Weddings! Wimbledon! It is June, which means that summer has truly arrived. The May heatwave may have highlighted some gaps in your warm-weather wardrobe, so here are some of this month's most exciting style updates. From chic capri pants to bikini bottoms for under £10, plus tips on under-the-radar brands to watch, keep cool out there.
Bridesmaid Dresses That Are Actually Great
Rewritten is an independent, London-based, female-founded brand that has been creating grown-up, chic, affordable bridesmaid dresses for at least 10 years—dresses you will actually wear again. The Roma dress in satin is one of its bestsellers. Available in fifteen colours (you can order a fabric sample before deciding) and sizes from 8 to 22. If your wedding WhatsApp group is buzzing with mutinous subgroups, take a look. Great for parties too.
Provence-Worthy Summer Top That Doubles as a Chic Layer Under a Blazer
Pale crochet is timelessly summery and chic, offering a suggestion of skin that adds a pleasing frisson without overexposure. I came across this cotton blend pointelle knitted vest from Marks & Spencer while walking through Marble Arch to pick up picnic food. I was not intending to buy clothes, but I am very pleased with this purchase.
... And a Matching Skirt That Turns It Into a Wimbledon-Worthy Outfit
I know, I was only supposed to be buying olives and strawberries, but I ended up with a whole new outfit. On the plus side, I now know what I am wearing if I snag a ticket to the tennis. The cotton-blend textured mini knitted skirt from Marks & Spencer pairs perfectly with the top.
Denim Shorts That Aren't Just for Holidays
There is a joyous, beach-life vibe about wearing denim shorts. But short cutoffs have a narrow catchment area in terms of how many days you can wear them. These knee-length shorts from Cos have an elegant silhouette that gives them grown-up polish. Get them in washed-out black, and you can dress them up with a mule and a silk tank for evening or down with a T-shirt and flip-flops.
A Very Good, Slightly Dressy Sandal
Why is it so hard to find sandals that look nice with skirts and dresses? Too many sandals have a strap straight across the top of the foot, just below the ankle bone, which cuts your leg off at a jarring point. A strap that runs diagonally across the top of the foot, like this black block heel buckle sandal from Whistles, keeps the shoe secure to avoid rubbing but looks much nicer.
A Pucci-Adjacent Beach Treat
I love the Slim Aarons chic of Pucci's trademark swirls in summer. I have spent more time than is reasonable scrolling preloved Pucci on Vinted. These retro-styled bikini bottoms from Tu at Sainsbury's are not actually Pucci, but they wink in that direction and are a steal at only £8. There is a matching bikini top for £14. Some sizes are sold out, but you could get just the bottoms and mix and match with a plain black bikini.
Just a Really Cute Bag
Wooden beads give this shoulder bag from Monsoon flair while keeping the vibe chill. The neutral tones will work with any outfit, and it is a great size—small enough not to be a drag to carry, but big enough to fit your essentials.
A Summery Sock Update
I was in Los Angeles recently, and at least half the sleek wellness kids in the line for Hailey Bieber smoothies at Erewhon were wearing Alo. The California brand excels at fancy laid-back weekend wear that is more elevated than average athleisure. Case in point: these delicious unisex half-crew throwback socks.
A Divine Bowl (and a Brand to Check Out)
My eternally stylish colleague Mel alerted me to Munich-based homeware brand Westwing, which has just arrived in the UK. Their garden furniture is super chic and good value. I have fallen in love with this handmade decorative marble bowl, which is beautiful enough to be in a gallery and will look elegant on a coffee table or mantelpiece.
The Return of the Kick Flare Trouser!
These delicious cotton capri trousers from Maje x Blanca Miró make me feel as if I am Sophia Loren on holiday on the Amalfi Coast. Enough said. They are part of a collaboration between French brand Maje and Barcelona-based stylist Blanca Miró. Also, I am very into the mesh loafers.
