Your entire summer wardrobe for less than £850
Enter, your new warm weather capsule - all for less than the price of Michelin-starred dinner (for two….with wine)
It’s completely possible to look stylish and not spend a fortune. For proof, behold my edit of the 10 essential items to see you through all meteorological eventualities as silly season takes hold.
Just remember to a) always wear white-mark-avoidant deodorant, for obvious reasons, and b) accessorise with care - a simple summer outfit will be made at least 300% better by way of a jazzy Eliou necklace or a smart pair of Jacques Marie Mage sunglasses (scroll to the end for more).
1 | The Forever Shorts
British label Albam does a lovely line in slightly folksy basics. These drawstring shorts are long and smart enough that you could dress them up with a blazer, and comfortable enough that they’ll work just as well with a T-shirt. Speaking of which…
2 | The Perfect White Tee
I know that I decreed Sunspel’s silk cotton Tee as the perfect white crew neck, but it wouldn’t have been an appropriate addition to this list, given that it costs the same as a (budget) flight to New York. This option from Asket is an entirely viable alternative option, and considerably more affordable.
3 | The Solid Sandals
Trust Arket to come through with the best high street sandals this side of Birkenstock’s Rhineland-Palatinate basecamp. Crafted from good-enough leather, they’ll go with pretty much every outfit, but it’s probably worth not taking them to the beach if you want them to still look good when you wear them out in the evening.
4 | The Sustainable Chore
Patrick Grant’s Community Clothing creates beautifully simple basics from sustainable fabrics in UK-based factories - so you know that when you’re spending your (relatively minuscule amount of) cash on this raw denim chore jacket, you’re investing in something good.
5 | The Best White Jeans
I’ve coveted these drapey ecru jeans from Studio Nicholson for the past few months and they’ve just gone into the sale. Great with sandals, super with silk shirts, buy them now before I do.
6 | The Summer Shower Beater
This Uniqlo trench is a great entry point into the current taupe outerwear trend. It’s actually cut exceedingly well for something so affordable. Buy a size bigger than you would usually wear and team with denim and grey sweats when the weather (inevitably) turns.
7 | The Late Night Throw-On
The last thing you want to wear in summer is wool - even when the temperature drops in the evening. Instead, opt for this knitted linen and cotton pull over which will keep you insulated into the wee hours without making you sweat.
8 | The Swim Shorts to Live In
These are the best swimming shorts I’ve ever owned, bar none. Thick, flattering, comfortable, durable - the colour looks ace with a tan and the soft sheen of the fabric feels expensive. Don’t think twice. Dive in.
9 | The Easy Shirt
No brand cuts a relaxed summer shirt better than Our Legacy. Drapey, roomy, the fabrics which the Swedish label uses are elevated and of a super-high quality. Just be sure to wash cold to avoid shrinkage. Oh, and wear the white jeans pictured above for peak summer chic. Skål!
10 | The Perfect Navy Tee
I live in navy T-shirts during the summer. This one from Arket is thick enough to keep its shape and conceal any wayward wobbly bits which have rolled over from winter, whilst also being light enough to wear when the temperature ups its game.
And the accessories to splurge on…
The Bag
I’m obsessed with Bottega Veneta’s bags at the moment. I shan’t buy one, because I like being able to afford living in my house, but I can dream.
The Sunnies
Beloved by super stylist George Cortina and the likes of Brad Pitt, Jeff Goldblum and Austin Butler, Jacques Marie Mage’s sunglasses are expensive yes, but the luxurious heft of the things makes them worth the extra cash.
The Necklace
This zhuzhy little number from Two Jays (similar in style to my other fave for simple beach jewellery, Eliou) will lift all the shades of navy, white and ecru coating this list like a deliciously neutral picnic blanket.
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