A Summer Wardrobe Wishlist
One for the women who don’t do cottagecore.
Hello. I’m in your inbox again. How’s it going? I got some great news via email a couple of days ago and I also had my face lasered during the week (will share more in The Digest) so I’m in a perky mood.
The story I had planned to run on Friday had a little hold-up so instead I’ve spent all weekend putting together this summer shopping edit that I’d scheduled for the end of the month. (I may not always get it out on Friday but rest assured it’s always coming.) Pretty much all the summer collections have dropped now anyway so you might as well capitalise before the good stuff sells out.
Summer dressing doesn’t come naturally to me to be honest with you. I love warm weather (it’s in my blood) but the big hitters of my wardrobe are the coats and boots and knits. I know how to layer. On the other hand, floaty blouses and sun dresses and florals are alien territory. I don’t particularly want to look cute.
Over the years, I’ve figured out how to do summer outfits in a way that feels a bit more instinctive – the sort of stuff I want to wear rather than feel I have to. Things like organza shirts, matching linen sets, elevated flip flops, knitted tanks and scarf tops. Maybe the occasional polka dot or print. Below, I’ve put together a selection of my building blocks for the new season. I hope you like them too.
Black linen
Linen in neutral shades can sometimes feel a bit wholegrain. A bit MAHA. Linen in black? Automatically chic. The halter top is from Deiji Studios and the trousers are from WNU (10% off with code LATE10).
Slinky polka-dot dresses
Specifically this brown and white combo. This obsession was singlehandedly sparked by the Rotate dress I featured in the wedding season edit. There’s also the one from Faithfull that was in The Digest last week. The one pictured is from Matteau (and there’s also this mini version). I want them all.
Knitted tanks
I’m evangelical about a knitted tank. A classic tank is sexy but not quite smart enough to wear to parties or dinners. A knitted tank is sexy but also structured and polished and there’s no visible boob. I live in the Róhe bustier tank, but these scoop-neck tanks from Cos are a quarter of the price.
Raffia bags
The magic ingredient for transforming a plain, season-less outfit into a summery one. Cos has this curved shoulder bag. And if you want something a bit more structured and dressy for parties, there’s this one from Mansur Gavriel. I also fell in love with this one from Khaite, which IMO is way too expensive for raffia, and then found this one from Massimo Dutti which has that same speckled look.
Scarves-as-bandanas
The return of the bandana gets a yes from me because I loathe having to style my hair every day. But also a woman in a bandana is nomadic and mysterious and free-spirited. (Secretly, I am none of these things.) This is one instance where I’d say more is more. I’m liking Rejina Pyo and Stine Goya at the moment.
Scarves-as-tops
You can either fashion one for yourself or go to Sir.
Big gold jewellery
Because it glows in the sun and elevates linens and seersuckers and other summery fabrics. The spiked earrings are from Completedworks (I’d wear it with the cuff), the hoops are from YSSO, the bracelet is from Tilly Sveas and the ring is from Jenny Bird.
Elevated sports shorts
I’ve tried tailored shorts and they always look so awkward. Maybe it’s just me. I find a sporty short much more flattering and wearable. I featured these from Cos in The Digest, though my go-to for elevated tracksuit styles is always Wales Bonner.
Sheer shirts
I like to play it pretty loose with shirting whatever the time of year (I’m talking two buttons done up and a bralet peeking out) but summer is when you can really get away with anything. Rejina Pyo does this fabulous chiffon blouse with exaggerated cuffs and a wide collar. And I love the cinched shape and colour of this organza shirt from Staud.
Boxer shorts
Along with sporty running shorts, I’m a fan of boxer-style shorts – although they do need dressing up a bit. The best ones are from WNU. They’re even better as part of a set (10% off with code LATE10).
Lacy not-quite-lingerie
Ideally as separates and layered in with shirts and smarter pieces so as not to look too bedroom-y. The top is from Rixo and the shorts are from By Malene Birger.
White trousers
Specifically these satin ones from Cos. They work for day. They work for evening. Chef’s kiss.
Beach-y but bougie jewellery
The pearl necklace is from Rixo. The rope necklace is from Eliou. The fishbone earrings are from Alémais. If an outfit feels too stuffy (say, workwear), a beach-y but bougie piece of jewellery knocks it all back a bit and infuses it with some charm.
This big white maxi dress
I’d usually steer clear of anything that could be classified as cottagecore BUT Tove has made it far cooler and sexier with the plunge neckline. I’d still throw in some hoops and heels to make it as un-twee as possible.
Straw hats with ribbons
This is about as whimsical as it gets around here. For sunhats, the bigger the brim the better IMO because we don’t play about sun protection. The one on the left is from Eugenia Kim (I also like their visors) and the one on the right is from Zahati.
This waistcoat suit
Waistcoat suits can sometimes look a bit… frumpy. A bit earnest. Not this cotton-silk set from Rejina Pyo.
Heeled flip flops
I feel like these heeled flip flops are real fashion-girl shoes in that normal people / parents / men do not get them at all. They’re like the Tabis of sandals, which is a good thing in my book. These are from Staud. Or if you fancy a flat, I’d recommend these chunky ones from Ancient Greek Sandals, which I bought a few summers ago and tell myself are dupes for The Row’s Ginzas.
Mesh Mary Janes
I’m still figuring out whether I’d actually want to traipse around the streets of London in these but I do think they’re cute. The holy grails are from Alaïa, obviously, but these from Le Monde Beryl cost considerably less.
Graphic baseball caps
The best baseball caps are old, vintage, beaten-up ones. The second best baseball caps are from Drake’s. So many options. (You should still beat them up though.)
P.S. This post contains affiliate links which means if you end up making a purchase I may earn some commission, at absolutely no cost to you. I only recommend stuff I like, and I always link to the best price I can find, regardless of affiliates.
