I’ve been an avid list writer for as long as I can remember, penning everything from wants and desires to daily pursuits and nonsensical rambles in my Notes app, and the same sentiment has trickled into my fashion-buying process. Although history would have us believe this time of year equals pre-autumnal dressing, with a heatwave inching close, I've turned my attention to summer-appropriate pieces and continued to carry out an inventory based on timeless pieces I can repeat each summer. Not only is August my birthday month, but it’s also the junction that signifies the melting point of the seasons, so you'll likely be seeing colours darken and outerwear launching on e-commerce sites, ahead of September. But let's put a pin in that for the time being.
Come rain or shine, dresses are my favourite pieces to invest in, so I’ve analysed the trends and embraced some revived shapes for their timeless appeal, from bandeau silhouettes and column maxis to shorter hemlines—a wildcard for me. But I am based in Paris, after all.
Accessories are also worth noting, and my, have we been spoilt with options! I’m big on earrings—in every sense of the word. I’ve introduced overstated styles into my rotation and know I’m likely to wear them for years to come with pared-back ensembles. Organic shapes are highly sought-after, and items that once felt lacklustre (shorts, for example) have now been incorporated into tailoring, which is genius.
Suffice to say, August is looking like an inspiring month for fashion. Ahead are 21 pieces that I'm most excited about. If you're also obsessed with dresses, shoes and jewels, this one is for you.
Shop My August Edit:
Dresses
As you may well be aware, I take dresses very seriously and Matteau's gathered midi dress is a piece worth celebrating. I foresee it withstanding trends in years to come.
A true high street gem! Well done M&S.
I was surprised to witness this offering courtesy of Abercrombie Fitch but I needn't have been, considering the brand's sharp direction of late.
I intend to purchase this dress this week after noticing a lack of mini dresses in my collection.
Shoes
I'm finding myself drawn to fisherman sandals lately and this slip-on pair by Mango is offered in the most beautiful hue!
Vandrélaar's footwear speaks to a modern simplicity and this olive colourway feels fresh for the summer and relevant for autumn.
My favourite mules now come swathed in a plush cream velvet.
My favourite flats are back!
Handbags
Dear Frances boasts an enviable capsule of footwear and its introduction to accessories is just as charming as you'd expect.
A Mary Poppins bag if you've ever seen one, though decidedly more chic.
Opt for a chequered gingham basket to disrupt the typical tonal raffias.
I've noticed a certain theme in my handbag taste and I think I have somewhat of a penchant for brown suede.
Bottoms
Premium-looking trousers on the high street? I'd expect no less from COS and this taupe colour way is a wonderful introduction to its already stellar trouser capsule.
A foray into (dare I say it) autumnal fashion.
I'll admit, I'm swayed by the tailored short trend and I have my eyes firmly set on this pair.
Jewellery
Polène is best known for handbags, however, its earring collection is worth noting. Like its directional-shaped bags, its jewellery shapes are innovative and sleek. Take this mirrored drop, for example, reminiscent of water elements.
A high sheen and playful cluster pearl drop.
Kitty Joyas's new collection plays homage to organic materials with irregular shapes on hammered metals.
Homeware and Beauty
I always eagerly await Abisola's creations and this summer she's partnered with the Tartan Blanket Company, creating wearable art and homeware in the form of decorated cotton throws and classic scarves.
Bed Threads' plush flax linen will have you dreaming of your next slumber.
Tressé X Café Leandra is driven by stories, culture and of course, the art of home hosting.
-
Law Roach's World: His New Book, Bag of Choice, and What He Grabs on a Target Run"[Styling] has made my world so much bigger."
-
I'm in My 20s—Here Are 6 Style Lessons I Learned to Look More Polished and Grown-UpSophisticated styling 101.
-
8 Copenhagen Street Style Trends I Plan to Replicate in New YorkPared back yet never boring.
-
I'm a Shopping Director—These Are the 49 Chic Items I Can't Stop Thinking AboutElevated picks.
-
I'm a Fashion Editor—I Reach For These 2 Pieces When I Don't Know What to WearReady in 10 minutes or less.
-
The Only 9 Jackets You Need for Spring, According to Fashion PeopleThere's something for everyone.
-
And Now, 5 Elevated Ways to Wear Your Jeans in 2024Denim devotees, unite.
-
After 5 Days in Aspen, I'm Officially Hooked on Western Pieces—5 I'm Loving RNFrom cowboy hats to fringe accents.
