What ELLE Fashion Director Samira Nasr Is Loving This Month

One thing Missy Elliott and I have in common is our love of toppers. At this month's cover shoot, she went for a one-of-a-kind bucket hat by Stephen Jones for Marc Jacobs; I chose a classic Kangol. Another mutual love: good tunes. Missy shared with me her ultimate summer playlist—and soon to be yours.

1. Michael Jackson, "Rock With You"

2. Lil' Kim, "Big Momma Thang"

3. Missy Elliott, featuring Ciara & Fatman Scoop,"Lose Control"

4. Erykah Badu,"Bag Lady"

5. Lauryn Hill,"Lost Ones"

6. The Notorious B.I.G., "Juicy"

7. Prince, "If I Was Your Girlfriend"

8. Missy Elliott, "Get Ur Freak On"

9. Rihanna, "Needed Me"

10. Beyoncé, "Party feat. J.Cole"

I live in boots and think they're perfectly appropriate for summer in the city. I'll wear mine with cuffed pants or skinnies, but try them with a dress—anything from a slip to a long, flowy maxi—to take you right out of boho territory.

(Clockwise from top left)

1. This one's a bit slouchy—pull it up for a longer hemline, or scrunch it low to give the mini some gravitas.

Suede calfskin and satin boot, CHANEL, $1,450, call 800-550-0005

2. Pair a short dress with a boot that hits right at the ankle.

Pony hair ankle boot, DIOR, at Dior boutiques

3. A taller style is best for a maxidress: no gap between hem and shoe.

Stretch patent leather boot, STUART WEITZMAN, $575, visit stuartweitzman.com

4. A cinched opening is the skinny jean's best friend—ultimate tuckability!

Leather boot, THE ROW, $1,550, collection at Bergdorf Goodman, NYC

I love a mini bag, but this perfectly minimal tote holds a few more essentials.

Canvas tote, CÉLINE, at Céline, NYC

Counterintuitive, I know, but to me nothing says summer like head-to-toe red. I'm obsessed with natural beauty brand Olio E Osso's crimson-tinted, olive oil–based lip balm for a subtle wash of color. For a bold lip, Nars's lip pencil is as easy as a Crayola. Nars's red is also pedicure perfection (I only wear polish in the summer), and turquoise drop earrings add swing and color. I use SkinCeuticals SPF 50 on my face every day; every makeup artist on location shoots tells me it's the best.

Clockwise from top left: OLIO E OSSO Cheek and Lip Balm in No. 3 Crimson, $28. NARS Nail Polish in Dovima, $20. Turquoise earrings, LISA EISNER JEWELRY, $1,400. SKINCEUTICALS Sheer Physical UV Defense SPF 50, $34. NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Dragon Girl, $27

We all know a black one-piece is superchic and practical—but I like the newness of this straight-across square neckline. Wider straps mask the tricky armpit area, but also give this more of a bodysuit shape, perfect with high-waisted denim shorts when I'm chasing my toddler around.

Polyamide spandex swimsuit, ERES, $560, collection at net-a-porter.com

This WMV/Visvim T-shirt, made in Japan from the softest slubbed cotton jersey, is worth the investment. It's cut square, like a men's tee, but with a closer silhouette—not boxy—covers just the right amount of upper arm, and is long enough to tuck in without being oversize. I tuck everything in—the higher waist makes legs seem so much longer.

Cotton T-shirt, WMV/ VISVIM, $215, collection at lagarconne.com