June 28, 2019

Five Summer Clothing Brands to Get Familiar With

Summer dressing haters – listen up…

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The recent spate of ‘OH MY WORD I’M SWEATING LIKE I’M IN A SPIN CLASS’ weather has got me thinking. Firstly, that I’m so grateful that I work from home and can just wear a pair of a pants and a loose t-shirt to write blog posts in. Honestly, it’s a look. Secondly, it’s that I actually feel equipped for this weather. Years and years of accruing summer clothing that I actually really like the look of, the style of and feel great in, have finally paid off. It’s 30℃ this weekend? BRING. IT. ON.

My comfort-zone in my wardrobe is always going to be jeans, jumper and boots, but I’ve found ways to create myself a summer uniform and lean into colours and prints that I don’t usually work with in my day-to-day style and have re-jigged things around until I’ve felt like ‘me’. Ultimately I never felt like the summer clothing that I was wearing and buying never felt that way, so I’ve taken it slow and invested in just a handful of pieces each summer season and now I feel 100% happy with the end result. See it for yourself as I put together an edited version of my summer capsule wardrobe here, and let me tell you – I’ve been loving it ever since. You feel like there are just a few more pieces that you need to invest in? Here are some of my picks from my five favourite summer-wear brands…

FAITHFULL THE BRAND*

WHAT TO BUY: Floral print dresses and oh-so-flattering swimwear

I blame Lucy Williams FULLY for introducing me to this brand last summer and for why I now spend long stretches of time scrolling their selection online and planning future purchases. It’s a little more colourful and pattern-heavy than what I usually wear; but I feel like the summer season calls for that and I love that they mix florals and delicate fabrics, with animal prints that are completely my jam. I’ve yet to dabble in their swimwear, although this Monikh Shirred Bikini* seems to be the perfect mix of comfortable, yet flattering – love me a high-waisted bikini bottom. I’ve had my eye on this Tijana Linen Cropped Top* since last summer and it’s now in the sale with 30% off – RUN! RUN! RUN! They have a few leopard print styles in this season, but I think that it’s this Lila Zebra-Print Crepe Mini Dress* that is my favourite from the S/S collection; love the print and I love that the fit is something that looks super casual with flat sandals, or semi-dressy if you threw it on with heels.

SHOP THE FAITHFULL THE BRAND EDIT*

SEZANE*

WHAT TO BUY: Linen dresses and Bride & Bridesmaid pieces

Although I tend to turn to Sezane* during the winter months for their cracking knitwear and coat collections, they do some really pretty summer pieces. Never too heavy with the details, they just offer nice and simple pieces in light fabrics that are perfect to fold into your suitcase, or for when the weather gets roasting in the city. I think we could all do with a floaty dress or two that makes you feel kinda naked, and this Julia Dress* is exactly that. Or if you fancy a slightly jazzy camisole to pair with jeans, then this Maria Top* is CUTE. I also find that they do brilliant dresses for bridesmaid and brides. If you’re getting married and want something low-key and kinder to your pursestrings; this dress* is their current season’s bridal style, but just incase this one*, or this one* ever come back into stock they are worth saving to your browser. How nice would the Beatriz Dress* be for weddings too? Love it.

SHOP THE SEZANE EDIT*

REALISATION PAR

WHAT TO BUY: Silk dresses, wrap tops and midi skirts

I’ll admit that I have a bit of a problem when it comes to buying things from this brand. It’s pricey, but they thankfully now ship out of a U.K warehouse so shipping isn’t as extortionate as it once was and the fit and cut of their items just make me feel great. My personal top pick would be the Naomi ‘Wild Things’ Skirt – you know *that* leopard print skirt? It’s pricey, but I’ve just never spotted a good enough dupe that has the right shade of leopard print and semi-flared out fit. It’s one of a kind and one of the few clothing items that I’ve had people come up and ask me where it’s from. Size down as the elasticated waistband is pretty generous. I also love the The Julia in Black & White Spot – it’s literally all I wore in Bali – and the Valentina Dress in Daisy, which is slightly more covering and so something I feel more comfortable wearing in a non-holiday setting. As part of my summer capsule haul (coming next Wednesday!), I just purchased The Iggy in Yellow Polka Dot and it’s stunning. So slinky, but it makes me feel SEXY. Beach, wedding, whatever – I think it could work.

ASOS WHITE*

WHAT TO BUY: Midi skirts, jumpsuits and basics with a twist

My previous hobbies have included ‘scrolling ASOS for the hours to the point where I had a favourite model who could probably sell me a £30 bin bag‘, so I’m sad to announce that that’s no longer the case and I’ve even cancelled my ASOS Premier – WHO AM I? I find the wealth of products on there pretty overwhelming these days if I’m honest, so if I am up for a peruse I stick to the ASOS White* edit, which tows the line between trendy and classic and I always think has some gems to be found, both in the summer and winter months. Tickling my pickle right now is their Linen Ruched Armhole Tank*, which would look delightful with a pair of blue straight leg jeans, or even these High Waisted Pocket Trousers*. But it’s their jumpsuits that really sing to me. If this Utility Jumpsuit* was available in my size then I reckon it would have made it into my summer capsule wardrobe cut, although if it’s dungarees that you’re after then these Zip Front Cropped Dungarees* would be IDEAL.

SHOP THE ASOS WHITE EDIT*

REFORMATION*

WHAT TO BUY: Cute summer dresses that are perfect for parties

Reformation* are paving the way when it comes to sustainable fancy schmansy clothing, and they are finally available on Net-a-Porter* in the U.K (you can ship from their site, but it’s better for the planet and faster to ship from the smaller selection that’s available here). Based in L.A, they pretty much specialise in summer-only gear; think floral prints, tea dresses and basically what you want your summer holiday capsule to look like. On my shopping list is their Back Silk-Satin Camisole*, which would be a pain to apply suncream underneath, but is so darn chic. The Emmie Floral Midi-Dress* is top of my wedding guest dress suggestions – just pair it with a pair of nude strap sandals and a straw bag, or if you fancy a dress that’s a little more casual and family BBQ appropriate then the Rouen Leopard-Print Linen Mini Dress* is my personal pick.