Key Pieces

The wardrobe essentials you need in your life this summer

THE SUNGLASSES

Wave goodbye to tiny 90’s sunglasses that dominated last season and hello to oversized statement glasses in every colour. Think cat-eye, oval and square shapes to embrace one of the biggest trends of the season. These are a chic way to take your look to the next level.

The Bag

It’s the bag that symbolises summer; the straw arm candy is back and better than ever in bigger sizes and fun shapes. Whether you’re opting for a straw tote to take down to the beach or a basket bag just for the small essentials, there are plenty of ways to wear this seasonal trend.

The Dress

You can’t go wrong with a pair of loose fit white jeans or trousers for summer. Perfectly paired with a crisp white shirt to ooze effortlessness or a cropped light jumper on cooler evenings, this flattering high waisted shape will tuck you in at the right place, or add a belt to accentuate the waist even further.

The Shoes

Alexander McQueen Runway Leather platform trainers, £360, Selfridges

Office Chunky lace up trainers, £39

Zara Contrasting flatform sneakers, £49.99

It’s the chunkier the better when it comes to trainers. Following the Gucci and Balenciaga ‘ugly dad shoes’ craze that recently swept across catwalks, high streets and designers alike have released a variety of shapes and styles to embrace the trend. From clean-cut Alexander McQueens to the more affordable basics from Office, there’s a chunky trainer to fit every budget.

THE GRASS IS GREENER

Think light olive hues, standout emerald suits and bold summer prints

The Bright One: Jade

Zara Checked dress with buttons, £39.99

H&M Crepe jumpsuit, £39.99

Topshop Double breasted suit jacket, £49

The Formal One: Emerald

Upgrade your formal wardrobe with a bold tailored option. Deeper green shades work best with flattering jumpsuits and fitted suits. Add minimal gold accessories and barelythere heels for a sophisticated occasion.

The Laid-back One: Olive

New Look Asymetric button front jumpsuit, £22.99

For en effortless and lightweight outfit, try playing around with loose-fit olives. Ideal for travelling, this shade can easily be dressed up or down depending on your mood and occasion. Pair with straw accessories to create the perfect summer ensemble, or classic white trainers and a slogan tee for a sports luxe feel.

The Durable One: Khaki This modern utility trend is both practical and stylish. Oversized shirts, wide-leg trousers and belted shift dresses are all staple pieces for this look, softened with more neutral shades of stone, ecru and white to bring the tone down.

Thomas Sabo Classic hoope earrings, £98

The Finishing Touches: Gold Accents

Whether it’s handbag hardware, simple necklaces or hoop earrings, adding a few small golden accents will seamlessly bring your whole look together.

A SOFTER PALETTE

Forget dark knits, denim and leather and embrace the warmer months in lighter shades and fabrics. If the thought of wearing white is too daunting, try off-white shades to create a contemporary, modern feel.

Seasonal Staples

It’s time to kick back, relax and enjoy summer in style with our pick of men’s must-haves

New Look Black and green stripe shirt, £17.99

Gucci Printed silk shirt, £870, Harvey Nichols

Zara Floral voile shirt,

RESORT SHIRTS

These statement short-sleeved shirts are back with a bang for summer. With a looser fit and open collar, this lightweight option will keep you cool in more ways than one. Experiment with tropical prints, playful florals and statement stripes to create an eclectic poolside look.

THE STYLISH TRAVELLER

Whatever mode of transport you’re using, if you’re escaping city life for somewhere exotic, you need to be comfortable. Bring it back to basics and opt for striped joggers or cotton shorts and most importantly, a staple pair of trainers. To make any outfit look instantly more stylish, simply add sunglasses.

Relaxed Suiting

Throw away the suiting rulebook and forget what you thought you knew about clean-cut tailoring, because now’s the time for relaxed suits. If you’re attending a summer wedding abroad, lighter fabrics are the perfect option, so consider cotton and linen when choosing your outfit.