What the SSENSE Staff Is Buying This Summer

I’m looking to add some flounce to the summer, and the tassels, ruffles, and shirring from Conner Ives’s SS25 collection are bringing it on with a sporty, breezy simplicity. This romper is an all-in-one look that runs laps around more demure outfits at the park, but also could be fun and flirty—in a word, flouncy—with a martini in hand.

Love that I can finally live out my caped crusader dream with this beautiful Rick Owens flag scarf. Your slightly pretentious neighbourhood fashion-snob, draped in satin silk, and an iconic print to match. I don’t know if I’ll be the hero of this story, but I’ll sure as hell look good.

If you’re ever in trouble, and in need of a helping hand, don’t call me, 911 is your best bet. But if you’re in need of a wardrobe makeover, I’m your Rickhead!

Shrimp cocktail. Period.

Love this creative take on a lace up from Stefan Cooke. I feel like these are the perfect dress shoes as they have a timeless shape with a bold pop of white to liven up the summer fits. After all, life is too short to be wearing boring shoes.

Short shorts, if you’re a guy, have a time and place: out on a run, at the gym, perhaps in the Hague. Everyone is different, but I’d argue that the best-looking shorts tend to be on the boxier side with an inseam that covers the knees. For those reasons and more, these CdG shorts with cool expanding side-zippers are the platonic summer ideal.

Are they loafers? Are they sneakers? Maybe both? These Kiko Kostadinov shoes are doing their own thing, and that’s exactly why I love them. Known for its quirky take on menswear staples, the brand throws the rulebook out the window here: crinkled leather, cute buckles, rogue straps, a freaky sole, and a gradient that looks like it’s been left out in the sun for days. They shouldn’t work, but they do. I’d wear them with a good slouchy suit.

I’ll take any excuse to spend the day in my boxers. The heavier cotton poplin and concealed pockets lead me to believe these were made to leave the apartment. I revel in that brief period of spring when a hoodie and shorts are the perfect outfit.

This PLEATS PLEASE tee will be my easy go-to for the summer—it’s simple, but still gives “that girl” energy. I’d pair it with loose trousers and sneakers (or loafers!) for a look that’s low-key but still feels put together. Comfy, chic, and effortlessly fab!

The higher the belts, the closer to god.

High on my list of sartorial essentials for spring is a flossy little sandal. Yes, I’m aware that eccentric dressing is in for 2025. And no, I’m not at all concerned that the ’90s minimalist revival still has me in a chokehold. The Row’s barely-there ankle-wrap and elusive kitten heel serve up just the right cocktail of timelessness and something spicier. Plus, the retro vermilion is perfect. I’m picturing them with everything from wide-leg denim to matchstick capris to a mini skirt. A strappy staple with range.