Summer is so close, we can almost smell it. In the meantime, April is the month when you can buy your summer wardrobe before the most wanted items – i.e. Instagram’s breakout stars – are all snapped up.
Focus on neutrals and prints for a transitional wardrobe that works for that summer build-up season. From Jill Stuart stripy dresses to Staud bucket bags, we’re poised for last-minute mini breaks to Europe.
Our fashion and beauty editor, Lisa Haynes, rounds up April’s suitcase must-haves. Buy now, wear on vacation…
(Holding shot, c/o Lena Hoschek. Carmen dress)
THE IT BAG
Staud Moreau mini bucket bag, £240
Meet the bag shape (and brand) for summer 2019. Staud’s mini bucket bag is the ultimate arm candy featuring twin top handles and contrast knot netting. Available in various colourways, we heart brown for its versatility. What it lacks in practicality, it makes up for in summer-ready style.
THE ANIMAL COORD
Rejina Pyo Ingrid cotton twill jacket, £595, and skirt, £395
Animal prints are going nowhere this season. From tiger stripes to leopard spots, consider them your new neutral. You probably won’t be packing this Rejina Pjo coord suiting for safari adventures, but it’s a new twist on jazzing up animal prints for Sunday best. Wear it with spring-fresh pastels.
THE STATEMENT HEADBAND
Lele Sadoughi embellished canvas headband, £135
Hair accessories are the coolest way to tap into your inner princess. Keep your hair undone and add drama with statement grips or a girly headband. We love this pearl embellished headband by Lele Sadoughi in duck egg blue. Wear it to seriously amp up a t-shirt and jeans casual ensemble.
Meet the bag shape (and brand) for summer 2019
THE STRIPY GOWN
Lena Hoschek Rambazamba Shirt Dress, $650
Wedding season is upon us. If you’re stumped for a vacation wedding guest look, let us introduce to this Jill Jill Stuart stripy gown. The raised ruffle trim hem is made for showing off your fanciest shoes. Wear with strappy heels for the wedding and switch to sneakers for the dancefloor.
THE STRAPPY SHOES
Jacquemus Olbia ornamental-heel leather sandals, £560
Fact: this summer isn’t complete without a pair of 90s-inspired strappy heels (get your pedi appointments in, pronto). Step forward Jacquemus, who has the coolest pair on the block, complete with quirky, mismatched ornamental heels. We can’t decide which heel we like better, left or right…
…it’s a relaxed urban aesthetic that’s ideal for plane-hopping.
THE HOROSCOPE SWEATSHIRT
Aries logo print sweatshirt, £160
It’s officially Aries season, aka the first astrological sign in the zodiac. But whether you’re a ram or not, Aries is the streetwear label to know about… Designed in Britain and produced in Italy, it’s a relaxed urban aesthetic that’s ideal for plane-hopping.
THE MAJOR EARRINGS
Mallarino Catalina gold earrings, £330
Every outfit needs a showstopper accessory. Whether you wear one solo earring or double up with the pair, Mallarino’s Catalina gold earrings have us dreaming of far-flung destinations. Exotic birds and tropical blooms? We’re sold. And so are our earlobes.
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