I'm Based in Paris and Have Classic Style—Here's Everything on My New-Season Wish List
From drop-waist bandeau dresses to barely-there sandals, see and shop the pieces I'm shortlisting this May.
Spring is one of my favourite seasons in Paris. Blooms are burgeoning in their cotton-candy pinks and my favourite parks come alive with people flocking to the zesty green seats with a book and beverage in tow. It's a wonderful time to be on style watch. With the promise of summer on the horizon, my mind is firmly in hot weather mode, which best aligns with my personal style of sleeveless dresses, free-flowing skirts and slip-on mules akin to the Parisian style I'm keen to inherit. Now is the best time to experiment with fashion choices a tad more, whether that's through colour, texture or design.
My column serves as a personal audit, and this month, I'm searching for a few extra pieces to complete my forever wardrobe—including open-toe sandals (a piece my shoe wardrobe is seriously lacking), linen, neutral coloured denim and tailoring. I’ve also welcomed some of my most-loved pieces back into the fold (namely ripped dresses and bandeau style), and to my delight, they're styles I continue to covet to date. As ever, material and quality are factors I highly prioritise, as are classic shapes I know I’ll wear for years. If last year's summer picks are anything to go by, it was a job well done. If you're in spring, summer mode, you've come to the right place. Keep scrolling for the summer items I have on my May wish list-from bandeau maxi dresses to capsule wardrobe staples reminiscent of those in my closet.
Shop My May Edit:
Tops and Outerwear
This exact colourway is something I'm looking to introduce into my wardrobe. Lean into colour-drenching and add the matching trousers for a complete uniform.
STOULS is a French label to note, especially now it's taken pride of place on Net-A-Porter, making it easy for people all around the world to acquire. The brand specialises in luxury wardrobe staples, and the fabrications used are something to celebrate. The brand uses machine-washable leather and suede procured from a French tannery, which will be revolutionary for your wardrobe. My pick- this classic button-up. Since 2023, sleeveless waistcoats have felt like a homage to—summer, and the boat neckline makes this piece all the more unique.
Dresses
COS has cemented its place on the high street as a refined brand loved by minimalists and maximalists alike, and its collection grows stronger each year. When shopping high street, I search for silhouettes reminiscent of their designer counterparts with fabrications to match. This layered frock ticks all of the boxes. It's equally chic worn languidly or belted at the waist.
Skirts and Trousers
Accessories
Jewellery and Accessories
Allow me to kindly introduce you to this exclusive collection by Rejina Pyo in collaboration with the Munch Museum and the National Portrait Gallery. These fluid link chains are perfectly oversized and call for a bandeau neckline.
Beauty
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,Best Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK and Stylist.
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