Is it hot outside, or is it just us? The temperature’s rising, and we’re making things even hotter with some of the biggest looks of the season. The trick to styling out city heat? Next level looks. Whether you’re adding a few degrees with bulky layers or sliding through scorching city heat in a barely-there slip, the only non-negotiable this summer? Don’t compromise your looks. From Y2K fits to all-white co-ords, pink party heels to little black bags, and the essential beauty picks for creating major summer looks and keeping cool (a facial mist will be your best investment this summer), this is how to style out summer in the city.

The dress of the summer? It’s a big claim, but Balmain may just have won it with the Sky Cowl Dress. Ft. the Renaissance-inspired print that shut down Balmain’s SS23 show, it’s a sexy statement maker that’s guaranteed to have all eyes on you (as they should be). And, as it’s a classic slip dress, complete with light fabrication and an easy cowl neck, it’s the perfect piece for styling out scorching city days. Pair with easy mules c/o Bottega Veneta and a classic pearl necklace by way of Hatton Labs. Not holding back? Match your dress to your bag with Balmain’s Sky Blaze Bag that comes in a matching Renaissance print.

Question: how do you keep your skin glossy and glowy when you’re on the go? Answer: one of these must-have face mists. Tom Ford’s Hyaluronic Energizing Mist boasts the ultimate skincare trifecta: the ability to keep skin plump, energised and glowing thanks to a blend of ingredients, including caffeine and vitamin E that hydrates and primes the skin. La Mer’s The Mist is enriched with marine botanical extracts for a super hydrating effect that’ll revive frazzled skin. And if you’re searching for dewy summer skin? Patrick Ta and YSL have got you covered with their dewy skin mists.

Need to take your city-heat outfit from day to night in one easy move? We’ve got you covered: all you need is a little black bag. Big enough for touting your everyday essentials, sleek enough for a night out on the town, the LBB has all your summer dressing prayers answered. The key black bags to pick from this season? Miu Miu’s Nappa Leather Shoulder Bag for one. Embodying that ‘90s It girl aesthetic we all know and love, the Nappa Shoulder Bag features vintage-effect leather and gold-toned hardware, while Givenchy’s Mini Voyou was made for channelling off-duty model style. In search of a cult handbag? Bottega Veneta’s Mini Leather Sardine Bag (as seen all over our Instagram feeds) will do the trick. Ft. the brand’s classic intreccio design and a sleek gold handle, it’s set to be the bag of the season – and beyond if Bottega Veneta’s AW23 show is anything to go by.

When it comes to styling out city heat, sometimes, co-ordination is key. And that’s where this set from Off-White comes in. The ultimate answer to slick city streetwear, the Toybox co-ord is what all our summer dreams are made of. In a shade of sandy off white, the set features a boxy denim jacket and chunky cargo mini skirt, complete with an asymmetric hem. Just add oversized sunglasses and a matching bag c/o the brand’s Jackhammer Chain Wallet. Easy.

The dewy, summer look doesn’t have to stop at skin. Glaze your lips in high-shine glosses in formulas that moisturise and last all day. Looking for something hydrating? Hourglass’ No.28 Lip Oil acts as an anti-ageing lip treatment with essential oils and vitamins, and a cooling 24-karat gold-plated tip – bliss in the heat. Looking to make a statement with an easy slick of colour? Go for Jimmy Choo’s Seduction Lip Gloss, a highly saturated formula in bright, statement summer shades.

Come on Barbie, it’s time to party. While we count down the days until the biggest movie release of the summer, we’re getting ahead of the hype with a pop of Barbie pink. Starting with pink party heels, of course. Off-White’s Pop Pearl Mules are the ultimate summer party piece, coming in a punchy pop of fuchsia and featuring an all-over satin fabrication and pearl detailing. Miu Miu’s nearly naked mules are a major vibe for summer nights, while Christian Louboutin’s Just Loubi heels go big on Y2K energy. Ready to take things up a notch? Valentino Garavani’s ultra-high patent leather sandals, as seen on the likes of Anne Hathaway, Dua Lipa and Florence Pugh, will take your outfit to (quite literal) new heights.

We can’t stop living in Y2K. And for summer 2023, we’re taking our Noughties fits up a notch with none other than the gods of the Y2K aesthetic, Diesel. Starting with the viral Diesel skirt, (yes, the one that has 19.7 million views on TikTok) in a shimmering shade of silver. Fresh from the brands SS23 runway show, it taps into the heavy metal trend that we can’t get enough of right now, and proves Paris Hilton right once again, because a skirt should indeed, be the size of a belt. To style? Opt for heavy city heat layers: a bulky biker jacket, Coperni’s cult denim knee-highs and, of course, a Diesel 1DR bag.

When the winter has well and truly winter-ed, our complexions need a pick-me-up. Enter: the does-it-all bronzer. In the right shade, a good dusting of bronzer will enhance and define features and make it look like you’ve just stepped off a plane from Miami. Searching for a sun-drenched glow? Hourglass’ Ambient Lighting Bronzers are famed for a formula that instantly blurs and gives a soft finish to the skin. And for an ultra-natural, sun-kissed look, Nudestix’s Tinted Blur Sculpting Stick is a handy cream bronzer that allows you to draw the product on exactly where you want it (just don’t forget to blend).