If you’re still hunting for a few key pieces to round off your high summer wardrobe, you’ve landed in the right place. There’s no joy quite like shopping with a friend whose style you trust implicitly, right? I was lucky to have a friend like that. I had full faith in her taste and knew she wouldn’t let me splurge on anything less than flattering. Shopping trips with her were always a blast, almost every Saturday. Now, if you’re up for taking my advice, I’d suggest you don’t need a weekly spree to refresh your wardrobe. Heed the words of the late, legendary fashion designer Vivienne Westwood, who coined the mantra ‘Buy Less, Buy Better’.
1- White Tank Top
After months of dithering over which tank top to invest in, I’ve finally made up my mind. Yes, I’m hopping on the bandwagon for the tank top that’s the talk of the town: Loewe. According to the Lyst Index, a quarterly ranking for fashion’s hottest brands and products, this Loewe tee is creating quite a buzz among consumers. Besides, the Spanish brand is currently the crème de la crème of the fashion world, steered by the creative genius, Jonathan Anderson.
This tank top is the bee’s knees, eschewing the Loewe name in favour of the brand’s logo, a clever anagram formed by four entwined Ls. This iconic design traces its roots back to 1970, the brainchild of Spanish painter Vicente Vela, who drew inspiration from cattle branding irons.
2- Denim Bermuda Shorts
I’m toying with the idea of chopping a pair of my jeans down to knee-length. However, another strong contender comes courtesy of the Lyst Index. The Agolde Bermuda shorts clinched the 6th spot on the most coveted and best-selling product list last quarter. As July draws to a close and the sales season is in full swing, it’s high time we set our sights on the forthcoming season. And a denim Bermuda short is a stellar transitional piece for Autumn 2023.
3- Amambaih Sandals
This unique brand, the brainchild of the German-Paraguayan Mariela Schwarz Montiel, boasts designs conceived in Paris, woven in Paraguay and handcrafted in Spain. Not just quirky footwear, this brand is Mariela’s project to uplift the artisan community of her homeland. Since my wardrobe is chock-full of colour block dresses and skirts (black, off-white, beige, red), I’m in need of a vibrant sandal to spice up my look. More summer sandals, here.
4- A.P.C. Grace Small Bag
A.P.C. is renowned for its signature understated elegance. Jean Touitou, the co-founder of the French brand, elucidates that the A.P.C. collection focuses on “essential, chic, easy-to-wear clothes and accessories, made from top-drawer materials and sporting timeless cuts”. I have a soft spot for A.P.C. bags, and I could really do with a staple bag for everyday use. The pastel pink hue of the Grace small model is a show-stopper, don’t you reckon? It’s a year-round stunner, fit for both summer and autumn/winter.
5- Andalusian Hat
Hats are my go-to accessory throughout spring and summer, my trusty shield against the sun’s harsh rays. But, I recently lost my beloved straw bucket hat from Thailand. However, I’ve set my heart on a new model: a straw Andalusian hat (also known as Cordobez), unveiled in Dior’s Cruise 23 collection in Seville. Here’s to Spain, the birthplace of my father! I found this Dior hat on eBay for an incredible price.
6- Melissa Mules
The Brazilian brand Melissa, famed for its plastic sandals, has upped its game with an enticing line of mules in lush colours. These open-toed clogs with high heels are a must-have. Besides their supreme comfort, they come in a Barbie-esque pink. Can’t get more Barbiecore than that!
Although key pieces for high summer, they will be long-term residents in my wardrobe, standing the test of time. The tank top, bag and Bermuda shorts will easily transition to Fall/Winter 23-24. And the cherry on the cake? Their versatility makes them perfect for both office get-ups and holiday ensembles.