It’s time to plan your sartorial calendar, aided by your monthly dose of The CF Checklist.
July is here, and whilst the weather seems to be trying to convince us otherwise, we are in the height of summer. With a long-awaited heatwave apparently on the horizon, we’ve gathered a few of our favourite balmy days pieces to cajole it into existence. From the must-have black midi dress, to some sublime look-at-me earrings, and borrowed-from-the-boys shorts, these pieces are top of our sartorial wish list.
I first stumbled across this Reiss dress during a perfunctory scroll on Instagram, and have thought of little else since, mentally totting up the various outings it would get over the coming months. It argues the case that black very much has a place in a summer capsule wardrobe; rendered in fluid silk, with a plunging neckline and delicate frill details, it's the archetypal midi black dress. I'll be wearing it by day with a chunky sandal, and dress it up with a strappy mule for evening.
The latest round of government announcements hails the slow and steady return to the office, so it's time to start thinking about your back-to-work-wardrobe. A sharp new handbag could be just the outfit enlivener required. We love DeMellier's Los Angeles oversized tote. In buttery ruched leather, it can be hand-held or worn cross-body, and did we mention it's utterly cavernous? The deep toffee tone is the alternative neutral of choice, whilst the chunky chain gives it a suitably luxe energy too.
The Australians do fashion so well – from resortwear to occasionwear – and one label I turn to again and again for head-turning designs is Aje. Nothing beats a palette-cleansing white top in the heat, and this blouse makes you look like you've drifted out of a Pre-Raphaelite painting. The voluminous sleeves are an Aje signature, and the shirred bodice is particulalry waist whittling.
I'm day-dreaming about my first trip to the Balearics, which automatically got me thinking about investing in some new resortwear. For stand-out swimwear with a retro 80s influence, look no further than the hot collaboration between sustainable swimwear label, Away That Day, and fashion influencer Bettina Looney. In colour-pop hues of fuschia and red, through to wearable whites and baby blues, the collection comprises high-waisted bikini bottoms and plunging tops, as well as smart one-pieces for effortless poolside glamour. Just add sun.
Available from 14 July.
The 'nap dress' trend has been gaining traction since last summer, and it's not going anywhere soon. An effortless floral dress is the cornerstone of a modern woman's wardrobe, and we love this iteration from independent label Neve & Noor. With a shirred bodice and puffed sleeves, it's super feminine and flattering. Whether you are wearing it to a picnic, an al-fresco dinner, or even for a wedding, expect a steady flow of compliments coming your way.
Any piece that promises to take you from bedroom to beach, is very welcome here at CF. With Nothing Underneath, the brand that kindly gave us the ultimate boyfriend shirt, has collaborated with purveyors of the finest mens underwear, Hamilton + Hare, to create their very first pair of womens boxers. With a nod to the menswear classic, but scrupulously considered for the female body – with a leg-lengthening hem and comfortable high-rise cut – these are as suited to pottering around your flat, as throwing on at the beach. WNU shirt in tow too, naturally.
Whilst we are relishing the opportunity to dress up in a rolling inventory of dresses, skirts, and smart blazers, our love affair with athleisure continues. For unparalleled fit and fashion-forward designs, I love P.E Nation's striking separates. There is a joy and motivation to be found in donning a new two-piece for your return to in-person yoga or boxing class, and this two-piece works just as well for post-class brunch. No outfit change required.
If you haven't yet heard of Motley, it's time to get your ears, fingers, wrists, and necks accquainted… pronto. The modern jewellery brand collaborates with global artists on knock-out pieces that are surprisingly affordable. Its latest collection has been designed with Italian designer, Francesca Villa. Characterised by bohemian florals and coloured enamel, these are treasures you'll want to show off.
Maybe it's Wimbledon fever that's got to me, but I've found myself tenaciously searching for a crisp white trainer to run around town in. ANINE BING – known for its Scandi-meets-LA relaxed pieces – has just launched its first sneakers as part of their ever-popular Sport line. In leather and mesh, with a chunky sole and muted grey and white palette, the trainers have dropped to great fanfare – and a 300-strong wait list. 90s Princess Diana vibes abound.
Fenton's gemstone rings are proverbially magpie bait. They make for the most dazzling of engagement rings, but here at CF we are huge fans of breaking the mould and buying fine jewellery pieces for ourselves. The East-West ring – boasting a beautiful emerald-cut – makes for a conversation-starting cocktail ring. Its central emerald stone is surrounded by a halo of round, brilliant-cut pavé diamonds that will prettily dance on your finger when it catches the light.
The minute temperatures soar, the only thing I want to wear is an effortless slip dress to slink around town in. Whilst I'm a fan of a minimalist monotone iteration, when I want one that really packs a punch, I opt for head-turning prints. I love this animal print maxi dress from slow fashion brand, Monika The Label. The constrast of two animal prints gives it a maximalist feel, whilst the sleek silhouette makes it oh-so-wearable.
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