There are two types of people in August: those hunting down their new winter coats, and those that still have their vacation wardrobes on rotation. We’re the latter…
If your philosophy is wringing out those last rays of high summer with the hottest pieces in your wardrobe, join our club. We’re all about resort wear pieces that can be restyled and put on repeat. So, this month we’re going Luxe (with a capital L) with resort wear staples you’ll want to pack in your suitcase again and again, because gone are the days when a statement piece can’t be seen on Instagram twice.
It’s less about ‘trends’ and more about quality, head-turning pieces that elevate your vacation photos. Our fashion and beauty editor, Lisa Haynes, rounds up August’s must-haves. Be warned: these are the Luxe List pieces that everyone will want to borrow…
Holding Shot: Kalmar Silvana gold dress, £675 (kalmarlifestyle.com)
Not just for pools, swimsuits that look this good should be worn as bodies too. Just add shorts/skirt/trousers and a piña colada. Inspired by palm trees (aka our favourite thing), this one piece has been designed with a hand-painted print that we now also want as wallpaper. The silhouette is worth noting too: those ruffled shoulder details and that chic square neckline practically frame your décolletage. If you’re not a fan of swimsuits, check out the bikini in the same palm leaf print.
Warning: open weave bags may not be practical (don’t leave your best eyeliner unattended), but what they lack in holding tiny things they make up for in looking good on your arm. Thankfully, this Altuzarra luxe woven tote is practical in every other way with its roomy proportions. Factor in fringed side details and hand-braided handles and it’s basically the perfect beach bag that will go with anything and everything in your vacation wardrobe.
No Luxe List is complete without a bit of bling. In shimmering gold foil, this kaftan dress is like the equivalent of jewellery for your body. Kalmar may be known for its forever kaftans (see our feature on founder Karen Ruimy here) but this Vivi dress is shiny enough to take you from poolside party to black tie. The neckline is the clincher – wear the plunge v-neck open for a relaxed look, or tie at the neck for instant gold glam.
Let’s face it, statement earrings are a gamechanger for switching up a vacation look. Unashamedly big, bold and gold, these Tête-à-Tête earrings are a dream collaboration between on-trend jeweller Anissa Kermiche and equally on-trend fashion designer Rejina Pyo. They’re not quite as big as your own face – but they’re close. So very worthy of an #earfie or two (that’s an ear selfie, fyi).
Meet the T-shirt of the summer: Christopher Kane’s designer More Joy slogan number. Amidst Brexit-gate, it’s a welcome reminder to celebrate the joy in our lives every time you look down at your boobs. Wear it oversized as a beach dress, or fitted to wear with your favourite jean shorts. Just don’t dare look miserable in it… If you want to go all-out on More Joy (literally), check out Christopher Kane’s slogan bundle box, too.
Zimmermann wins at summer 2019, but who knew their shoes were just as amazing as their Instagram sensation dresses? Now you do – and your feet will thank you for it. These sculptural bow heels are right on trend with this season’s minimal sandal aesthetic. The luxe bow sandals come in multiple mood-boosting colours but our luxe bet is the Oro zesty orange, which is selling out fast. Race you to the till.
More than 20 years on we’re still channelling Liz Hurley circa 1994. Even her 17-year-old model son recently paid homage to ‘that’ safety pin Versace gown in a safety pin blazer. You don’t need a red carpet to wear this Versace skirt – but you do need some style confidence. In black and white zebra print, the thigh-high split is secured with Medusa head gold safety pins. Wear it pared down with flats by day or amp it up by night with heels and do Liz proud.
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