My Shoe-Shopping Hack, Plus the Swimsuit I’ve Worn for a Decade

I was recently interviewed by Amanda Wakeley for her podcast Style DNA, and it made me realise something: I have stayed true to my style preferences throughout almost two decades in the industry. I may report on trends and love seeking them out, but my look has (bar a weird choice here and there) remained relatively steady for a long, long time. Whether it’s cool or chic, I have no idea, but it’s me and mine, and I’m good with that. So, this month’s newsletter is an ode to the summer items and shopping hacks that have never failed me. From the designer swimsuit that is genuinely worth the investment to my high-street shoe hack, I hope these recommendations help guide you through a season that can be chock-full of throwaway, crappy buys that only last one holiday or heatwave!

Remember, you can ask me anything about style, and I’ll answer as many questions as I can through this newsletter. Simply submit one through Instagram at @whowhatwear.uk or contact me at @hannahalmassi.

Here's What I'm Obsessed With in July

1. I WON’T SHUT UP ABOUT: My Shoe-Shopping Trick

Style Notes: One thing I’ve always done and continue to do is buy items I rate in multiple colours (if they are available), and the most successful category to do this with, in my humble opinion, is shoes. I wouldn’t say this about anything else, but one can never have enough shoes. I’ve followed this tactic at every price point, from designer options (like some over-the-knee boots I have in brown and beige suede from French brand L’Autre Chose, both worn goodness knows how many times), through to countless high-street options from Zara, M&S, Boden and more. This month, I discovered the most elegant little pair of leather kitten-heel sandals from & Other Stories. They were on sale, so I took a punt and bought all three colourways of butter yellow, pale pink and burgundy. As it turns out, they’re well-made, incredibly comfortable and super easy to wear all day at work. So, if there’s any advice I can give you (especially if you, like me, have fussy feet), it’s to buy the damn shoes you enjoy wearing in as many colours as you can—you won’t regret it!

Shop My Favourite Shoes:

2. UNDER THE RADAR: Karla Colletto Swimwear

Style Notes: It’s deeply embarrassing to share a picture of myself in a swimsuit, but this is important, and this newsletter means I shouldn’t gatekeep. A decade ago, I took the sage advice of Marie Claire’s fashion director and longtime swimwear expert, Lily Russo, and tried out a swimsuit from Karla Colletto. She recommended it to me as a classic style that has all of the clever underpinnings (like layered mesh and underwires) to keep my boobs in check and make the most of the hourglass figure I have—something which can make shopping for swimwear at a cheaper price point quite a depressing process. I’ve never looked back. I chose a ruched red swimsuit from the US brand, and it has more stamina than a Duracell bunny; my figure and weight have fluctuated since I bought it, and this one-piece has continued to serve me well. You can see me in the swimsuit in 2016 and as recently as last year; it hasn’t bobbled, stretched out, lost its elastic or faded in colour. I’d rather spend this amount on one swimsuit and have it last for over 10 years than repeatedly buy cheap and cheerful bikinis that disintegrate after one getaway and don’t do anything for my body anyway. There are quite a few styles on sale at MyTheresa right now, so make the most of it if you want a Coletto. I’ve also found some other ruched one-piece alternatives for your perusal.

Shop Karla Colletto Swimwear:

Shop More Ruched Swimsuits I Love:

3. ASK HANNAH ANYTHING (about style)

“I’m looking for white skirts that aren’t see-through (but also not £££). Help!"

Hannah says, "It’s tricky to know when you’re shopping online whether a white fabric is see-through or not; however, I have one workaround to give you a good start: look for a style that has a lined layer. I have two white skirts from last summer that are good examples: one is a cotton, full-skirted midi from Aligne that uses the same fabric for the top and under layers, and the other is a slip skirt from Mint Velvet that uses a finer lining to ensure a smooth and non-see-through finish. If you can’t get a double layer, look for a thicker fabric, and (as boring as this is) read the reviews!"

Shop My Favourite White Skirts: