The Best Wearable Romantic, Feminine Brands For Summer When You Live In The City
Do a search for “summer fashion” and you’ll be met with an onslaught of casual, carefree ensembles. While loose-fitting, spaghetti-strapped fits are stunning poolside or on the sands of Nantucket, that vibe doesn’t always jive with an urban lifestyle.
Dressing in a way that’s feminine, practical for the heat, and at home in the city can be a challenge. But it doesn’t have to be.
As Hagrid once famously told Harry Potter prior to his embarking on the Hogwarts Express, shopping is simple “if you know where to go.” And shopping for wearable, feminine pieces that are also city-friendly is no exception.
What to Look For When Shopping for Feminine, Romantic Pieces
Feminine fashion is all about embracing what it means to be a woman. Soft colors, silhouettes that enhance and complement the feminine form, and all the girly details, from obvious bows and sequin embellishments, to more subtle details, such as ribbon ties and lace accents. Fashionable feminine patterns include gingham and florals and favorite romantic summer accessories involve basket bags and timeless sandals.
Keeping these attributes in mind can help you suss out the best pieces for achieving a feminine, romantic aesthetic while shopping in the heart (and heat) of the city.
10 Feminine Brands to Shop for City Fashion This Summer
Whether you’re physically venturing out, flip-flops slapping the concrete on your quest for wearable summer fashion pieces, or are upgrading your wardrobe from the comfort of your couch, be sure to check out these brands when adding wearable femininity to your urban summer closet.
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Guizio
Founded in 2014 and headquartered in New York City, Guizio is designer Danielle Guizio’s namesake label. The brand hangs its hat on ultra-feminine pieces that embrace sensuality and celebrate what it is to be a woman. If you want to dress practically but also, a little bit sexier this summer, this is the brand for you.
Low Rise Paillette Skirt, $168
Oasis Crochet Shoulder Bag, $278
Rouje Paris
This Parisian brand just celebrated its 10th birthday, and was founded with the interest of embodying “the Parisian woman: free, sensual, and true to herself.” A quick glance at Rouje Paris’ website confirms that the label has done just that. All of their pieces are timeless, figure-flattering, and fiercely feminine. Shop for movie-star energy.
LoveShackFancy
The ultimate feminine fashion brand, LoveShackFancy is renowned for flowery, pink, and bow-adorned designs. Everything the brand makes is just plain girly (and therefore hard not to love). While you can definitely shop for occasion pieces from this brand, LoveShackFancy also offers up a ton of pieces made for everyday city wear. Browse their 90-degree weather-approved dresses and coquettish accessories.
Maralina Cherry Stripe Mini Dress, $365
Peridot Stretch Pointelle Cardigan, $345
Cerys Embroidered Cotton Maxi Dress, $495
Elarose Gingham Capri Pant, $345
Ciela Cotton Victorian Top, $295
Sézane
For feminine, Parisian fashion that delivers a vintage-inspired air, there’s no better brand to shop than Sézane. All of their pieces, from their hallmark knitwear to their covetable leather goods, are chic and of the utmost quality (much of my own closet is Sézane and these pieces are some of my most worn). Key summer staples to shop from this brand include sunglasses, basket bags, shorts, sandals, and chic dresses.
Rixo London
If you’re in New York, Ireland, or (you guessed it) London, mosey on over to Rixo London for feminine pieces inspired by iconic designs of decades past. Think: plenty of lace and polka dots. Any one of their dresses would make for a stunning one-and-done summer outfit.
Sandrine Linen Blend Midi Dress, $285
Marcella NYC
For femininity that’s a little outside the box, check out Marcella NYC, which describes its designs as “minimalism with an edge.” With many of this brand’s pieces considered elevated streetwear, their designs are wearable for both office and weekend fun.
DÔEN
With brick-and-mortar locations in many of the U.S. major cities, DÔEN is the city girl's accessible and epitomized avenue for romantic dressing. The brand is well known for its cottagecore aesthetic, continuously serving up pieces that feel at home at the most upscale farm imaginable. In other words, DÔEN clothing racks are abundant with timeless gingham, puff sleeves, micro florals, and billowing skirts.
Saylor
Founded just over a decade ago in 2014, Saylor is a relatively young brand that has become a frontrunner in contemporary women’s fashion. Saylor slays whimsy and fun. From bold prints to vibrant colors, the designs being churned out by this label are sure to add personality to any wardrobe.
Staud
If you’re not familiar with Staud, I’m willing to bet you're unknowingly familiar via the brand’s internet-breaking beaded handbag (The Tommy). Staud is the ultimate cool-girl brand. While many of the label’s offerings lean toward modern and sleek, they also offer a healthy amount of feminine designs. The brand knows its way around embellishments like no other.
TOMMY BEADED BAG SPRING DAY, $350
AMALINA LINEN MINI DRESS WHITE, $375
Hill House Home
If “nap dress” had a synonym, it might as well be the Hill House Home brand name. This label is famous for its pastoral dresses, but if you’ve ever spent time in their store (or on their website), you’ll know their fashion offerings are vast. From lacy tops to bold hair accessories and the dreamiest cardigans, their pieces are boldly feminine and all individually hold the power to zhuzh even the most plain of outfits. Reach for one of those cult-following nap dresses when the city sidewalks are egg-frying hot.
Whether these labels are new to you or beloved favorites, have fun shopping them through the lens of embracing your most feminine self. Scope out which pieces best fit your urban lifestyle and pare down based on soft colors and girly details to achieve that romantic je ne sais quoi.