By this time of the year, closets have been overhauled and swimsuits are out of storage. It also means it's time to start adding some summer fashion must-haves to our wardrobes.
With trends like metallic cowboy boots and maxi denim skirts, this summer promises to deliver some memorable fashion moments. And while the plethora of warm-weather styles bouncing around might seem confusing, our editors are focused on trying out the ones that are worth the long-term investment.
From worth-the-price jeans to travel-friendly bags and on-the-go sandals, here are the best items our team tried and loved last month.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Mother Denim The Funnel Sneak
“I am in my denim era: After years of boring skinny jeans, 2023’s denim trends are more exciting than ever, and I am fully embracing jean maxi skirts and unexpected styles. This extra-wide-leg style from Mother’s SNACKS! line looks just as good with sneakers and tank tops as with a button-down and heels.” — Irina Grechko, fashion director
Mother Denim The Funner Sneak, $, available at Mother Denim
Closed Nikka Jeans
"As a petite human, I'm always on the hunt for oversized jeans that don't swallow me whole. This pair from Closed is definitely an investment, but I've already gotten my fair share of wear out of them. They are buttery soft — literally feel like sweatpants — and the silhouette feels streamlined almost like a trouser, so I look put-together without feeling stiff. I've dressed these up with boots and heels, but they look just as good with sneakers or ballet flats." — Kate Spencer, senior affiliate strategist
Closed Closed Nikka wide-leg Jeans, $, available at Farfetch
Maguire Alina Black Sandal
“I notoriously hate summer fashion, but this platform pair from Maguire is making me reconsider the season’s footwear. I’ve worn them so far to everything from a vineyard day to running errands.” — Frances Solá-Santiago, fashion writer
Maguire Alina Black Sandal, $, available at Maguire
Mango Denim Midi Skirt
“Of course, I jumped on spring's must-have denim skirt trend. I can't wait to wear it with my Schutz knee-high blocked heel boots for a night out, but this casual-Sunday-winery-tour fit is definitely more of my day-to-day style.” — Carli Whitwell, senior director of editorial
“Earlier in May, I went on a two-week vacation to Japan. Making sure to leave half of my suitcase empty for gifts to bring back, I packed a lineup of clothes that I could easily mix and match. This set fits the bill — working together and as separates, with the skirt pairing with cashmere sweaters and the vest serving as an extra layer over tank tops and tees.” — Irina Grechko, fashion director
Dissh Banks Natural Linen Vest, $, available at Dissh
Dissh Roberts Natural Linen Midi Skirt, $, available at Dissh
Everlane The Tencel Oversized Blazer
"This blazer is a great wardrobe staple and the perfect weight to layer over a tee or tank in the spring and summer. It feels breezy, but structured and slightly oversized — catch me in the office wearing this with shorts and sandals." — Kate Spencer, senior affiliate strategy
Everlane Tencel Oversized Blazer, $, available at Everlane
Eledera Classica Mule
"While I've been forgoing heels more and more over the past few years, I find myself wanting some height from time to time. These mules by Eledera are the perfect balance of comfort and height, featuring a nearly two-inch block heel." — Frances Solá-Santiago, fashion writer
Eledera Classica Mule Tan, $, available at Eledera
Artizia Satin Blouse
“If I'm being honest, I didn't buy this blouse. My mom did — for herself. But I was home one weekend and needed to borrow a shirt to go out and I took it and promised to give it back before slipping it into my weekend bag. She'll never notice, right?” — Carli Whitwell, senior director of editorial
"I feel like we're all on the forever hunt for the perfect pair of denim shorts, and these baggy babies from Pistola are perfect for me in terms of a relaxed option. The denim is super soft, and while they do fall a bit long on my leg, I think they're a fun spin on the classic jort that can be styled up or down." — Kate Spencer, senior affiliate strategist
Pistola Kelly 90s Skater Short, $, available at Pistola
Cuyana Double Moon Saddle Bag & Closed
“These were my two other go-to's during my trip. The jeans (I told you I was in my denim era) from Closed feature a double waistband, adding a touch of interest to even the most boring outfits. Meanwhile, Cuyana’s newest Double Moon Saddle Bag, which also comes in neutral colors and in a fun belt silhouette, is the perfect travel size, fitting just enough essentials without weighing you down.” — Irina Grechko, fashion director
A flick through the archives reveals that cowboy boots have always been worn by those known for their playful fashion. From Princess Diana rocking a pair with a blazer and a baseball cap to Pamela Anderson styling hers with jean shorts and a white tee, they're the definition of statement shoes. While the resurgence of Y2K fashion and festive concert attire might account for their recent revival, the influx of cowboy boot-centric outfits on TikTok and Instagram sits within a wider "yeehaw agenda."
For those wondering how they can style a pair of cowboy boots for day-to-day adventures, we’ve dived into our Instagram feed to find the most summer-appropriate ‘fits to suit every occasion. Whether you're into bright, bold boots or classic vintage styles, we’ve gathered the best looks to serve as your style inspiration, rodeo not required.
So giddy up and click through the slides ahead to discover how to style and shop the best cowboy boots on the market for summer.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Barbiecore
Western wear and Barbiecore fashion are a match made in heaven. The more pink, the better — just look at this look from @xiaolongbby on Instagram.
Step into Barbie World with these blush-colored, distressed leather boots from We The Free.
We The Free | Free People Montage Tall Boots, $, available at Free People
Space Cowgirl
Shimmering metallics are all the rage these days, so why not lean into the trend with a pair of space-age boots? See @audreyags for how to pull them off in a day-to-day look.
These iridescent boots are the epitome of the space cowboy aesthetic.
Idyllwind Blue By You Western Boots, $, available at Boot Barn
Coastal Cowgirl
Embody TikTok's new favorite aesthetic by melding the "coastal grandmother" look and Western style. A linen vest, denim mini skirt and dark brown leather boots à la @isabelleheikens is a winning combination.
These vintage-style cowboy boots from Ariat are a must if you're looking for a classic pair of Western kicks.
Ariat Heritage R Toe Western Boot, $, available at Ariat
Rom-Comcore
It's time we all start romanticizing life and dressing like we're in a rom-com. Pair some white cowboy boots with a romantic dress for the TikTok-approved "soft girl" look, like this dreamy outfit from @nk.medani on Instagram.
Sky-high cowboy boots elongate your legs and look great paired with skirts, dresses, and shorts.
Billini Urson White Pointed-Toe Knee High Boots, $, available at Lulus
Classic Black
Nothing says classic like a pair of all-black boots. Just swap out your usual knee-highs and mid-calfs for a pair of cowboy boots, like @sqvarforth on Instagram.
Instead of pulling on a typical pair of black knee-high boots, reach for a Western style to mix your style up.
EGO Pen-To-Paper Embroidered Square Toe Western Boot, $, available at Ego
Preppy Meets Party
On paper, golden cowboy boots are the most maximalist of fancy footwear, but @juliegarcia16 is teaching us how to style them casually. Just embrace your inner Gossip Girl character.
Annie's Ibiza x Terry de Havilland The Silver Cowboy Boot, $, available at Annie's Ibiza
Holiday Ready
Pulling up your holiday destination dress to show off your boots? Absolutely. Wearing cowboy boots in the tropics just makes sense — look at @jazminvegaz on Instagram for inspo.
The heart stitch on these cherry red Western-style boots from GANNI is to die for.
Ganni Embroidered Leather Boots, $, available at Farfetch
Country To City
Baseball cap > cowboy hat. Bring a touch of country to the city by wearing cowboy boots alongside streetwear accessories, like @itsisabellaloren does with a baseball hat, chic sunglasses, and a waist bag.
A classic style of brown leather cowboy boots is a versatile addition to any footwear collection.
Boot Barn Shyanne Women's Encore Mad Dog Western Boots, $, available at Boot Barn
All Black Everything
An ultra-cool monochrome 'fit like this one from @foodshelterfashion on Instagram is our summer-to-fall uniform. This is also a reminder that cowboy boots look just as chic under a pair of jeans.
Is there anything more "yeehaw chic" than sipping iced coffee in your cowboy boots? Elevate any casual summer shorts and tank outfit with a pair of Western kicks, as shown by @alyssaburtis.
A pair of tan cowboy boots will go with just about everything in your summer wardrobe.
Dirty Laundry Upwind Western Boot, $, available at Nordstrom
Summertime Shades
Green-and-blue color combos scream Y2K — and they're the perfect splashy hues for the summer. Plus, this bucket hat and boots look from @chloelecareux is the sartorial pairing we didn't know we needed.
These glitzy green and blue boots from Azalea Wang are definitely summer attire.
Azalea Wang Knox Embellished Western Boot in Blue, $, available at ASOS
Americana Chic
Nothing says Americana quite like a bandana, suede fringe vest, and cowboy boots. And with the Chanel bag? Perfection. This 'fit from @terriblementm on Instagram is très chic.
If your spring wardrobe calls for a seasonally appropriate update, the best place to start is from the bottom. Solid style choices begin with a fashionable foundation, so what better way to step into a series of fresh ensembles this year than in one of the biggest shoe trends of 2023?
Maybe you’re contemplating a pair of sneakers to kick things off but have no idea if something dad-approved, chunky, or classic white is the way to go. Perhaps you’re in need of a trusty winter boot but are unsure if it should land above, below, or right around the knee. Toiling over whether or not giant platform heels are really worth the inevitable tumble?
Ahead, we’ve got answers to all these questions and more. And while the best fashion trends will always be whichever ones are worthy of your very own style moodboard, let this be an accessory guide for what the sartorial savants are adopting this season, should you wish to follow in their footsteps.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Shoe Trend 2023: Mary-Janes
The appeal of preppy attire has yet to fade in 2023, but when it comes to the aesthetic’s favored shoe style, don’t settle for a plain old Mary Jane. The latest twist on this trend takes the classic silhouette up a notch, sometimes even literally with chunky soles and sky-high heels. Think: luxe fabrics, bold patterns, multiple straps, and pearly embellishments.
Shoe Trend 2023: Knee-High Boots
In the same way skirt hems are (somewhat) believed to rise and fall with stock prices, certain boot lengths are favored over others depending on the mood of each season. Not as low as a bootie but not as tall as its over-the-knee counterpart, the knee-high boot is the perfect in-between option no matter what color, fabric, or heel you pair it with.
Shoe Trend 2023: Magenta
Pantone revealed Viva Magenta to be the official color of 2023, meaning a magical melange of crimson red, hot pink, fuchsia, raspberry, and maroon will be making its way into our closets in the form of one bright, bold hue. There’s no wrong way to wear this mood-enhancing hue, which can give everything from sneakers and flats to heels an extra punch.
Shoe Trend 2023: Fancy Flats
As much as platform soles are having a moment right now, so, too, are flats, from ballerina styles to the pointy-toed tips that were peak Y2K. But don’t confuse these flats for commuter shoes, because what they lack in height they make up for in sparkle. These are fancy flats fit for dance floors and fabulous fêtes.
Shoe Trend 2023:Moto Boot
Biker fashion is officially in thanks to motorcycle-inspired everything on the spring/summer 2023 runways. There were buckles and gloves and leather galore, with protective pants and moto jackets cementing the aesthetic as a style staple. You don’t need to be racing to appreciate what the trend can add to your winter wardrobe, and dipping your toe in with a chunky boot is a good place to start.
Shoe Trend 2023: Bow Ties
As much as we love chic suiting, this dazzling trend has nothing to do with tuxedos. Instead, think of your feet as gifts to be wrapped, your toes as tiny presents you can tie right up in a bow. That’s the signature look of up-and-coming brands like Mach & Mach, founded in 2017 by a pair of Tbilisi-based sisters who are on their way to having their biggest year yet.
Shoe Trend 2023: Hybrid Sneakers
What happens when you cross the always-cool sneaker silhouette with a practical hiking shoe? Believe it or not, you get an ultra-trendy hybrid model that can take you from outdoor excursions to indoor reservations — no footwear change required.
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Let’s go back to 2003. The year brought us “Crazy in Love,” Arrested Development, that iconic VMAs kiss, and the shocking Bennifer split. It also brought us plenty of low-rise jeans, ultra-pointy stilettos, and the new It bag: the Mulberry Bayswater. But this 2003 It bag was no one-hit wonder, but rather a handbag style that has stood the test of time. And now it’s celebrating its 20th anniversary.
British heritage brand Mulberry gave us sophistication and timelessness with the Bayswater bag, instantly becoming an iconic design. (It was one of the OG “quiet luxury” brands and bags.) And its high quality has allowed it to stand the test of time.
So if you (or your mother or even your grandmother) purchased a Mulberry handbag in its heyday, you likely still wear it and treasure it. Below, R29 Senior Travel Writer Venus Wong shares her personal experience with Bayswater bags. She fell in love with the brand when she began borrowing its bags from her future mother-in-law, who owns several styles from Mulberry’s Bayswater Bags collection. Read on to learn about Venus’s take on the iconic bag, some of its signature features, and brand-new Bayswater styles.
If you’re not well acquainted with Bayswater bags, here’s a quick rundown of the classic bag. The sleek structured handbag is constructed from heritage leather in a range of smooth and glossy or different sized grain finishes. It’s also pretty roomy inside, making it a great option for an evening, travel, or work bag.
The sleek top handles stand stiff, and the front flap perfectly molds around it like a puzzle. Bayswater bags are also all finished with the brand’s signature Postman Lock closure to keep your belongings secure. While classic and neutral shades are often associated with this style, the new season of Bayswater bags includes several bright, summer-ready colorways like mustard yellow and periwinkle blue.
“My partner’s mom, Sarah, has the classiest and most consistent personal style out of everyone I know. Her wardrobe is brimming with timeless staples that are well-made but not at all flashy, including a fleet of Mulberry Bayswater handbags. She’s been a longtime customer of the British heritage brand and often speaks so highly of its craftsmanship. It means a lot to her (as a fellow Brit) that the brand has opted to manufacture 50% of its leather bags out of factories in Somerset, England. I’m lucky enough to have a first-hand understanding of the quality since she very generously lets me borrow whatever Bayswater colorway she’s not using at the moment.
“In the summer, I’ve been gravitating toward the Small Zipped Bayswater in Coral. It adds such a nice pop of color and always matches with the bright orangey-red lipstick I like to wear on sunnier days. There is enough room for all my essentials — notebook, wallet, phone, and a light sweater for when it’s chilly at night — but it doesn’t get too heavy, unlike most other calf leather bags I own. I appreciate how structured the bag is, and the top handles stay upright without drooping down (and causing any unwanted wear and tear in the leather). The brass Postman’s Lock is the type of hardware detail that gives off a ‘quiet luxury‘ vibe in my book. I like to leave the lock strap slightly loose for a more casual, but still put-together look. The Maple Silky Calf colorway is Sarah’s favorite year-round since it has an elegant, neutral tone that practically looks chic with everything. As someone who loves a secured bag closure, the top zippers provide so much peace of mind, especially when I wear it as a crossbody bag.
“Sometimes I borrow the Bayswater Classic in Charcoal for shorter, work-related trips when I’m expected to look polished but have lots of stuff with me. The larger capacity, flexible structure, and studs at the bottom of the bag make it a surprisingly perfect weekender bag. The top flap and oval lock have this instantly recognizable, Mulberry look that makes it a classic piece, but what I’m most impressed with is the enduring quality of the materials. These bags have been in my future mother-in-law’s possession for years, and they’re still in immaculate condition. The leather looks good as new (even after they’ve been rained on a few times), and the gold Mulberry lettering and brass hardware have remained intact. They have proven themselves to be true investment pieces many times over, and I can’t wait to save up for my very own Bayswater bag and twin with my MIL when I officially become part of the family after this summer.” —Venus Wong, Senior Travel Writer
New Season Bayswater Bag Styles
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the OG style, the brand has released some brand-new editions, including the East West Bayswater shoulder bag, the North South Bayswater Tote bag as well as updated tote bags. Scroll on to find the perfect Bayswater style to add to your own collection of investment pieces.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
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