Simple Style Updates Our Editors Love For The New Season
- Words By
- Bibby Sowray
- Styled By
- Polly Knight
- Photographs By
- Eva K. Salvi
- Edited By
- Laura Fantacci & Petro Stofberg
Linen has been trending for a few spring/summer seasons, but for us it’s always been a permanent feature in our warmer-weather wardrobes. Its lightness, ease and ability to adapt to many occasions – from the office to beach holidays – is why we love it, as well as the organic, relaxed feel it brings to an outfit. This season, we’re opting for jumpsuits, tailoring and co-ords in the fabric.
A raffia bag never dates, so invest in a luxury style that will last you for years and years, and could even become a piece that you pass down the generations. Many high-end brands have mastered the art of the luxe raffia tote, creating numerous timeless styles with a contemporary, minimalist edge. Look for one that’s big enough to tote around your day-to-day essentials, with a comfortable shoulder strap so it can be used for work as well as on beach holidays.
For the inevitable between-seasons limbo days, a knitted dress is an essential. Quick, comfortable, throw-on-and-go. Layer it up now (try a denim jacket under a lightweight trench), then, as the temperature climbs, wear it with simple sandals or trainers. It’s a piece we turn to every year at this time and never fails to impress.
The idea of the ‘It’ bag is enjoying a resurgence at the moment – though, for us, investing in a high-quality, expertly crafted bag has always been a wise idea as it’s a piece you’ll use endlessly. Loewe’s Squeeze (seen here) and The Row’s Margaux are just two that we love, both with heirloom potential. Look for subtle detailing and buttery soft leather, and always opt for a neutral colour that will blend well with the rest of your wardrobe.
For a change from denim, chinos are always our go-to, so much so that we’ve created this exclusive pair in collaboration with By IRIS – and they’re available to pre-order now. We’ve optimised elegance with flattering front pleats, in-seam pockets and a chic self-colour belt that cinches the waist, and crafted them in a versatile sandy beige hue. We love them paired with a simple crisp white shirt, as seen here.
The clutch bag may be synonymous with evening wear, but think again. This season, it’s making its way into our everyday wardrobe. As ever, look for one that’s fuss-free with minimal detailing and hardware in a versatile shade, like tan or black – plus, a tuckaway shoulder strap is also a bonus.
We’ve long loved personalised jewellery, and our latest ICONS Exclusive is testament to that. Our unique pieces created in collaboration with Dévé are the perfect way to wear your own initials or those of loved ones. They’re available in two sizes, and we like to mix and match them for impact. Use to dress up a look or simply for everyday wear.
It’s all too easy to turn to dresses when the spring/summer events season arrives, but take a minute to consider summer suiting instead. It’s a chic alternative that will see much more wear than a dress, as it can be broken up and worn with other pieces in your wardrobe, making it a more considered buy. Opt for pale shades, from stone to camel, and lightweight fabrics like linen and cotton. Perfect for summer workwear when pared-back, too.
Crochet comes back around every spring/summer season, so you can always be sure it’s a wise investment. But don’t be fooled into thinking it should be reserved for holidays only. Style it right and it can become part of your everyday wardrobe, too. Go for darker colours like black and navy – pale shades can look too beachy – and pair with lightweight knitwear for a balanced daytime look, or dress up for the evening.
The 90s revival is here to stay, so hold on to your classic shades as they’re a simple yet effective way to keep up with the renaissance. Ray-Ban’s Wayfarer style have been a go-to of ours for years – they flatter every face shape and come in an array of frame colourways – a truly classic accessory that you’ll love forever.
We don’t need to tell you why the trench is a wardrobe essential; it just is. If you’re in the market for a new one, consider updating the classic piece with subtle, modern details, such as wide-cut sleeves or a slightly oversized fit, or perhaps going for a richer neutral hue, like this yellow-tinged tan version by Tibi.
A spring wardrobe fail-safe, the denim jacket is a piece we turn to again and again. This season, we’re seeing lots of different iterations, from classic styles to painter’s jackets, utilitarian cuts and cropped or oversized versions with wide sleeves. Our tip is to try on lots of different styles to find out which works best for you and your wardrobe – it’s a piece you’ll wear a lot, so worth getting just right.
We are converts to the most elevated of all the jeans styles – wide-leg denim. Leg-lengthening and sophisticated, just one great pair in a dark wash will transform how you feel about your wardrobe. We love them styled with a denim shirt for a head-to-toe double-denim look, or paired with crisp white shorts. Our top tip? Go for a high-waisted style and team with a minimal leather belt.
If you’re anything like us, you live in sandals as soon as the sun is out. While we love slim-soled, minimal styles, it’s chunkier sandals that get the most wear thanks to their versatility. Providing comfort and style in equal measure, thanks to their sturdy sole, they work just as well for city days paired with tailoring as they do with diaphanous dresses on holiday.
The return of the utilitarian trend last spring/summer shows no sign of abating – and we couldn’t be happier as, to us, it’s less a trend and more a style code that belongs in a forever wardrobe. So we’ve created our very own version of the ultimate khaki jacket with By IRIS, available to pre-order now. This 100% cotton jacket has the signature patch pockets and a waist-cinching matching belt that adds elegant definition. Perfect paired with denim or layered over summer dresses.
Our fashion director Polly has been convinced for quite some time that silver jewellery was set for a comeback, and she was absolutely right. Chunky, sculptural pieces are the way to go as they keep the metal feeling contemporary. Don’t be afraid to mix with yellow-gold pieces – it’s an easy and subtle way to add interest to neutral outfits.