I'm a Fashion Expert With Classic Taste—Here's Everything on My Summer Wish List
After years of denial, I've become accustomed to the fact the weather governs my fashion choices. It's hard to truly embrace my style when bundled underneath quilted puffers, so the promise of summer is exhilarating, and I'm tentatively peeling away layers. We're approaching the sweet spot where balmy days are less of an anomaly, and I'm cautiously packing my umbrella and embracing summer apparel. By that, I mean sleeveless styles, open-toe sandals and languid dresses. My style veers towards frocks and full-skirted numbers. You'll often find me in classic silhouettes and natural fabrics, which are synonymous with summer.
Although I don't ascribe much to the fashion forecasts, some trends are speaking to me this year. Bandeau shapes, refined footwear, fun-spirited accessories and exaggerated shapes are characteristics I've built my style around, so it's been a delight witnessing my preferred aesthetic grace shelves. This summer, I'm also embracing statement accessories and the effect subtle style elements can impose on an outfit. Be it bags in earthy hues, perforated footwear or overstated jewels, there's something to suit all tastes. I'm becoming increasingly impressed with the quality and timelessness of clothing on offer this year and thanks to the classic trends, there are plenty that will make worthwhile investments.
Continue reading for the 22 new-in pieces that have piqued my interest for June, including independent brands I'm eager to spotlight.
Shop My Edit for June:
I'll never tire of bandeau styles, and to my delight, there many décolletage-bearing styles are still on offer this year. These trend pieces make worthwhile investments in my wardrobe, as the shaping is timeless and in keeping with my personal style. I plan on wearing this shape throughout the decades and switching accessories as per my mood.
The time is nigh to start considering rattan accesories and this squared handbag offers directional shaping that differs from the typical basket.
Rixo's collaboration with Ciao Lucia has granted us a smorgasbord of designs — from timeless to playful, handpainted pieces.
Toteme released a similar shape last season and the high street followed suit.
Jimmy Fairly X Reformation is the only glasses collaboration you need to know about this summer.
Since moving to Paris (and witnessing some of the best trench coats on offer), I've become quite particular about what constitutes a worthwhile trench coat investment and this relaxed fit certainly makes the cut. The rounded shoulders and lightweight fabrication make this a great investment for summer.
There's always a space in my heart (and indeed, wardrobe) for Tove's designs. As the seasons progress, the collections only get stronger.
The scarf in question. It boasts an organza look and is guaranteed to elevate every outfit.
I adore column dresses because they act as a blank canvas. Pop on a pair of simple sandals and stack jewellery high.
Dare I say it, it's almost bikini time and Sezane's Le Bain collection was released just last weekend.
A free-flowing cut of ramie. Add the matching silk scarf for the desired effect.
Since 2023, we've seen our fair share of mesh ballet flats but this pair by Paige may just be the catalyst for my foray into the trendy shoe.
Look no further for your "going out" top. Elevated, directional and the offering of an ethically minded brand, you can't get much better.
Kai Collective's latest drop is something to write home about and I'm particularly enamoured with the Adesuwa dress. It speaks to drama and refinement in equal measure.
The Slow Label has crafted a unique iteration of the t-shirt dress with a cinched-in waist detail. Simply add a basket bag, and slip-ons and you're set.
Thanks to Sofia Grange's chic wedding looks, Posse became one of the most highly coveted brands of 2023, yet it was notoriously difficult to attain. Until now, that is. Introducing Tyde London, housing many aspirational brands — from Posse to Varley. It's a one-stop shop.
From the colourway to the lightweight fabrication, it's sure to be a summer favourite of many.
The founder of Arkitaip, Lea Wieser, is no stranger to natural fabrications. Every summer, she fashions timeless designs from the most humble and breathable summer fibres. The Emilia dress calls for hot weather holidays and gelato.
Almada Label is guaranteed to appease the knitwear lovers among us and its new collection features this cool-tones cashmere maxi skirt.
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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