How to wear 10 summer looks from the boxer short to the perfect linen blazer

WOMEN

PALE IMITATIONS

Above: actor Tilda Swinton. Right: Scanlan Theodore “Soft wide leg” trousers.

If seeking out calm amid the chaos is your objective in 2026, be seduced by the warm-weather minimalism of actor Tilda Swinton, who always radiates composure – here, in breezy, white pieces that are the very definition of wardrobe zen. Scanlan Theodore “Soft wide leg” trousers, $400.

BOHO CHICK

Musician Missy Higgins in Alemais’ “Marjorelle” mini dress.

At the ARIA awards in Sydney last month, singer Missy Higgins brought bohemian glamour to the red carpet in a Moroccan-inspired print from Australian label Alemais. Subtle fringe details are perfect for the party season, while abstract prints delight the eye. Pair with a black clutch. Alemais “Marjorelle” mini dress, $690.

WHITE MISCHIEF

Above: model Naomi Campbell. Right: Seafolly “Sea Dive Slide” bikini top and “Sea Dive Tie Side Rio” bottoms.

The white bikini and its supermodel champion Naomi Campbell have both endured bad press – the former for its transparency and inability to flatter. We stand ready to plead its case. Quality fabrics and linings protect modesty, while fit is everything: nail the right size and just revel in those curves. Seafolly “Sea Dive Slide” top, $80, and “Sea Dive Tie Side Rio” bottoms, $70.

SUN QUEEN

Above: actor Suki Waterhouse. Right: Flannel “Marella” top.

The stigma of staying out in the sun doesn’t extend to looking like it, as statement separates in gold capture the party mood this season. Follow the lead of actor Suki Waterhouse by wearing a matching set or dial down your solar flair by pairing a gold halter top with wide-leg jeans. Flannel “Marella” top, $305.

SLEEP WALKER

Above: model Hailey Bieber. Right: Zimmermann “Awaken” shorts.

Models and content creators have been slow to move on from the pants-less trend. Now, underwear-inspired shorts, complete with feminine, lacy trims, take centre stage. Add streetwear-inspired elements, such as a boxy top like Hailey Bieber, to amp up the intentionality. Zimmermann “Awaken” shorts, $495.

MEN

SHORT ORDER

Alix Higgins boxer shorts.

Every day is legs day as shorts shrink without going near a hot wash. Choose summer colours and elevated fabrics unless you want yours to be mistaken for workout gear. At Australian Fashion Week in May, designer Alix Higgins sent out a model, shirtless, in silk boxer shorts, but feel free to team with a collared shirt for contrast or a singlet to echo the spirit of fabric brevity. Alix Higgins boxer shorts, $245.

SUMMER BLUES

Above: actor Andrew Garfield. Right: Calibre blazer.

Park the black and brighten up cocktail hour in linen or cotton blazers ranging from aqua to navy. Keep the look relaxed and airy, like actor Andrew Garfield, by going up a size. Wear with matching suit pants to be wedding-party ready, with jeans to revive Miami Vice cool or with tailored, black shorts to achieve fashion-forward status. Calibre blazer, $899.

ELORDI ME!

Above: actor Jacob Elordi. Right: Godwin Charli “Gurkha” trousers.

Bring sporting style to brunch, lunch or cocktail hour, refining the aesthetic like actor Jacob Elordi with a dash of Cary Grant class (note the looser, high-waisted trouser). Dress up with black shoes or brown loafers or down with sneakers. Invest in stain remover and leave your (cricket) balls at home. Godwin Charli “Gurkha” trousers, $699.

ANYONE FOR A POLO?

Above: actor Cooper Koch. Right: Venroy polo shirt.

The polo shirt remains a versatile summer staple at the first sign of bicep-baring. Think of the navy polo as an alternative to the white T-shirt: wear it on its own, like actor Cooper Koch – or underneath a blazer or denim jacket – with shorts, jeans or Speedos. Consider a loose knit to avoid testing the limits of your deodorant. Venroy polo shirt, $160.

DARK PRINCE

Above: Prince William in L.G.R sunglasses. Right: L.G.R “Suez” sunglasses.

While the Queen and the Princess of Wales can dress (almost) as fashionably as they desire, there are few opportunities for the King and Prince William to break out of their Savile Row straitjackets. Sunglasses are a rare opportunity for fashion diplomacy, with Prince William pledging allegiance to Italian eyewear brand L.G.R at Wimbledon this year. The brand, favoured for its classic, rectangular shape, is the crowning glory for those looking to impress without logos. L.G.R “Suez” sunglasses, $650.

To read more from Good Weekend magazine, visit our page at The Sydney Morning Herald,The Age and Brisbane Times.

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