After the long grey winter and positively dreary spring we’ve had—not to mention the last few years of uncertainty—it’s hardly surprising that, as this summer of relative normality arrives, we’re ready and raring to break out of our "boring” basics and embrace feel-good fashion. We’re talking brights, frills, sparkles and, well, anything goes, really. The rule book is being thrown out the window, and certainly here at Who What Wear UK anyway, we’re preparing for a season of having fun with our wardrobes, especially as we start thinking seriously about investing in outfits for upcoming events, from weddings to summer parties and even—*whispers*—holidays.
It’s so easy in autumn and winter to cosy up in simple knits and beige layers, isn’t it? But when the warmer months hit and the sun comes out, it’s the perfect excuse to embrace a brighter life. Even my own style—which I would characterise as classic minimalist most of the time—is starting to lean towards sunshine shades and Floridian prints right now. I blame the big summer energy that’s present on my social media feeds. Weddings are wild again, festivals are back in full swing and tropical far-off places are starting to feel closer to hand (if only through my iPhone screen for now).
Although I’ll never be able to deny the dependable draw of a white or black summer dress, I’m so looking forward to experimenting with some smile-inducing pieces. Especially after scrolling through the new-in sections of my favourite brands recently. & Other Stories, Mango and Arket, in particular, have all embraced colour and fun details in their new collections. But I also know that brights can be a little intimidating, and it does take a little more expertise and effort to find the pieces that still look really elevated and will last way beyond a short summer season. So below, I’ve put together an edit for you with 30 of the very best pieces I’ve spotted from the brands above that come fashion-editor approved.
Keep scrolling to see and shop them all. And I dare you not to smile ear to ear.
1. ARKET
If you're not used to wearing brights, this classic blue is a great segue.
Add this to any outfit to bring some personality to it.
I've had my eye on these for a while now— such a fun pop of colour on the end of jeans.
Crochet is a key summer trend for 2022.
So comfy but still bright and bold.
This sugary shade of lilac has to be one of my favourites.
Party bags are not just for Christmas.
This brings to mind bright blue skies.
You'd be surprised how versatile orange is as a colour.
This is a unique shade of green, and I'm obsessed.
2. & OTHER STORIES
Frilly, floaty and bright pink. What's not to love?
This pastel shade is another easy way to try out colour.
These wedges bring all the '90s energy.
So frilly!
Minidresses are meant for having fun in.
If you're nervous of colour, opt for a piece with a simple, minimalist design to balance out the bold bright.
A colourful shirt is the easiest way to add a pop of colour into your summer wardrobe.
Feel-good pieces aren't always bright. The pretty flower detailing on this shirt puts a smile on my face regardless.
This co-ord is so fun for balmy summer nights.
The frills on this make it extra special.
3. MANGO
I'd pair this with the matching shorts for summer, but this colour also looks cute with blue denim.
An all-purpose occasion dress.
Throw this over a bikini on really hot days.
Who wouldn't feel happy wearing this sunflower dress?
This dress is a little Y2K and a lot 2022.
Pink raffia beats natural raffia.
The kind of shoes you'd have worn to a disco in 2001, and that's why I love them.
Such a striking shade of aqua blue.
Imagine this at a countryside wedding.
Flattering and fun—is this the perfect swimsuit?
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