While most of us are still figuring out how to stay cool without sacrificing style, Dakota Johnson stepped out in New York looking like the definition of effortless summer elegance. Her outfit delivered a fashion masterclass in beating the heat without compromising on sophistication.
Her look? The epitome of understated luxury with a subtle literary twist—think “off to read Joan Didion at a sunlit café.” She wore a flowy mocha mousse skirt (Pantone’s Color of the Year) paired with a weightless ivory blouse, creating a breezy yet polished vibe. But it was her accessories that truly elevated the ensemble.
Under her arm, she carried Gucci’s oversized Giglio tote, a standout from the brand’s Cruise collection, proving that oversized bags are officially making a comeback—a win for anyone juggling laptops and everyday essentials. The iconic GG monogram added a hint of statement luxury without being over the top.
To finish the look, she slipped into The Row’s Sharp slingback flats, a minimalist’s dream and a quiet nod to high-end fashion for those in the know. And atop her head? A Janessa Leone floppy sun hat, relaxed in form but packed with personality.
Altogether, the outfit was a stylish answer to a common summer question: What do you wear when the temperature soars but your style standards don’t drop? Once again, Johnson proves she has the range—and the right designer pieces—to pull it off effortlessly.
But Dakota isn’t alone in embracing a more intriguing summer wardrobe. Across the fashion world, designers are leaning into mystique. Over the past month, luxury houses have traveled the globe to debut their Cruise and Pre-Fall collections, all brimming with theatrical flair.
Ralph Lauren served up romantic silhouettes with lace sleeves and plush velvet jackets. In Avignon, Louis Vuitton mixed punk influences with medieval drama, while Dior took to Rome to mark Maria Grazia Chiuri’s final show for the house—staging a haunting tribute to legendary costume designers in film, complete with a short cinematic piece.
Back in New York, Johnson continued her fashion streak. After being spotted in a sheer two-piece ensemble recently, she switched things up with a chic black silk gown at the premiere of her film Materialists, co-starring Chris Evans and Pedro Pascal. The one-shoulder Gucci dress featured a graceful scarf neck detail that flowed like a ribbon behind her.
She styled it with strappy black sandals and chandelier diamond earrings that blended seamlessly with her sleek, glossy hair. Her makeup was soft and glowing—featuring bronzy tones and a subtle nude-pink lip, courtesy of Beauty Pie products.
Later on the red carpet, Johnson shared playful moments with Evans, posing beside a cardboard cut-out of Pedro Pascal, who wasn’t in attendance. She even gave the cut-out a kiss, making sure Pascal’s absence didn’t go unnoticed.
Though Johnson has long embraced the “naked dress” trend—from Cannes to L.A.—she’s also shown a clear love for classic silk slips. Last September, she opened New York Fashion Week at a glittering Bulgari event, looking effortlessly glamorous in a chocolate-brown silk slip with a plunging lace bust. Paired with a diamond-studded bronze coin pendant, she gave the lingerie-inspired trend her own signature boho-chic twist.
