The fashion landscape continuously evolves, and the seasonal switch is particularly inspiring, as it gives way to new designs and colourways in tandem with the weather. The bright forecast lifts the lid on saturated hues, and this summer involves revived trends of yesteryear (some more controversial, but more on that later) and more recognisable pieces from recent years that feel inherently seasonal, such as minidresses and bandeau necklines.
Summer is a rousing season. Perhaps it's due to the promise of summer holidays, but the weather permits a relaxed state, and we begin to see reimagined runway trends land on the market. Plus, having fewer climate constraints means we're finally able to dress more for pleasure than practicality. Plus, for a dress enthusiast like myself, I'm able to wear my favourite clothing item on repeat.
Since the Met Gala's celebration of the new Superfine: Tailoring Black Style exhibition, I've been dipping my toe into everyday dandyism, with my take on power dressing through uniformed looks and tailored co-ords. Plus, Jacquemus's recent beach club advert has coaxed me into a sea of lemon yellow and skirt suits, and I'm coveting the brand's Ovalo Single-Breasted Woven Jacket (£1030).
My style leans on the side of minimalism, albeit with a (hopefully) maximalist impact. Although I laud and decipher the trends, I'm most drawn towards refined silhouettes, so I've been looking for ways to expand my repertoire whilst honouring my personal style. Summer is when I'm the most experimental with colours, and this year, I'm gravitating towards yellow and spirited accessories that reignite a childlike nostalgia, which seems to be a consensus with the majority, after the popularity of playful handbag charms (Labubu, I'm looking at you).
Continue reading for the fashion pieces and beauty picks I'm hoping to welcome into my life this season. Summer is for play, and judging by the current offerings, there is much fun to be had.
Shop My Edit for June:
Tops and Outerwear
I adore the sleeveless waistcoat trend of 2023, however, my style is better suited to a longer, slightly fluted sleeve, so I was thrilled to see this buttoned co-ord land on Reformation. It offers a uniform and elegant alternative to a summer dress.
A clever structure, owing to its fluted sleeves with a boxy, longline silhouette. Playing with Scandinavian elements, Aeron creates chic pieces with functionality at the forefront.
The Monsoon X India Edit collaboration combines noughties silhouettes with free-flowing, natural materials and tones from neutrals to moss green and burgundy. It encapsulates a European summer and is one of my favourite brand collaborations to date.
Dresses
As a fashion editor, having favourite brands is quite the statement, but Faithfull comes up trumps, especially during the summer. This year, the brand has gained traction in the UK market, helped by its presence on Net-a-Porter and, more recently, Harvey Nichols. Its spring/summer 2025 collection features modern florals, jaunty stripes and my new favourite colour, this powdery yellow.
Mark my words: a white sleeveless A-line minidress will see you through every eventuality, every summer. Before investing in a white mini, I sat on the side of a midi or maxi length, and whilst I'm still firmly in that camp, there's something so relaxed and easy-to-wear yet polished about this look. My styling trick? Hair up in a tortoiseshell claw clip, simple mules and an oversized handbag. Et voila!
Massimo Dutti is my number-one high-street retailer. Bridging the gap between entry-level designer and fast fashion, it hones in on clean lines and contemporary styles. As I've already mentioned, my favourite colour of the season is this exact yellow hue. The timeless halterneck and close-cut silhouette will see you through many summers.
Skirts and Trousers
Over the past few months, I've been gathering my thoughts about the capri pants trend. 30 years on from my ill-fitting school trousers, I've deduced that I quite like the idea of a purposely shrunken trouser, especially when styled with intention. I always seek out plastic-free styles, which proved challenging for this particular item, but Albaray came to the rescue with its black pedal pushers. Wear them with a tank, loose-fit poplin shirt and heeled flip-flops like the ones below.
Balloon-leg fits aren't solely reserved for denim. The cut looks equally chic on a tailored trouser, and this month, Mango has stepped up with its take, which looks every bit as suave as a designer iteration. It's also worth noting that I very seldom find trousers comprising natural fabrics on the high street, so this is an impressive piece.
Baukjen is one of the most eco-conscious labels on the market, scoring in the top 5% of 4000 certified B-Corp brands. As if that wasn't enough to entice you, its latest collection has introduced both fashion-forward and timeless styles. My pick of the bunch is the Saffy puffball skirt. My favourite way to wear it is with a bandeau top tucked into the waistband and a skinny belt atop. For footwear, I'd opt for heeled sandals.
Jewellery and Accessories
You know it's a good day for fashion when two renowned brands collaborate, and I have my eyes on the Jimmy Fairly X Reformation collection for S/S 25. Comprising a 24-piece sunglasses collection featuring an array of shapes (from cat-eye to shrunken noughties-style frames), there's something to suit all face shapes.
Since its inception in 1964, Alaïa has honed in on shapely designs. The newly launched Le Click is an elongated, slightly concave bag bearing elements of a French-style baguette, and is awash with a cocoa hue, which has cemented itself as a coveted colourway.
Come rain or shine, casual or occasion, you'll spot me in a pair of overstated earrings. It's become part of my uniform, and whilst I thought I'd ticked every box, there's space in my collection for a contoured pair like this. The asymmetrical shaping lends an organic, nonchalant look that will complement day-to-day dressing well.
Shoes
During the summer, nine times out of ten, I'm in heeled flip-flops. My old high-street pair has seen better days, so I'm looking to invest in an elevated pair to see me through the summers ahead. This time, I'm looking for a black leather cushioned sole and a thinner heel.
Partnering with local communities across Kenya, Cape Town and L.A., Amanu celebrates the artistry of makers worldwide. Having recently launched a 17-piece collection on Net-a-Porter, these talents are now shared with the luxury retail market, and its premium collection includes hard-wearing leather sandals with gold accents and handbags of the same ilk. Each piece is designed to withstand the test of time and echo the sentiment of human connection.
Each month, I search high and low for premium-looking pieces on the high street, and Charles & Keith always releases a style that catches my eye. Last year, it was a satin square-toe mule, and this year, it's these strappy square-toe sandals. I'd style them with tailored trousers, dresses and skirts.
Beauty
I'm a huge proponent of elevating everyday experiences, so Rollr piqued my interest after seeing it recommended by beauty specialist Rhea Cartwright. Comprising natural gemstones like rose quartz and blue dumortierite, and a cooling steel cap, you'll now look forward to putting on your deodorant.
With the launch of Who What Wear UK's debut Beauty Issue, I've been inspired to compile a beauty edit of my own, and as a huge fan of Merit products, I'm keen to trial its latest release, The Uniform.
Oozing a free-spirited, sensual aroma and laced with a jasmine hue, Vyrao has fast become my favourite summer scent. Two spritzes on your pulse points will see you through the majority of the day.
