Unless you’ve been living under a not-so-fashionable rock, you probably already know and follow Studio B on Instagram. Started by fashion buyer Bethany Rowntree six years ago, Studio B was once an online treasure trove of a store that Bethany hand-curated, showcasing small and emerging fashion brands that she loved herself and knew her customer base would love, too. Fast forward to 2023 and Bethany rebranded the online shopping destination as a social-first platform, becoming a directory of fabulous pieces and brands that she shares daily with her 60,000 followers and ample Substack readers. With years of buying expertise under her belt and a loyal audience who can’t wait to see what she finds next, who better to share their summer 2024 wish list? Bethany, the floor is yours…
Wow, how are we at the end of March already? January really dragged and then boom! The year speeds up. Hopefully, this means we’re due some warm weather soon… I don’t know about you, but I'm longing for some real spring sunshine now. And with that in mind, this month, I’m fantasising about my warm-weather wardrobe.
With a new season on the horizon, I'm thinking about the S/S 24 trends that have real staying power and how to shop them in a way that’s authentic to my personal style. Which I guess means a mix of high-low, with some timeless, season-less pieces that I'll love forever and a sprinkling of swoon-worthy "I have to have it" buys that scream sunshine. Obviously, there’ll be plenty of colour, which is good as I can see colour-blocking being big this year. I used to be such a print queen, but more recently I've gone off them a little. However, I do have some rose-inspired pieces for you; as I mentioned in last month’s column, roses and rosettes are looking to be the bows of the summer.
So, without further ado, scroll on to discover the three trends I've picked out for the season (and year) ahead, and then shop the pieces I'm loving. It is my birthday month too, so if any of my friends and family are reading this, take this list as a big hint!
1. Bright Sets
Style Notes: I’ve always loved a matching set, and not just for the warmer months (double denim is my winter version of a co-ord). I'm now ready to emerge from my denim cocoon and float around in something lighter and brighter, like a butterfly, if you will. Sets aren’t exactly new, but I can see them being bigger this year, especially as we seem to be favouring separates over dresses at the moment (hasn’t it been hard to find a great dress recently? Don’t worry though, I’ve found you some of those too).
Shop the Trend:
It's technically loungewear but this covers my floral trend too, and it looks so good that it has to be worn out of the house!
I have visions for this as holidaywear or dressed up with heels and a sparkly bag.
Aligne is fast becoming one of my favourite mid-priced brands for style over trend-led pieces, and of course, gingham is always a summer classic.
This set looks super comfy and I feel there’s a hint of retro summer-holiday chic about it.
A linen two-piece is a summer classic and this rusty tomato red feels like a shade you’ll love for years to come.
This set is a bit of an easier way to buy into the red colour trend if bright, fiery shades scare you a little.
For a proper summer set for those dreamy beach days and balmy nights, you’ve got to look at Aussie brand Kinga Csilla.
Sizes often sell out but they do usually remake items in drops, so keep an eye out.
2. A Pop of Red
Style Notes: I think we already know red is going to be huge this season—we saw it coming through during winter (I’ve always said that red is for life, not just for Christmas!). Bright red is a perfect pop of colour for summer, but I also think a full colour-block look (or colour-drenching, if you’re in the interiors world), in any shade is going to be the way to go this season.
Shop the Trend:
The racer-style neckline on this is always super flattering, and the fit looks to glide rather than cling, though I’d size up if you prefer a looser look. Add a knit over the top for now.
I love this Anni Lu spiral on a string.
If you’re feeling nicely nautical (and brave style-wise) this red sailor hat by British brand Cawley is adorable!
I keep hearing of this Australian brand at the moment and I think this shape could look stunning—simple and timeless. I’d love this to team with open-toe heels when it finally warms up a little and I can shed the socks!
One for this in-between sort of season, this triangle scarf will see you through spring until we get some sunshine. It works for impromptu spring showers as a headscarf too, and it ties at the front so you’ll never lose it. I'd love this in a longer style for next winter too.
Me+Em’s new-season collection has taken me by surprise and I’ve spied a few great day dresses in block colours; there’s this red or an amazing spring green. Just add ballet flats or chunky slides.
I keep seeing pendants on red string necklaces around, and it's such an easy way to add a pop of red to your look.
I’m always into an acetate frame, and high-street sunglasses are the only ones I’m after for holidays, because there's too much risk of loss or breakage, especially after a few mojitos.
3. Statement Florals
Style Notes: Roses, rosettes, 3D flowers, embellishments… I know, I know—"Florals for spring" and all that. But I’m not talking about a ditsy floral print, which I'm rather over. These flowers are bigger, better and here to make a statement.
Shop the Trend:
Okay, if I could have one thing for my birthday (at the end of this month, remember) it would have to be this new-season Cecilie Bahnsen dress. It’s just a stunner, and I swear I’d never need another dress in my life…
These flower earrings are a dream. A little bit pricey but I think I would wear these all year round, and they’d be so nice to complete a summer holiday, wedding or party look.
The pretty Cecilie fabric also comes in a bag too.
This dress is simple but sublime for summer. Who would have thought it was under £30!
3D flowers like this have caught my eye and are going to continue to be a big trend this year.
Another pop of red here (this also comes in ivory and black) and some more summer dreaming. I love the big rosette, and for now, this could look great under a blazer or denim jacket.
This beaded bag is a beauty. It's all handmade, which takes days, and this is one of my favourite small brands with soul and a story.
I’ll leave you with my current obsession. It shows my age that I’ve got slippers on here, but these are so good that I would totally wear them outside with jeans or a dress, too.
