Summer Fashion

I don’t know about you, but I’m slightly dreading the end of summer, As I type, it’s raining outside and I think we can safely say the heatwave has come to an end. I’m not ready to pack away my hot-weather wardrobe though, so what’s a fashion lover to do? As an editor, I spend a lot of time researching trends and analysing street style images and my recent investigations who I’m not the only one holding onto that summer feeling. Believe me when I say you can wear your favourite pieces all year round and get as much usage out of everything you own by switching it up with a new accessory or learning the art of layering.  The comfiest trousers I’ve been wearing for months— hello,...

How do you find expensive-looking summer buys on the high street? After working in fashion for quite some time, I have an instinct for determining what affordable pieces could pass off as designer. But there are definitely a few boxes that need ticking to ensure that they look as expensive as possible. The first thing I look at is the material. A non-man-made fibre is ideal. Cotton, lyocell and linen are materials I look to for that more luxe-looking sheen, especially during the warmer months. The next tip is the silhouette of the piece. Does it fit with current trends that have come straight off the 2022 runways? If so, I tend to think it looks more designer. That said, classic items such as blazers and shirt dresses in muted tones also tend to look...

What do your August plans (and adjoining August outfits) look like? The surprise of a mid-July heatwave took my wardrobe off-kilter and, clearly feeling satisfied with the amount of sun I’ve had for one British summer, my mind has been tricked into autumn mode—but summer’s not over yet!  To begin with, there are still holidays to pack for. Many of my colleagues are on a countdown for a long overdue adventure in Greece, Italy or the south of France. Me? I’ll be staycationing and enjoying the best beaches (read: pebbles) Sussex has to offer. But there are parties, weddings, office days, festivals, work events, BBQs and so many more G-cal moments in-between that a little August outfit planning isn’t such a bad idea. The month is looking bu...

While denim shorts are a major summer mainstay, I’ve started to notice another piece take hold this season: tailored shorts. Even Meghan Markle has taken on this polished trend. While I don’t expect to see denim shorts slink away entirely, I’m not surprised that the sharply tailored bottoms are taking over. After all, it’s the summer of the clean-girl aesthetic. Sleek, polished, anti-trend pieces are everywhere, so it only makes sense that fashion people are gravitating to the easy, minimal shorts right now. When it comes to styling, you can approach them in a similar way to denim shorts or jeans. The fashion set has been wearing them with looks that are casual yet pulled-together—pairing them with everything from white tees and strappy sandals to bandeau tops ...

Not that they ended up being particularly extravagant— I’m actually somewhat of a minimalist when it comes to holiday dressing. Mostly eschewing the usual printed dresses and bright colours that fit sun-drenched destinations for a more understated palette. Not only does this help keep my packing list down, since everything usually goes together in a neat summer capsule, it also means the pieces I do choose to invest in look just as classic year after year. Think a simple white dress, for example, or a black strappy swimsuit.  The good thing is, this timeless aesthetic also works well when you’re trying to look your chicest on the Riviera. The French are well known for their love of an elevated basic, after all. From Jane Birkin-inspired basket bags, to light linens, fresh stripes...

When I was a child, I hated it when my mum would take me to our local M&S store, mainly because I knew we’d be in there for the long haul. Now, however, as an adult, I completely understand the appeal. I’ve spent hours upon hours in Marks & Spencer, and that’s this year alone without taking into account the time I’ve spent browsing its website. I love nothing more than a rake around its rails, as I almost always find something to enhance my wardrobe with. And, more often than not, that “something” is an affordable wardrobe basic. M&S has mastered the art of creating timeless basics—premium-looking ones at that—and its latest drop of summer staples is no exception. From breezy, throw-on dresses that take all of two seconds to style to shoes you can wear with anything, from ...

In my tenure as a fashion editor, I’ve discovered the secret behind expensive-looking summer shoes, and it’s to avoid anything too trend led. Uncomplicated silhouettes, neutral palettes and no-fuss detailing will always win out over of-the-moment colours and treatments. They might not be as alluring as rhinestones, but classic shoes will stand the test of time and go with practically everything you own, which is a boost. So which expensive-looking summer shoes do I recommend? I’m glad you asked, for I’ve found eight styles that fit the bill. Scroll on to see them in action on the feet of stylish influencers, then shop my edit of the best options for every budget in each category. You Deserve to Make Money Even When you are looking for Dates Online. So we reimagined what a dating should be....

Does anyone else use iPhone notes as a diary? There’s everything from my life goals to my weekly food shop, all stored in separate checklists. And of course there’s one for clothes. I still have wish lists scattered across every site (I only recently found out on H&M these can get full, whoops), but sometimes I find it better to have all the items I want from different brands in one spot. So I store them all with a brief description (e.g. pink & Other Stories shoes) with the link in my notes instead. I also find this is way to be more mindful with what I buy. instead of items going straight to my basket, I have time to think and decide if I really need/want each piece. You Deserve to Make Money Even When you are looking for Dates Online. So we reimagined what a dating should be. It...

In the UK, there’s only a limited number of weeks we have to think about dressing for super warm-weather. Layering we have down, and naturally we find it hard to let go of our jackets even if the forecast is predicting a heatwave, because “you never know”. This is why, often, it’s best to look to countries who are more accustomed to dressing for high summer for inspiration—and of course, Australia is one of them. With the likes of Zimmerman, Aje and Alémais all coming from down under, you can always find some summery outfit ideas when browsing Aussie brands.  And there’s one that’s proving particularly popular among fashion people this summer. Enter: Deiji Studios.   Founded in 2016, the conscious lifestyle brand focuses on luxe linen bedding a...

You wake up, you’re running late and you need to look put together, quickly. I would advise in these moments that you always reach for a co-ord. This is the quickest way to create an instant outfit in two easy steps. From pyjama suits to crochet twin sets, there’s something about pairing up a matching look that just looks chic and considered. The flexible fit possibilities of co-ords make them perfect for plus size bodies. Weight distribution differs for everyone, but as we grow, the bigger these differences get. You might find that your weight is held predominantly in your bum, or your stomach, or maybe you have a bigger bust or broad back. Which ever way your body is proportioned the fact that a co-ord is split into two but gives you one whole look is perfect. You can easily buy a b...

With 15 years of fashion experience behind me, I can spot a winning purchase from a mile off—and not just for my own wardrobe but for many friends, family members and Who What Wear readers too. Having lived through the rise of fast fashion, the impact of social media on product virality and the ever-increasing churn of runway collections, I’ve seen some pretty ridiculous trends come and go during my time in the industry, and by documenting them from afar (rather than always wearing them), I’ve become adept at sifting out the looks and items that have longevity. Certain pieces come back time and again, and many “trends” are actually quite classic. Stripes, basket bags and linen trousers for summer? Yep. Leopard-print coats, over-the-knee boots and dark...

In the UK, there’s only a limited number of week we have to think about dressing for super warm-weather days, compared to knowing how to layer.  Naturally, we all want to still take a jacket with us even if the forecast is predicting a heatwave, because “you never know”. This is why, often, it’s best to look to the countries who are more accustomed to knowing how to dress for high summer. And of course Australia is one of them. With the likes of most-loved brands including Zimmerman, Aje and Alémais all coming from down under, we can always guarantee some summery outfit inspiration. And there’s another label that’s proving to be popular among fashion people, enter: Deiji Studios.   Founded in 2016, the conscious lifestyle brand focuses on luxe linen bedding and loungewear t...