I'm Based in Paris and Have Classic Style—Here's Everything on My New-Season Wish List
From drop-waist bandeau dresses to barely-there sandals, see and shop the pieces I'm shortlisting this May.
Spring is one of my favourite seasons in Paris. Blooms are burgeoning in their cotton-candy pinks and my favourite parks come alive with people flocking to the zesty green seats with a book and beverage in tow. It's a wonderful time to be on style watch. With the promise of summer on the horizon, my mind is firmly in hot weather mode, which best aligns with my personal style of sleeveless dresses, free-flowing skirts and slip-on mules akin to the Parisian style I'm keen to inherit. Now is the best time to experiment with fashion choices a tad more, whether that's through colour, texture or design.
My column serves as a personal audit, and this month, I'm searching for a few extra pieces to complete my forever wardrobe—including open-toe sandals (a piece my shoe wardrobe is seriously lacking), linen, neutral coloured denim and tailoring. I’ve also welcomed some of my most-loved pieces back into the fold (namely ripped dresses and bandeau style), and to my delight, they're styles I continue to covet to date. As ever, material and quality are factors I highly prioritise, as are classic shapes I know I’ll wear for years. If last year's summer picks are anything to go by, it was a job well done. If you're in spring, summer mode, you've come to the right place. Keep scrolling for the summer items I have on my May wish list-from bandeau maxi dresses to capsule wardrobe staples reminiscent of those in my closet.
Shop My May Edit:
Tops and Outerwear
This exact colourway is something I'm looking to introduce into my wardrobe. Lean into colour-drenching and add the matching trousers for a complete uniform.
One quick and easy way to elevate a typical blazer—remove the lapel element with a collarless neckline. It instantly adds a vintage touch. I envisage wearing this with bold studs and sans necklace. Let the neckline do all of the talking.
STOULS is a French label to note, especially now it's taken pride of place on Net-A-Porter, making it easy for people all around the world to acquire. The brand specialises in luxury wardrobe staples, and the fabrications used are something to celebrate. The brand uses machine-washable leather and suede procured from a French tannery, which will be revolutionary for your wardrobe. My pick- this classic button-up. Since 2023, sleeveless waistcoats have felt like a homage to—summer, and the boat neckline makes this piece all the more unique.
Dresses
COS has cemented its place on the high street as a refined brand loved by minimalists and maximalists alike, and its collection grows stronger each year. When shopping high street, I search for silhouettes reminiscent of their designer counterparts with fabrications to match. This layered frock ticks all of the boxes. It's equally chic worn languidly or belted at the waist.
The promise of cotton and silk was music to my ears, and the directional shaping is an additional bonus. For summer, pair this dress with barely-there heeled sandals and bold jewels to offset the look.
With the promise of summer on the horizon, why not dip into the long-running chic Grecian-inspired bandeau trend?
Skirts and Trousers
Click the link to see and shop the two-piece in its entirety. Aside from sandals, you needn't add much more.
There's something incredibly chic about this hue. It'll pair beautifully with cocoa, burgundy and SS25's muted snake print.
No summer wardrobe is complete without a longline linen midi. This Faithfull style is a great compromise between a bias fit and a flared skirt—making it less restricting.
Accessories
Classic as they are, I find heeled ballerina pumps can look dated. The Row has introduced this scrunched trim, which instantly adds a contemporary feel. The entire shoe is awash with a muted yellow hue, making it even more spring-appropriate.
A vast majority of my footwear consists of black, brown and burgundy hues. I think it's missing a spirited motif, and this muted snake print, courtesy of Sézane, fits the bill. I'd wear it with almost all of the items in this edit!
Repetto is a beloved footwear brand across France and beyond, and the latest addition to its SS25 collection is the Camille mules, comprising a round-toe and block heel. If it's anything like the Repetto flats, it'll result in style and comfort in equal measure.
Jewellery and Accessories
Allow me to kindly introduce you to this exclusive collection by Rejina Pyo in collaboration with the Munch Museum and the National Portrait Gallery. These fluid link chains are perfectly oversized and call for a bandeau neckline.
Otiumberg is one of my favourite jewellery brands and this season, they're resident at Le Bon Marche—one of Paris' most aspirational luxury department stores. Luckily for me, this means I can now browse the jewels in real life, and I'll be heading straight for the pebbles.
Ever the sentimentalist, I need no excuse to memorialise things, occasions or the people dearest to me. This is the latest addition to my treasured jewellery wardrobe, complete with a duo of photos.
Beauty
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.
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