I'm a Fashion Expert With Classic Taste—Here's Everything on My New-Season Wish List
Having just experienced a heatwave, we’re well and truly in summer mode. Trench coats have fallen by the wayside, paving the way for light ensembles and two-piece outfits at most. Summer is undoubtedly my favourite season for fashion. It's indicative of holiday dressing, which bears nostalgia and it also offers a laid-back approach to getting dressed. Hot temperatures call for simplicity as layers are shed, whilst dresses and top and skirt ensembles become the focus. It makes styling intentional and fuss-free. As a dress person, I appreciate the ease of free-flowing frocks in the summer breeze and call upon simple, yet effective style implements —such as dominant accessories. As we approach hotter temperatures, I’m relying on natural fabrications, such as linen and cotton. Linen is characteristically relaxed, though this season it's been considered for day-to-day wearability, formal occasions and even officewear.
Avalon wears the Wolford 'Gilda' dress and Soru 'Antica' Earrings.
Summer is also the season I introduce statement pieces into my arsenal (but still in keeping with my style). I have a fairly refined wardrobe, that's typically anti-trend, however, this summer, trend-forward bandeau silhouettes, rouge and bold jewellery are beckoning me. There’s no better way to advance a monochromatic outfit than with elaborate studs reminiscent of your favourite ‘80s heroine. Keep reading for my edit of pieces to invest in or inspire you this July and beyond.
Shop My Edit for July:
This colour is a wildcard for me but there's just something about this bold hue that's beckoning me. Pair this cowl-neck top with a beige linen skirt and mules.
A sleek pick if you're wondering how to elevate languid dresses this summer.
Keep your eyes peeled for Aligne's Daphne blazer. The popularity of its longline Leo waistcoat shook the internet and I'm fairly certain this sleeved style will follow in its wake.
My favourite Lauryn dress is back for 2024 in not one but two tropical hues.
Wedding season is upon us and Rixo's Abi dress has adorable details to make you feel glamourous on a special day.
I've recently been introduced to (and blown away) by Merit's balmy offerings. Its latest collaboration with Tove has piqued the interest of beauty and fashion alike. The evening set is an investment worth considering as your beauty bits come wrapped in a plush metallic clutch you can wear with myriad outfits.
I've searched high and low and Albaray offers the most premium-looking bandeau dress on the high street.
Woman of the moment Nicola Coughlan has partnered with jewellery brand Rachel Jackson, releasing this 22-carat gold plated necklace with a rose-cut pink hydro quartz. If the stunning design isn't enough of a selling point, 100% of the profits are donated to Choose Love.
Mashu's highly coveted Nicole shape is now available in this woven raffia style — bringing a contemporary element to rattan bags.
The contrasting colour and drop waistcoat is a highly coveted trend from 2023 that withstands this year.
Soru is best known for overstated jewels and its latest collaboration with Daphne Oz has introduced many jolly and statement pieces.
The delicate bobble chain and malachite stone is a match to behold.
Eager-eyed shoppers will notice the influx of past season Toteme on The Outnet and this buttermilk silken frock has caught my attention.
I enjoy wearing Lyocell knits during winter evenings. This sunshine hue makes it even sweeter.
This romantic frock is perfect for frolicking and judging by the esteem of Sleeper dresses, this is an investment you'll proudly wear for years to come.
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. Avalon also provides copywriting services, creative consultancy, and visual media for independent businesses, including travel guides, interviews, press releases and blog posts. Her work has been featured on Lush, Contiki, Youswim and Ohne. She spends her days writing to her heart’s content for business and pleasure, shooting on film and dreaming of residing a stone’s throw away from the ocean with her love and a pup (clad in a sweeping frock, of course). She’s currently penning ideas for a book of personal essays and free verse poetry on love, life and the stages in between.
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