I'm a Style Expert—16 Easy Staples I'll Be Living in This Summer

I’m starting the edit off with, of course, a basket bag. It’s no secret I’m partial to a basket bag or two, and each season, Loewe brings out different styles that I instantly want to buy. This lively number is the perfect size for an everyday handbag.

A new brand on my radar is Farm Rio. Not only are the prints heavenly, but each purchase made also equates to one tree planted. 

This two-piece is perfect for those summer BBQs. 

Matteau has to be one of my favourite brands at the moment—its dresses speak sophistication and style. Team with flat, strappy sandals and you’re good to go.

Simple and elegant—flat wrap-around sandals that don’t date.

River Island nail summer dresses, and I always have a few lined up in the wardrobe for those casual days ahead.

French Riviera, here we come. I love the knotted detailing and check print. Team it with a white linen sarong, basket bag and your trusted Havaianas flip-flops.

Again with the cute knotted detail. 

Dungarees are making a comeback, and my 12-year-old self couldn’t be happier. I am obsessed with this Zara number and love the romantic floral print.

If you’re not ready to invest in a designer basket bag yet, then this Arket raffia tote is the perfect one. I love the picnic-style shape and pattern.

There’s nothing I love more than wearing a suit. This Mango check number is a perfect contender if you’re running from the office straight to dinner.

Try styling these shorts with a black oversize shirt for holidays (or peak British temperatures). 

I love investing in new jewellery for each season; these give a subtle nod to summer.

Linen is always hanging in my wardrobe during the summer months, and Arket is my absolute go-to for lightweight pieces. 

This nautical two-piece is going straight in my basket.

These sunglasses say "cool-girl summer."

Starting the edit off with this bubble-gum pink vintage inspired dress by Ghost. The button down detailing and puff sleeves is an absolute showstopper. 

A floaty silhouette always speaks wedding guest, this beautiful Reiss halter neck silk cami dress is timeless, and even a strong option as a bridesmaid dress. 

Rixo nails the wedding guest aesthetic every single time, a hot spot if you’re in a last-minute panic. You’re guaranteed to find something you love.

Understated but so elegant—a slicked-back low pony, a red lip, some gold chunky heels, and you’re good to go.

Wedding guest doesn’t have to only mean dresses, and if you’re like me and partial to suit why not opt for something a little different.

This Maje two-piece would look seriously cool teamed with red heels and a matching clutch.

Fancy going a little shorter for the special occasion? This Cult Gia modern floral number is an excellent choice for those sweltering weddings in the height of summer. I’ll be throwing this in my suitcase for a holiday too.

I’m not a huge wearer of colour, but when it comes to a special occasion it’s my chance to dress up, and I’m instantly drawn to colour-popping pieces. This Rotate Birger Christensen knitted dress is a perfect contender if you want to ditch the jacket.

Not a huge fan of going over the top as a wedding guest? Then opt for a simple yet timeless slip dress.

This Zara Bohemian-style wrap dress is perfect if you want to feel a little more covered up.

I mean, it’s love at first sight. Elegance is key as a wedding guest and this Reformation dress speaks sophistication at its best.

Stand-alone white and black pieces are usually forbidden at weddings, so it can be a little tricky to find a suit that’s in the perfect hue. 

This foolproof two-piece, however, is the perfect cornflower blue and is available in petite and standard sizing.

While it’s always tempting to buy something new, why not try renting a dress from Cloan for the special occasion.

This beautiful white crinkle set by Totême caught my eye a while back. Its subtle detailing and raw hemline take the edge off of it being too fancy—a statement but understated forever piece.

This would look gorgeous worn with an oversized blazer and chunky sandals. 

Lounge in style. Deiji Studios is the master of comfort and chic. 

Comfort and style. This Reformation two-piece is the perfect contender for those days when you want to look a little put together but still be comfortable. I love the brown, but it also comes in a handful of other colourways. 

When I think of co-ords, I’m instantly drawn to crochet pieces. 

This Other Stories number is already on my rail and ready to be worn out. Hurry up, sun.

This two-piece is so incredibly beautiful. The subtle crop puff sleeves and drawstring detailing make it the perfect piece for those springy days ahead.

Maxi skirts are trending in a big way for 2022. 

Zara always seems to nail '70s-inspired pieces so well. This cute button cardigan and matching skirt are the ultimate date-night look.

Just add slingbacks and a touch of lippy, and you’re good to go.

One thing I love about co-ords is you can mix and match each piece with existing items in your wardrobe, creating multiple looks in an instant. 

Not only does this Totême set look incredibly chic matched together, but the blouse would look perfect with your favourite black linen trousers. 

Sophistication at its best—COS nails it every time.

So elegant. 

What’s a two-piece edit without including Daily Sleeper. Every season, the brand comes out with gorgeous pieces for any occasion. This little green number has got me wanting to plan a soirée (or two). 

This screams spring.

Pair with open-toe sandals and your favourite basket bag; simple but oh so chic.

Whilst we’re still thinking about spring, I can’t help but look ahead to summer. This check number is perfect for those pending summer holidays.

I love the subtly sheer fabrication. 

Too many options? Why not try renting and rotating a co-ord set first to see if you love the vibe of them. This Matteau set is already in my basket.

Earthy jumpers that speak subtly to spring—dark green is one of my favourite colours for early spring—pair well with a cream, silky bias skirt and a brown suede bag for the ultimate updated ’70s look.

Ice-cream hues and fuzzy jumpers don’t have to mean winter. This COS oversized jumper looks perfect with cream tailored trousers and sling-backs.

Stripes aren’t going anywhere. I always have a select few in my wardrobe that carry me through season after season. I just love how they go with everything else in my wardrobe and give the ultimate Parisian-chic vibe. This nautical long-line cardigan would look great teamed with leather trousers.

ACNE seems to be a recurring theme in my monthly edits, but the brand always speaks simplicity with a touch of edginess. Team with your favourite blue jeans for the ultimate "I’m not trying, but really I’m trying” look.

Cable-knit jumpers are a great way to transition into spring, especially if they’re cropped. 

Oversized jumper, leather pants, and a red lip. Need I say more? 

Knitwear doesn’t have to only mean jumpers. I’ve recently been opting for cardigans as they’re a great way to dress up an evening outfit without being too over the top or dressy. I’ll be wearing this with my favourite black croc trousers and a pair of mid-heel sandals. It’s the perfect combination for evening drinks.

I’m not usually a neon kind of gal, but this cropped lime-green jumper has got me feeling all the spring feels. You’re guaranteed to feel pretty perky in this jumper.

How beautiful is this Reformation sweater? The sweetheart neckline and slit cuffs give this knit the most flattering shape and fit.

There’s nothing I love more than chucking on my favourite white T-shirt and cashmere joggers and wrapping myself up in a long cardigan. It’s ideal for running out of the house and into town.

I don’t tend to wear much colour, but when it comes to spring knitwear, I’m partial to a hue or two. This pastel-pink knit from ACNE would team perfectly with light-blue jeans and your trusted basket bag.

Cashmere jumpers always have a place in my spring wardrobe, and a new brand on my radar is Extreme Cashmere. Its knitwear is perfectly put together and incredibly sophisticated. These jumpers won’t date, and when you’re investing, it’s best to keep it tonal—great for those easy on-the-go days.

Rich, earthy-hue handbags have always been a winner in my wardrobe, and this Bottega Veneta Jodie is the ultimate day-to-night companion, perfect for running from the office straight to the bar.

The Loewe Puzzle is a cult bag that doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. I’ve had mine for just over three years, and it’s still my most-worn and -loved handbag. It’s so incredibly easy to style. It’s the perfect everyday handbag.

A hybrid between a basket bag and a tote bag—need I say more? Whilst we’re still in the midst of winter, there’s no harm in peeking at some mid-season trends.

Tried and tested—I absolutely love my Celine Triomphe, and it’s a handbag I know I will keep forever. It’s the perfect accessory for those days when you want to keep your attire chill but still want to look put together.

I’m always drawn to Scandi brands, and ACNE’s Musubi is an absolute classic. It’s simple yet incredibly chic and versatile. 

BY FAR always does the cutest handbags. They’re so handy for dinner and drinks. When it comes to evening accessories, I tend to go bold and opt for something a little more jazz-hands.

Taking the plunge when buying a designer bag can feel a little overwhelming, so why not try renting a handbag first to see if you really love it? I’m planning on road-testing this one next. 

A bag that doubles up as a pillow? Yes, please. The Coach Pillow Tabby was all over Instagram last summer, and it’s still jet-setting around now. It’s available in an array of neutral tones and colour-popping bursts.

The Mary Poppins bag of all bags. Everyone needs a giant tote bag that you can squeeze just about anything in—including your gym kit.

I dreamed of having this bag in my early 20s, and I still dream of it now. Well, now it’s back and in hot pursuit. Alexa has had a little revamp, and she’s looking cuter than ever.

Vintage-inspired bags have always caught my eye. They’re bags you can bring out of the back of the cupboard year after year and still have a soft spot for.

This bag speaks luxury and style. It’s no-frills—just simple, classy and guaranteed to go with your entire wardrobe.