If there’s one thing I’ve learnt in my 10 years of living in the city, it's that less is always more. In terms of style, the more pared-back the better—I don't like an overcomplicated look or too many adornments. A capsule wardrobe is, therefore, something I truly believe in. This stripped-back, fuss-free approach means I can pick things quickly and simply from my wardrobe of a morning, hop on the tube and glide through my day with optimal ease. I always go for pieces that offer comfort and simultaneously elevate me to feeling like my very best self.
When it comes to applying this ethos to summer dressing in the city, the rules for me are clear: sticking to light linen layers, dresses that can be readily thrown on, neutral-toned pieces mixed with some on-trend block colours, an elevated flip-flop, a woven leather bag, and lastly, some hard-wearing, structured accessories to give my look subtle visual interest. Comfort will always reign supreme for me, but there are ways of doing it with style.
This summer, I'm investing in fresh basics, subtle upgrades to my favourite wardrobe staples and a couple of extra additions which I know will perfect my looks. I'm sharing my secrets with you here, so scroll on to shop my summer capsule favourites.
1. Easy Linen Trousers
Style Notes: An easy pull-on trouser will forever be my go-to the second the mercury starts to rise. Feeling akin to pyjamas but levelled up, they come in various colours and styles. I prefer wide-leg silhouettes, which balance out my figure and pool beautifully over thong sandals or mesh ballet flats. I also love a simple block colour, much like Monikh demonstrates with her above outfit. Butter yellow, chocolate brown, creamy white or bright-red hues are the way to play the trend this summer.
Shop Linen Trousers:
There's a reason I have these in every colour.
This butter-yellow pair look super luxe and refined.
I love a bold tomato red. Team these with a white shirt and trainers for cool-girl appeal.
This rich hue makes these linen pull-on trousers polished and city-ready.
2. Simple Cotton Tanks
Style Notes: Nothing beats the feeling of slipping on a fresh tank top, especially when it's form-fitting and made of thick ribbed cotton. On its own, it can look cool and sporty, and when layered, it'll ground your look, allowing you to open up your layers. Colour-pop tanks are a great hack to make your look eye-catching without even trying. Take it one step further and layer two tanks on top of each other for a very '90s-fashion spin.
Shop Cotton Tanks:
We adore Sézane for its easy-to-wear classics with a French feel. C'est magnifique!
Pointelle cotton layers are another '90s throwback. Breathable and cute.
At this price, I'm getting it in every colour.
Zara has the double-layered effect down pat. This looks so sleek.
3. Elevated Flip-Flops
Style Notes: Flip-flops often get a bad rap and are typically only chosen for the beach, but if you choose a sturdier style, I say they make for great day wear in the city. In my opinion, leather, suede and other luxe fabric options are best placed for wearing off the beach, giving more of a polished and classic feel to your looks, rather than plastic or rubber variations. Stick to black, brown or snake print to step out in style.
Shop Elevated Flip-Flops:
A.Emery is the sandal brand on every fashion person's summer wish list.
I love the black-and-white snake print. I can't believe they're from Next!
Aussie brand St.Agni makes the coolest staples.
Square-toe flip-flops are pared-back and super smart.
4. Woven Leather Bags
Style Notes: There's something about a basket bag that just screams summer. This year, I'm upgrading my trusty raffia basket with a woven leather variation, because it'll stand me in good stead for much longer. Black and brown is always a safe bet, but a bit of colour will give some spice to your warm-weather looks. I'm buying an extra-large one from cult-favourite brand Dragon Diffusion to carry my laptop around for work and my beach bits on my holiday.
Shop Woven Leather Bags:
The coveted Nantucket is now available in a fun lime shade.
Keep things classic with this Dragon-Diffusion inspired black version, and if you like, add bag charms to your heart's desire.
Massimo Dutti is always on the money with timeless buys.
A great little option for evening in a wine-red shade.
5. Pretty Lace Tops
Style Notes: I've been spotting fashion people in London, Copenhagen and Paris in pretty lace and broderie anglaise blouses for daytime, which give a delicate, vintage feel. Toughen them up with denim or a leather jacket, or layer over a silky slip skirt. I'll be swapping my simple tees for pretty tops like this all summer long.
Shop Lace and Broderie Tops:
This top looks so perfect with light-blue denim.
Boho is back, and I'm dipping into the trend with this lace-trimmed tank.
Damson Madder is known for their frills, and this top is a classic example.
I love the bib-style collar and ties on this blouse.
6. Throw-On Dresses
Style Notes: The best summer dresses are the kind that you can simply slip over your head, shimmy down and be good to go; easy-breezy and minimal fuss thanks to little in the way of zips, ties or fastenings. Ideal for high summer, these dresses are what to go for when you don't want fabric to cling or restrain you in any way. They also look ultra polished when accessories are kept to a minimum. Don't overdo it!
Shop Throw-On Dresses:
This gorgeous blue dress is silky smooth and oh-so elegant.
Dôen makes some of the prettiest dresses on the planet.
If you're a sucker for delicate dresses, Posse is another brand to know. This day dress is sublime.
This cotton chocolate-brown dress is on my wish list.
7. Colour-Block Shirting
Style Notes: I subscribe to the idea that you can never have too many button-down shirts in your wardrobe. I love nothing more than smartening up any look with a cotton poplin number, in either a stripe print or light pastel tone. I'm choosing the latter this summer, and layering it over cotton tanks, flowing trousers and dresses. So crisp and fresh.
Shop Colour-Block Shirting:
With Nothing Underneath is where the style set gets their shirts.
A crisp white shirt that will see you through summer and beyond.
I love the soft golden hue—it speaks for itself.
This one is true luxury. The exaggerated cut and details give it that runway edge.
8. Vintage-Feel Sunglasses
Style Notes: My way of grounding any look is to throw on a classic pair of sunglasses. They add definition and character to your outfit, whilst keeping your eyes shielded and protected. I'm channelling Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy energy with oval-shaped frames in classic black, taupe and tortoiseshell colours: timeless and classy.
Shop Vintage-Feel Sunglasses:
Jimmy Fairly knows how to make good specs. The Emmy shape is a modern classic.
These artful shades are subtle yet impactful.
This pair has the the Kendall Jenner seal of approval.
Such an elegant, flattering take on the cat-eye shape.
9. Chunky Resin Jewellery
Style Notes: In the past, I've frequently found myself battling with my many necklaces, which have tangled around my neck. This summer, I'm packing them safely away in favour of single resin and acetate styles. They still pack a punch, but are so much easier to slip on and wear all day without getting hot and bothered.
Shop Chunky Resin Jewellery:
This two-pack from H&M offers great colour and stacking options.
I love the translucent green acetate; this looks like a sculpture.
This looks very Rosie Huntington-Whiteley-coded.
It's giving prehistoric-chic.
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