What They Wear: Hot Summer Day

If there were a word to sum up summer, it would have to be carefree. Since we were little, we have always looked forward to these three golden months where our biggest worry was when the ice cream truck would come around, and what would we get (decisions, decisions!). However, nowadays, the warm weather brings with it a whole new set of problems that make us long for the days when picking between a Sno Cone or Otter Pop was our biggest dilemma; specifically, how to dress appropriately for a sizzling summer day, while also looking put-together and stylish. Though we could labor over this question for the remainder of August, we have decided, instead, to take some dressing direction from six of our favorite fashion frontrunners. Whether it’s a printed halter dress (à la Rachel Bilson) or a voluminous pair of satiny shorts (like Leighton Meester), we think today's sextet will provide you, dear readers, with a little end-of-summer inspiration to keep you looking hot and feeling cool!



Alexa Chung
Self-proclaimed tomboy, Alexa Chung, wore a playful overall cut-off denim dress while hailing a cab in Manhattan earlier this summer. The It's On With Alexa Chung host's short selection looked wonderful with one of our favorite summer top trends, the boyfriend shirt. Though both of her pieces are vintage finds, we can recommend Current/Elliott's Overalls ($298) layered over Forever 21's Classic LS Button Down Shirt ($10) for more contemporary alternatives. The It-Brit finished her look with a long shoulder-strap bag and Salvatore Ferragamo Vara Heels ($395), a shoe style so classic that it’s only rivaled by Chanel ballet flats. If you are in the market for a lower-priced bow-embellished sole selection, try Topshop's Minnie Bow Ballet Flat ($55)!

Rachel Bilson
The always-lovely Rachel Bilson showed off her style savvy when she was spotted wearing a hothouse printed halter dress and lace-up boots in Los Angeles earlier this month. A floral dress is always smart for summer, though we like how Bilson contrasted the lady-like frock with black boots. Though we can't get you her exact picks—as they are both vintage—try Milne's Floral Cut Out Dress ($92) paired with We Who See's Field Boots ($128). Of course, boots during a scorching summer day may not be best suited for those readers who are located in such places like Death Valley, but should work for everyone in non-triple-digit temperatures—and will also serve you well come autumn!

Zoe Kravitz
Zoe Kravitz, actress and WhoWhatWear.com-reader favorite, looked unique in a vintage wrap dress, belt, and boots while running some errands around Manhattan's Lower East Side. Though darker shades are notoriously heat-attracting colors, Kravitz tempered her noir number with a bright beaded belt and vividly hued boots. Try Silence & Noise's Print T-Shirt Dress ($68) for a look-a-like confetti patterned frock, and Deena & Ozzy's Suede Kitten Bootie ($68), which are not only scarlet like Kravitz selection, but have just a slight heel, perfect for a summer stroll in your favorite neighborhood!

Rihanna
Rihanna wore some seriously show-stopping styles while running around Manhattan late last week. The songbird proved that when it comes to effortless dressing, nothing beats a strappy romper. Though her Fortaleza Woven Jumpsuit ($715) is pretty in pink, we quite like Haven's Coco Printed Jumper ($98) as an eye-catching alternative. Whatever onesie you pick, make sure you accessorize smartly, as Rihanna did, with Guiseppe Zanotti's Crystal Cluster T-Strap Sandals ($999) and a white topper—try the Twill Fedora ($13) from Charlotte Russe.

Sienna Miller
While promoting her newest flick, G.I. Joe The Rise of the Cobra in Sydney Australia, Sienna Miller showed off an adorable smile and some killer style, too! Though her close-toed booties don't scream summer, Miller illustrates that they are a surprisingly chic choice. (Especially in the light hue, which works so well with her airy short-sleeve frock.) While we are head over, err, heels for her Chloe Suede and Leather Lace-Up Low Boots ($775), we also found these amazing Astride Lace Up Ankle Boots ($170) from Topshop, which bear an uncanny resemblance to Miller's pair. Of course, she kept the rest of her look pared-down in a Poltlock & Walsh Axl Dress, which is from the line's S/S 09 season, and, unfortunately sold out. If you're as wild about her pretty printed piece as we are, try Topshop's Nan Floral Tea Dress ($90) or Gap's Floral Drop Waist Dress ($70), two of our favorite flower-powered frocks at a very reasonable price point!

Leighton Meester
When not stealing scenes as Gossip Girl's most notorious schemer, Leighton Meester is often snapped running around town in some decidedly low-key yet high-fashion outfits! Seen here in Wayne's Bubble Shorts ($160), Marc Jacobs Collection's Panna Sandal ($594), and Jimmy Choo's Anouk Bag ($2695, 212.759.7078), Meester is the epitome of effortless and easy summer style. Her shorts-and-top ensemble is a lovely reminder of spring's nude trend, and looks just as seasonally fresh as ever. Try Silence & Noise's Ruffle Front Jumper ($68), which is a great all-in-one alternative to Meester's exact pieces and would look amazing with your favorite strappy sandals for an afternoon shopping excursion!—KM

On an entirely different note, we would like to congratulate the winner of our Billion Dollar Babes contest, Anna Elizabeth Bryant of Chicago, IL. Anna Elizabeth is the lucky recipient of a Chloé Paraty Capsule Purse and $1000 in cash!