Summer 2012

It's not over till it's over. And though it might be over sooner than we'd like, take solace in this: there are nearly two more months until the autumnal equinox officially hits. That means there's still plenty of time for bare legs, bright hues, and strategically placed cutouts — if that's your thing.

So, in honor of the last long days of sun — and all the breezy ensembles still to come — here are 99 gorgeous warm-weather looks. Who knows? Some are so chic, they might even inspire a whole new season's worth of style.

In pale shades and second-skin hues, this season's batch of vintage-inspired suits are anything but demure. And with artful draping, architectural seaming, and built-in boning, these little beauties are not only chic, but they're also made to flatter. Click through to shop the sexiest pieces of the season now — just in time to show off that mid-Summer tan.

Pre-Fall 2012 pieces may be rolling into stores, but right now it's definitely all about a Summer state of mind. And why not? With temperatures on the rise and the season's fun just hitting its stride, it's hard to think of anything but staying breezy. That's why this week's just-in picks are all about multitasking. In streamlined shapes, textural materials, and crisp hues, they'll look chic now — and straight through Fall.

The intersection where form and function seamlessly meet is never more necessary than in the throes of Summer's hottest heat. Who among us, after all, enjoys the burden of a two-ton leather tote whilst also struggling to maintain what little semblance of chic remains on a 90-degree day? No, better to travel light.

Nowhere was evidence of that in fuller view than at last weekend's Governor's Ball music festival on New York's Randall's Island, where — as the guests of those endless purveyors of effortless-breeze, Alternative Apparel — we spotted what every Summer-loving lass worth her style salt knows: when the sun beats down, crossbody bags are the way to go.

From Derek Lam's studded Ume to Chloé's Marcie in the dreamiest shade of teal green — and every free-spirited incarnation in between — here are 18 long-strapped goodies, as snapped on the coolest of festival beauties.

Photos: Thomas Beckner. Special thanks to Alternative Apparel.

Prada's newest release blends streamlined functionality with the season's carefree mood for an updated shoulder satchel that's anything but plain. And though the vivid hues — red, orange, blue, and purple — may feel just right for right now, the classic hunting-bag-inspired shape and rustic hardware detailing mean these little beauties can go straight through to Fall with utter ease.

Priced at $1,595, the bags hit stores in the US, United Arab Emirates, and Hong Kong in June. Until then, see them up close here.

Swimwear line Giejo may be just a few months old, but already it's garnered quite the following. In fact, it seems everyone — from The New York Times to The Zoe Report to W — has recently sung its praises. And no wonder: in flattering cuts, clever color combos, and quirky prints, these bikini separates are not just chic, they're also the ultimate in mix-and-match wearability. "The Giejo girl is fashion-forward, ready to make a statement, and isn't afraid of trying new things," designer Gabby Sabharwal explains. "She just wants to have fun."

Now, thanks to an exclusive collaboration with Barneys, there is even more statement-making fun to be had. In stores and online now, the capsule comprises five tops and five bottoms in a bevy of eye-catching, Barneys-only prints. There's a vaguely '80s coral-hued "Aztec" print, a delicate chartreuse mini floral, a neon lace overlay, and — for the classicists — a crisp black and white stripe. "I cannot believe that now when I walk into Barneys my collection is listed on the directory," Sabharwal says. "It is truly an honor and one that I will cherish for the rest of my life."

A peek at the entire capsule, priced from $95 to $120, in the slideshow.

With the official start of Summer just days away, there's no better time than now to get into the spirit of the season — and that includes fingers and toes. In hues that evoke fiery sunsets and sun-kissed skin, Chanel's limited-edition Le Vernis nail lacquers may be just the thing. And, with names like Island (a pearly nude), Delight (a shimmering bronze), and Holiday (a superbright coral) these colors are sure to put you in a vacation-ready mood faster than most.

Click through to shop all the Chanel Summer 2012 nail shades, including the available-online-only Beige, which — despite its no-frills name — is a creamy neutral that's anything but plain.

Leave it to Karl Lagerfeld to one-up himself with his latest Chanel 2012-2013 Cruise collection. With Versailles's legendary garden fountains on blast, pastel-bob-topped models, including Lindsey Wixson and Joan Smalls, showed off the designer's opulent Summer-ready wares this afternoon. Need a visual? Think Marie Antoinette goes to the beach meets Spring's softest, dustiest pinks, blues, and greens. Now, apply that pretty palette to rich brocade-infused one-piece swimsuits, floral-sleeve frocks, gold-embroidered denim vests, and sheer ruffled skirts, and you've got today's playful-cum-garden-party Cruise lineup in a nutshell. It's a collection that strikes a fun balance between Louis XVI-era costume design and a decidedly 21st century sensibility. Are you ready to see it up close? Click through to see some of the chicest Chanel Cruise '13 looks now.

If Mango has its way, it's going to be a cool, colorful (yet sophisticated) Summer. The Spanish retailer recently released its latest looks for Summer 2012, offering up crisp, casual denim, brightly colored tops and printed dresses, and long, louche silhouettes — all expertly modeled by the gorgeous Magdalena Frackowiak. Just see our top three ensembles from the collection below, then click the slideshow to see the lookbook in its entirety.

• This fire-engine-red body-con dress is sure to stop traffic.
• We'd rock these breezy, sunny yellow wide-legged trousers to the office with wedges.
• We love the effortless cool of a dip-dyed tank with cuffed white pants and a laid-back blazer.

>> Get warmed up for the new season with Wren's just-released Summer 2012 lookbook. Styled by Giorgia Tramontano and photographed by Closet Visit's Jeana Sohn, the collection is brimming with exactly the sort of chic and breezy separates one would expect from the California-based line: dip-dyed eyelet frocks, paper-bag-waist skirts, sequined box jackets, and punch-hued shorts. The collection doesn't hit stores and wren.com until May, but you can peek the whole assortment — modeled by Ingrid Sophie Schram — right here, in the slideshow.