I'm a Fashion Expert With Classic Taste—Here's Everything on My New-Season Wish List
It’s that in-between time of year when it’s neither hot nor cold, but every ray of sun inspires creative styling. Truth is, as confusing as it may be, it’s an inspirational season and one of hope. The blooms are burgeoning in their cotton-candy pinks, colours are emerging in shop windows and I'm heading in the direction of summer sun, so my mind is firmly in summer mode. The comfortable settling of seasons means we can now experiment with our sartorial choices a tad more and be reunited with pieces that have been in storage boxes for months on end. My summer fashion switchover is well and truly underway (it had been slightly prematurely) and I’m welcoming some of my most-loved pieces back into the fold. This is the time of year when I assess my current collection, reintroducing older pieces and considering which items are lacking or need to be re-homed. Can you tell I’m feeling inspired? These picks are all high on my wish list for May. As always, material and quality are factors I highly prioritise, as are classic shapes I know I’ll wear for years to come! Keep scrolling for the summer items I have on my May wish list, whilst the weather plays catch up!
Shop My May Edit:
Haveli is a fresh brand that immediately caught my intention. With a considered capsule comprising, cotton, linen and silks, their pieces make lifelong summer investments.
A special organza wrap in an asymmetric silhouette.
Though it may be trend-led, I foresee mesh footwear standing the test of time.
I thought I'd had my fill with gingham. That is until I witnessed this directional style by Bernadette.
Strathberry X Collagerie is the collaboration we never knew we needed. Pique the green strap, which adds a contemporary element.
Tie front tops always feel like a homage to the summer and the darting makes this piece all the more unique.
You may associate a deep brown with autumn but I plan on pairing the Colette skirt it with elevated cream tops for summer evenings.
With the promise of summer on the horizon, I've already purchased this olive-hued co-ord. Isn't is exceptional?
If you're a lover of jewels, you may appreciate a dainty pair you can stack effortlessly. I can attest to the remarkable quality of the Cate Hoop.
I was eagerly anticipating Ninety Percent's new spring and summer pieces and I wasn't disappointed. A bandeau silhouette is always classic and timelessness is something to expect with this intentional brand.
I've evolved from my monochromatic wardrobe in place of muted tones like the above. I adore the curved neckline and full sleeves, which adds a bohemian lilt.
Makers of exceptional shirts, With Nothing Underneath have expanded their arsenal. They now produce timeless resortwear in natural fabrications.
When it comes to whimsical prints, I head straight to Palm Noosa and although I'm not usually one for motifs, this adorable shell print has my heart.
When it comes to footwear, it may be hard to make something feel entirely inspired so I'm giving my props to Souliers Martinez for their slightly jaunty take on the mary-Jane. Part dance shoe-esque, part Mary Jane but adorable in its entirety.
At the first sign of summer you'll see me clad in shell adorned pieces.
The buttery hue, full skirt and pleating? Consider me well and truly influenced.
Life of Ease's new collection features this classic striped jumper in a crisp poplin. I'd style it with a linen midi and tan accessories.
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.
-
Law Roach's World: His New Book, Bag of Choice, and What He Grabs on a Target Run
"[Styling] has made my world so much bigger."
By Jasmine Fox-Suliaman
-
I'm in My 20s—Here Are 6 Style Lessons I Learned to Look More Polished and Grown-Up
Sophisticated styling 101.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
8 Copenhagen Street Style Trends I Plan to Replicate in New York
Pared back yet never boring.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
I'm a Fashion Editor—I Reach For These 2 Pieces When I Don't Know What to Wear
Ready in 10 minutes or less.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
The Only 9 Jackets You Need for Spring, According to Fashion People
There's something for everyone.
By Remy Farrell
-
And Now, 5 Elevated Ways to Wear Your Jeans in 2024
Denim devotees, unite.
By Grace O'Connell Joshua
-
After 5 Days in Aspen, I'm Officially Hooked on Western Pieces—5 I'm Loving RN
From cowboy hats to fringe accents.
By Grace O'Connell Joshua
-
I Asked Over 2000 Women Where to Buy the Best White Shirts—They Love These 23
Your definitive guide.
By Elinor Block