From Calvin Klein to Ganni and Chloé, the s/s 2019 catwalks were awash with California Cool references.
Summer is usually a time for grabbing the first airy dress or cotton T-shirt and jeans from our wardrobe, and slipping on the comfiest sandals or flip flops we can find.
But although this season’s biggest trend is effortless, this time it’s in a much more pulled-together way.
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The most enviable collections from the s/s 2019 shows, from Calvin Klein to Ganni and Chloé, were a lesson in how to update our summer wardrobes without upping the effort-ante.
The trend: California Cool. The pieces: bleached-out denim, tie-dye, short-sleeved shirts and lace-up canvas trainers. It’s laid-back fashion at its finest.
The short-sleeved shirt
There’s no escaping the short-sleeved shirt, and it’s something we’ll be seeing more of throughout summer 2019. Although they may not be for everyone they are more versatile than you think.
If you’re struggling to style it, opt for a neutral-toned linen style, a cool tie-dye cotton version or a bright colour. Wear with a tailored midi skirt and mules for the office, over a slip dress for effortless weekend style, or undone over high-waisted shorts and a bikini for the beach.
Check out our favourite examples of short-sleeved shirts for this summer below.
REJINA PYO Mila crinkled satin shirt
A satin shirt is a great eveningwear option. Wear it half tucked into the front of a midi skirt with flats for day and strappy sandals for night time escapades.
Warehouse silk-blend scenic shirt
Printed styles are a shortcut to chic beachwear for those in search of less feminine options. Wear this open over swimwear with Havaianas and denim shorts.
Proenza Schouler PSWL tie-dye poplin shirt
A short-sleeved cotton shirt looks great with trousers or jeans for daytime; just add some chunky, sporty sandals and a cross-body bag.
Bleached denim
Between the tie-dye, the colour and the bucket hats, denim will keeps this trend grounded firmly in casual territory. Look for bleached or stonewashed denim shorts, A-line midi skirts or straight-leg jeans.
Check out our pick of bleached denim pieces below.
Current Elliott distressed denim shorts
Classic vintage-look denim shorts will pull this outfit together seamlessly. They look great on the beach but could also work for the city, with a chunky tie-dye knit and lace-up pumps.
Maje Jarta long skirt in faded denim
Add a feminine touch to this androgynous trend with an A-line midi skirt. This Maje style will instantly elevate a cotton shirt and basic sandals.
Levi's Ribcage pleated cropped jeans
Levi’s highest waist jeans yet are the perfect partner to a short-sleeved shirt or tie-dye knit; just add chunky leather sandals for the ultimate summer weekend uniform.
The bucket hat
No longer the reserve of ravers, skater boys and golf-mad dads, the bucket hat is having a style revival: on the catwalk thanks to Prada, Gucci and Miu Miu.
Psychedelic, neon, patterned or plain, whatever style you opt for, team this retro classic with an insouciant attitude.
Find three ways to rock a bucket hat below.
Ganni Shiloh tie dye-effect cotton bucket hat
Not for the faint of heart, wear this Ganni printed bucket hat with a sweatshirt, jeans, sandals and a khaki utility jacket.
Weekday Eclectic bucket hat
This chic, pared-back hat comes in both black and white and is the perfect way to accessorise your summer basics. It looks great with a cotton crew-neck T-shirt, white or bleached denim jeans and Birkenstocks.
Warehouse zebra Bucket Hat
Nail two trends in one with an animal-print bucket hat. This monochrome zebra-print style looks polished when paired with all black but also works with a plain T-shirt and clashing animal-print midi-skirt.
Canvas pumps
Canvas pumps strike the perfect balance between sporty and casual, making them the ultimate footwear option for this trend. Have fun with bright coloured or printed uppers and chunky Nineties-inspired soles.
Not sure how to pick the perfect pair? Don’t worry, we’ve found them for you.
Superga Cotu black trainers
These chunky soled trainers also come in military green, beige and white and are perfect for everything from weekend wandering to festivals and beach walks.
Converse Chuck 70 classic high top
The ultimate in classic casualwear, the Converse Chuck is the perfect partner to the bold and colourful California Cool trend.
Tory Burch Blue Gemini Buddy sneaker
These printed statement sneakers from Tory Burch will look great with a denim skirt or shorts and short-sleeved shirt for everyday.
Images: Courtesy of brands / Instagram
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