Stylist and content creator Marianne Smyth (likely better known to you as @smythsisters) has impeccable taste: fact. And with nearly 400,000 followers on Instagram, I think it's safe to say that a lot of other people agree. Her easy yet elegant style, enviable wardrobe, beautiful interiors and consistently chic mirror selfies have followers coming back to her account time and again, looking for recommendations on what pieces are worth buying and how to style them to emulate her vibe. So, with a new season on the horizon, we asked Marianne to share her wish list of the items that have caught her eye over the past few weeks and some exclusive looks she's been wearing on rotation recently. A word of warning: you're going to love everything. Over to you, Marianne.
I can’t believe we are well into August already! Where did our summer go?! My children start school imminently, and so out comes the box of sensible, lightweight knitwear for the early-morning school runs, and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little excited at the thought. Don’t get me wrong—I love dressing for summer, but I love transitional styling even more.
August can be a confusing month for shopping, with high-summer stock mixed in with the tail end of the mid-season sales and new-in autumn/winter pieces starting to take centre stage. That being said, I get really—like, really—excited about shopping at this time of year. August and September are my favourite months for dressing; we get to wear the lighter layers that allow us to dress a touch more playfully, and there's that momentary sweet spot when we can combine knitwear and sandals.
For me, this upcoming season is all about denim silhouettes. Think strong, sculptural shapes that will elevate your everyday jeans-and-tee looks, which is my ultimate favourite outfit. Before purchasing at this time of year, I like to ask myself how I'll be able to style the item in question now and again in autumn/winter. I don’t really want to be splashing out on high-summer items now because I won't get much wear out of them until next year, so it’s important to consider my current wardrobe and work out how many looks I can create with the piece I'm considering. That way, I know what’s really worth investing in for the season ahead.
So, let’s cut to the chase and let you take a peek at my wish list which includes some of the pieces I've already taken the plunge on. There's a mix of items you can wear now and again when it gets slightly cooler, and I hope you get lots of inspiration for the season ahead.
SEE MY MONTHLY PICKS
I’ve barely taken these off since I got them.
These are very high up on my autumn/winter wish list.
I love a waistcoat at this time of year.
It’s no secret that I’m a basics girl through and through. I love this long-sleeved top paired with barrel-leg jeans and loafers. Plus, butter yellow is my colour of the year.
This structured raffia tote housed all of my children's things on holiday and looked chic whilst doing it. I also have the larger black version and it was great for the beach and as my airplane carry-on.
Field jackets are everywhere, but this one in particular caught my eye. Wear now with cut-off denim shorts, your favourite boxy white tee, an oversized shoulder bag and some simple flats, and when it gets a little cooler, swap out the shorts for jeans.
I wore these throughout my recent holiday and am continuing to do so now I’m home.
Speaking of barrel-leg jeans, I bought this MOTHER pair just before my holiday. The denim is very relaxed and soft, so they're really comfortable. I love the shade, and I think we'll be seeing a lot more green going into autumn.
The perfect top to complete your jeans-and-a-nice-top look.
I jumped at these. Another horseshoe pair that will be perfect with a simple white tee and flats.
I picked up a suede jacket a few months back and have been wearing it religiously.
After eyeing up Prada's shorts and shirt combo on the runway, I’ve been hunting for a more purse-friendly alternative, and I think I've found it.
I'd also team this with jeans.
