignonette linen shirt