1.

 

orange culture

Sisi Eko Crop Shirt

Consider this season’s cropped button-down an elevated version of the crop T-shirt and allow it to serve as the foundation of a cool, laidback daytime look as well as slightly more refined evening attire. With its boxy fit and sweet lilac shade, the Sisi Eko Crop Shirt by Nigeria’s Orange Culture is a chic marriage of masculinity and femininity, and when paired with a crisp white trouser, classic flat sandal, and rustic basket bag becomes the focal point of a dreamy daytime look. Meanwhile, the luxury and drama of Okapi’s Black Yemaja bag and Adele Dejak’s gold-brass jewels are what you need to make a smooth transition into the night. Wear with a classic, flat sandal (Shekudo’s Aso Oke Agbo Mule has the potential to provide both simplicity and glamour, depending on what you’re going for) and a flattering pencil skirt, and you’ve skillfully completed the crossover from daytime chic to nighttime glam.

2.

 

Diarrablu

Blue Kudi Dress

The right base dress can take you from poolside to cocktail party-ready in a flash. The key? Well, a little juxtaposition, of course. The impact that a few deliberate accessory choices can have on a tiered maxi dress like the Blue Kudi Dress by Diarrablu is pretty remarkable, so while the sun’s still out, keep your outfit add-ons as pared back as possible: we’re talking headwear in neutral hues and classic shapes, streamlined totes in corresponding tones, and understated summer slides. Allow a different take to carry the look straight into your after-hours plans by switching these out for something a little more upscale. The minuscule Fitini bag by Tongoro and Shekudo’s Oby Mule will instantly lend the look a dose of pronounced polish while the addition of an overshirt like Viviers’ Banana Orchid version quickly adds a spirit of avant-garde luxe. 

3.

 

IAMISIGO

Paneled Pants

Wide-leg trousers are a quintessential closet staple and a versatile example of effortless elegance. But being easily adaptable doesn't necessarily have to mean neutral color palettes: with its vivid fuchsia hue, IAMISIGO’s Paneled Pants can still be comfortably styled for a casual day or trendy twilight look. The simple switching out of a T-shirt for something a little more refined like Emmy Kasbit’s Amaka Bustier can swiftly transform your look from corporate-friendly to function-ready. A few choice accessories can help you play up the air you’re going for whether that be perfectly put-together, or relaxed and easygoing: turn to a fun backpack (Reform Studio’s version is the perfect minimalist statement piece) and some subtle beaded ear candy for the day, then embrace an embellished flat sandal and structured clutch bag for the ideal cocktail party ensemble.

4.

Emmy Kasbit

AMAKA Skirt

Though a sleek pencil skirt may seem like the epitome of sartorial formality, dressing it down for an alfresco lunch is a pretty straightforward task. Take the Amaka Skirt by Emmy Kasbit for example: paired with a loose menswear-inspired top like the lemon yellow Duro Shirt by Orange Culture and a casual flatform sandal which suitably downplays the skirt's inherent refinement. A vacation staple, the addition of an oversized basket bag adds an air of marked ease and wanderlust, serving as the perfect companion for all kinds of afternoon adventures. Need to switch things up swiftly for that pressing dinner date? Ditch the flats for a heeled mule like the Kakawa by Shekudo, swap your roomy tote for something a little daintier like Khokho Collection’s Ball Bag in Chalk, and just like that you have an ensemble that makes a strong style statement with minimal effort.