The Summer Pieces That Are Worth The Investment

Never underestimate the power of a good dress. The perfect dress is something you can just throw on, and seamlessly dress up or down no matter the occasion: a day in the office, after-work drinks, a chilled weekend or even a wedding. This Reserved dress is on-trend for Spring/Summer 24 thanks to its lilac colour, but its silhouette is timeless. Wear it with heels for a wedding and chunky trainers at the weekend. Linen is a great fabric to buy for summer, and this simple Mango dress is elevated by an embroidered neckline. A shirt dress is a wardrobe staple no matter the season. Try Bershka’s mini poplin dress in light green for a fresh take.

Not into dresses? No problem. The rise of everyday suits and matching separates means there is something to suit everyone at the various stores on Oxford Street. This season in particular, waistcoats, like this black one from Massimo Dutti, are big news, and they can be paired with matching trousers or shorts. Reiss, the original purveyors of tailoring and occasionwear, have lightweight suits in summery hues like pink and powdery blue. Look out for printed and colourful co-ord sets like this blouse and skirt from M&S.

If you’re looking to switch up your bags for summer, you’ve come to the right place. While XXL totes are still on trend, you might want to go for a smaller option like a bucket bag or a basket bag, which works just as well in the city as it does on the beach. As for hues, look for earthy, versatile shades like light khaki, terracotta or beige. We also love natural materials like straw.

For party season, we love statement clutch bags embellished with sequins, satin and feather, but for summer, it’s all about more paired-back materials and a pop of colour. Try Accessorize’s cobalt blue bag, adorned with a molten gold clasp, & Other Stories’ frayed denim mini bag or Stradivarius’ crochet shoulder bag.

Whether you prefer heels or flats, paired-back, minimalist styles or maximalist, embellished ones, you’ll be spoiled for choice this summer. Zara’s strappy sandals with jewelled toes are so popular, they keep selling out, and they come in two classic colourways. We also love Aldo’s platform sandals for that hint of nostalgia, as well as these classic espadrilles from Next.

Flats have never been so on trend, and that’s good news for your feet. There are plenty of styles to choose from as well, from chunky loafers to mesh or square-toe ballet flats, slingbacks to mules. Pick a neutral style that will go with everything and that’ll be your footwear sorted for the season – and beyond, of course. Try Dune’s chic black slingback pumps, Dr. Martens’ beige loafers at Schuh or Clarks’ yellow ballet pumps.

There’s no harm in feeling optimistic and planning for a sunny summer – which means investing in a good pair of sunglasses. Do not underestimate the transformative power of the accessory, which can add a touch of drama or chic to any outfit. You can never go wrong with classic styles such as oversized, oval or cat-eye shades.

Much like sunglasses, jewellery pieces are an easy way to update your wardrobe for the new season. Some trends to look out for for Spring/Summer 24 are silver, semi-precious gems and stones, chokers and other 90s-inspired jewellery, though of course you can never go wrong with gold jewellery and stackable rings or necklaces.