I Searched High and Low—These 21 Chic New-Season Pieces Are Truly Special
I’ve been an avid list writer for as long as I can remember, penning everything from wants and desires to daily pursuits and nonsensical rambles in my Notes app, and the same sentiment has trickled into my fashion-buying process. Although history would have us believe this time of year equals pre-autumnal dressing, with a heatwave inching close, I've turned my attention to summer-appropriate pieces and continued to carry out an inventory based on timeless pieces I can repeat each summer. Not only is August my birthday month, but it’s also the junction that signifies the melting point of the seasons, so you'll likely be seeing colours darken and outerwear launching on e-commerce sites, ahead of September. But let's put a pin in that for the time being.
Come rain or shine, dresses are my favourite pieces to invest in, so I’ve analysed the trends and embraced some revived shapes for their timeless appeal, from bandeau silhouettes and column maxis to shorter hemlines—a wildcard for me. But I am based in Paris, after all.
Accessories are also worth noting, and my, have we been spoilt with options! I’m big on earrings—in every sense of the word. I’ve introduced overstated styles into my rotation and know I’m likely to wear them for years to come with pared-back ensembles. Organic shapes are highly sought-after, and items that once felt lacklustre (shorts, for example) have now been incorporated into tailoring, which is genius.
Suffice to say, August is looking like an inspiring month for fashion. Ahead are 21 pieces that I'm most excited about. If you're also obsessed with dresses, shoes and jewels, this one is for you.
Shop My August Edit:
Dresses
As you may well be aware, I take dresses very seriously and Matteau's gathered midi dress is a piece worth celebrating. I foresee it withstanding trends in years to come.
I was surprised to witness this offering courtesy of Abercrombie & Fitch but I needn't have been, considering the brand's sharp direction of late.
I intend to purchase this dress this week after noticing a lack of mini dresses in my collection.
Shoes
I'm finding myself drawn to fisherman sandals lately and this slip-on pair by Mango is offered in the most beautiful hue!
Vandrélaar's footwear speaks to a modern simplicity and this olive colourway feels fresh for the summer and relevant for autumn.
My favourite mules now come swathed in a plush cream velvet.
Handbags
Dear Frances boasts an enviable capsule of footwear and its introduction to accessories is just as charming as you'd expect.
Opt for a chequered gingham basket to disrupt the typical tonal raffias.
I've noticed a certain theme in my handbag taste and I think I have somewhat of a penchant for brown suede.
Bottoms
Premium-looking trousers on the high street? I'd expect no less from COS and this taupe colour way is a wonderful introduction to its already stellar trouser capsule.
I'll admit, I'm swayed by the tailored short trend and I have my eyes firmly set on this pair.
Jewellery
Polène is best known for handbags, however, its earring collection is worth noting. Like its directional-shaped bags, its jewellery shapes are innovative and sleek. Take this mirrored drop, for example, reminiscent of water elements.
Kitty Joyas's new collection plays homage to organic materials with irregular shapes on hammered metals.
Homeware and Beauty
I always eagerly await Abisola's creations and this summer she's partnered with the Tartan Blanket Company, creating wearable art and homeware in the form of decorated cotton throws and classic scarves.
Bed Threads' plush flax linen will have you dreaming of your next slumber.
Tressé X Café Leandra is driven by stories, culture and of course, the art of home hosting.
Avalon Afriyie is a freelance writer and storyteller based in London. She specialises in sustainable fashion, health and the narratives of marginalised communities. She has a background in fashion show production and styling, having previously worked on The Clothes Show and with the Lyst Group. Since graduating in 2013 with a BA (Hons) in English and contemporary media, she’s worked as a feature writer for an independent publication and a contributor for Quill’s creator network. She now marries her passion for words and style, writing for some of the most esteemed fashion and lifestyle publications, Who What Wear UK and Stylist. Avalon also provides copywriting services, creative consultancy, and visual media for independent businesses, including travel guides, interviews, press releases and blog posts. Her work has been featured on Lush, Contiki, Youswim and Ohne. She spends her days writing to her heart’s content for business and pleasure, shooting on film and dreaming of residing a stone’s throw away from the ocean with her love and a pup (clad in a sweeping frock, of course). She’s currently penning ideas for a book of personal essays and free verse poetry on love, life and the stages in between.
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