Traditionally, high summer refers to the months of July and August–the warmest time of the summer season where everyone practically lives outdoors. Michigan is the Great Lakes State and borders four of the five great lakes. It’s extremely water-dense so inland lakes abound–meaning you can get close to bodies of water fairly quickly and in intense heat, that’s the only goal.

For every summer plan and each sun-soaked setting, we’re here to assemble looks that are very high summer but luxuriously low effort. We want chic and effortlessly elegant all while reading the room (and it’s a steamy one). From cottage trips to yacht outings and beach moments, high summer spent by the water is a big chapter in the surviving summer playbook.

We’re living an offline life and the summer analog bag is packed (think romance novels, magazines, a painting kit, your Polaroid camera and a journal). Longer days and long weekends are the vibe. From sunup to watching sunsets, we are splashing our toes in the water, planning our whole day around lazy deck hangs, kayaking, fishing and burrowing deep into the hammock. We require lightweight and soft pieces that can keep up and catch everyone’s attention. For men, Theory’s beige cotton shirt and short set is a mix and match ensemble that you can wear in different variations throughout your stay. Add the Paraboot boat loafer, Garrett Leight sunglasses and Creed’s Virgin Island Water cologne to counter all the bug spray. Ladies can throw on the navy Rag & Bone mini dress that can accommodate sandals, sneakers and woven Sam Edelman boat shoes for easy comfort. Pack a Ralph Lauren ballcap when your hair isn’t cooperating and Mother socks for creative campfire looks. 

Lounging, seeking sunsets, island hopping, quick swim trips and general sightseeing is what we’re wanting to experience on the yacht. Beat the high summer heatwaves with the wind in your hair and sea spray at your back. The aesthetic is dock to dinner, layers for the breeze and nautical accents to the extreme. Men’s looks range from casual luxury to more elevated options so Theory’s rose colored polo shirt layered under the relaxed, hybrid cardigan-blazer from Orlebar Brown is a great starting point to then addclassic navy chino shorts from Closed. Finish off the look with Tom Ford sunglasses and Thom Browne boat loafers with a personality-loaded Tateossian bracelet because dinner and drinks are on the horizon. For the ladies, the Veronica Beard gingham seersucker dress is the one-and-done nautical piece that keeps you cool while the Ralph Lauren flag motif sweater can be draped over your shoulders in the evening. Style with Valentino Garavani white heels for dinner and a Spinelli Kilcollin ring with red Yves Saint Laurent sunglasses to keep the look feminine and fashionable.

Everything you wear at the beach needs to be built for sun (and big on fun). Gazing at the water for hours is the cure all for whatever ails you. Here we take bike rides, hunt for shells, judge sandcastle art, sunbathe, enjoy waterside picnics, grab ice cream and stay water-ready. Shoreline style for the men means easy pieces, zero fuss. Wear these Isaia swim trunks and a simple yet designer logo t-shirt from Versace for a sweat-proof outfit. Fill your Orlebar Brown red beach bag with a Moncler beach towel, Orlebar Brown flip flops and Acqua di Parma deodorant spray. When it comes to the ladies, a playful and fun-loving beach look is crucial. We’re setting a mood here so Farm Rio’s linen seashell dress nails the vibe plus it’s going to photograph well on the beach. Style with sensible Sam Edelman strappy sandals, a Rag & Bone scarf-embellished beach hat to protect your skin from the sun and 19-69’s Miami Blue fragrance to freshen up.