It’s time to plan your sartorial calendar, aided by your monthly dose of The CF Checklist.
From optimistic knits to wear now, to the swimwear and easy summer dresses to invest in for the months ahead, these are the pieces on CF’s Fashion Editor’s checklist for May.
With any hint of a heatwave still out of reach, I’m looking for fun knits to peep out of jackets, or take centre stage if, God forbid, the patio heaters get too hot. House of Sunny is the hype brand to turn to for summery and optimistic fashion. This Day Dreamer cardigan is a House of Sunny classic. Inspired by hedonistic Ibiza beaches, I will be packing it to manifest some sunshine on staycations.
Tove may have only launched in 2019, but already the label has become synonymous with breezy-yet-luxurious dresses.Timeless and sculptural (complete with origami-esque pleats), this dress will work as well for beach days as for occasionwear. Available in a gorgeous sunny yellow and a rich chocolatey brown, it’s the palette-cleansing white version of the dress that I want to wear all summer long.
Nothing freshens up an outfit as quickly as a fresh pair of frames. Whilst last year was dominated by oversized square sunglasses (perfect for masking lockdown-anxiety-induced sleep deprivation) this year, a new silhouette takes centre stage The cat eye is the shape of choice for SS21. Fear not. Regardless of face shape, a pair of cat eye sunglasses looks cracking on everyone. This pair from Linda Farrow are suitably elegant with a smokey brown lense and lightweight 24k-gold frame.
Whilst I’m desperate to kiss heavy winter coats goodbye for the next six months, the capricious spring weather has other ideas. The minute the temperature turns up a notch, there's a brief window of opportunity to showcase a statement spring jacket and this delicious red-leather blazer will be my outerwear of choice. Ticking many key SS21 trends – read: coloured leather and luxe tailoring – it will provide more insulation than a linen iteration, and looks far more expensive than the price tag suggests.
I’ve been mulling over options for my revenge handbag purchase for some time. Do I want a luxe market bag for summer picnics and beyond? Or, does an impossibly small micro bag, I can just about fit my keys in, tickle my fancy? Perhaps a frivolous disco ball of a purchase will steal my heart? Then I saw the Alexander McQueen Curve, which put an end to my deliberations. Ticking all the boxes of a modern 'it' bag, it has a striking bucket silhouette, accentuated by two wrap-around straps, paying homage to the iconic McQueen harness motif. The sturdy calf leather fabrication speaks of quality, and is the antidote to the squashy leather clutches that have dominated the past few seasons. Available in a variety of hues, the buttercup yellow is my shade of choice.
Cool-girl jewellery brand Alighieri has garnered quite the cult following thanks to its perfectly imperfect gold pieces, inspired by mythology and literature. Now there’s a new way to wear the brand with this sculptural set, comprising of earrings, necklace, and ring rendered in 24k-plated bronze and sterling silver. A perfect gift for a friend or to yourself, of course.
We may not be travelling internationally just yet, but even staycations and spa trips require new swimwear. Hunza G’s colour-popping new Majorelle collection is top of my list. Made in super-stretchy nylon, with their one-size-fits-all sizing model, Hunza G takes the faff out of swimwear shopping. The coordinating scrunchies shouldn’t be passed up either.
Following a long awaited pedicure, I am primed to get back into heels, and Reformation’s newly relaunched shoe collection is the perfect starting point for dipping one's toe, so to speak. Having paused the collection to work on their sustainability credentials, this 15-strong collection of trend-led shoes are made with sustainably sourced leather, plastic-free leather alternatives, and are fully recyclable should you ever wish to part ways (we doubt it). With pretty floral mules, barely there sandals, and elevated flip flops, the collection couldn’t be more timely.
Off the back of KITRI Studio and style blogger Jessie Bush (better known as We The People) first (and very successful) collaboration, comes another drop – this time, replete with ditsy florals and Peter-Pan collars. We’ve gone checkerboard crazy for SS21 – perhaps a sideeffect of our obsession with The Queens Gambit – and this cheery shirt is perfect for nonchalant elegance; it's perfect paired with a mom jean. Join the waiting list now.
Asime is the contemporary, cool, and conscious emerging label to know now. Designs are handcrafted by a small family business in Ghana, using responsibly sourced Ghanaian textiles, and prints are bold. The SS21 collection comprises shirred tops, midi skirts, and effortless summer dresses at affordable price points. Nothing represents a gateway to easy summer style quite like a floral midi skirt, and this particular skirt has an elevated nocturnal edge with a side slit. Opt for the matching top, or dress down with a plain T-shirt and white trainers.
Maje is bringing some much-needed sunshine to quite possibly the dreariest May on record, with its 100% organic cotton summer collection of light floral dresses, mini skirts, and bralettes. Made with liberation in mind, pieces are designed to be moved in, and make dressing for balmier days a breeze. This swishy loose-fitting mini dress, emblazoned with a sunny ditzy floral print, is top of my shopping list. I'm mentally totting up all the events I will wear it to this summer as I 'add to basket'.
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