I’d be willing to bet that there are at least a few skeletons of seasons past floating around all our wardrobes at any given time. Just smirking from their hangers, smugly implying that yes, perhaps your judgment was a little off that day – but we hang on in the hopes that one day the iridescent mesh insert neoprene top you absolutely positively needed last summer will suddenly make a re-appearance on the runway, wherein we get that one chance to smile and say, ‘this old thing? I’ve had it forever!’ (Note: this occurrence is as rare as a Celine sample sale – the stuff of fashion urban legend). Regardless, when there’s a will there’s a way – you can give your summer wardrobe a refresh with a considered, logical approach intact (emotional shoppers, us? Never). You do it with work, your finances, occasionally with the opposite sex – so why not fashion? Read on for my tips on where to splash out and where to rein it in – smarter shopping awaits.
SAVE ON…
Denim
Whilst jeans are worth the extra penny for fit and quality, every other denim separate is fair game – it’s near impossible to tell the difference between an exxy pair of denim shorts and a cheep and cheerful chain store buy. Put the extra coin towards snapping up a range of cuts (both slouchy and tailored), plus some denim separates for good measure.
H&M light wash denim shorts, $29.95, and denim shirt, $29.95.
Topshop MOTO denim shirt dress, approx. $85.32, and denim jacket, $83.17.
Country Road denim pocket detail shorts, $79.95.
Flat Sandals
Simple, flat leather sandals are a dime a dozen – and given the thrashing they’ll most likely receive come summertime, it’s a given they’ll limp towards the last rays of sun with you. Best to retire them once beach time has well and truly ended, so invest in an easy breezy pair to carry you through.
Seed Bella lace-up sandals, $89.95.
Tony Bianco Future sandals, $89.95.
Zara slides, $69.95.
Casual Basics
The perfect white tee – there was an era where this was practically non-existent, but lo and behold the formula has seeped down to the masses (thankfully for us). $40 and below will get you far on this front, so stock up in all your key neutrals: white, grey, navy and a stripe.
Country Road cutaway striped tank, $29.95.
Trenery crew neck t-shirt, $34.95.
H&M jersey t-shirt, $7.95.
Witchery short sleeve split hem tee, $39.95.
Over-swim & Sundresses
Beach, bar, wet, dry, sun-faded, sandy – you name it, these guys get put through the wringer. Pulling together a financially friendly clique of prints, stripes and everything in between is as easy as making gal pals over an Aperol Spritz in summer (i.e. no brainer).
Seed off the shoulder full sleeve dress, $129.95, and stripe t-shirt dress, $49.95.
H&M printed bell-shaped dress, $59.95, and stripe crinkled dress, $39.95.
SPLURGE ON…
Accessories
‘Tis the season to be social – so investing in a quality pair of all-rounder party heels and a clutch will see you through every outing loading up your iCal over summer and beyond. Lean towards classic neutrals to really maximise your spend.
Victoria Beckham two-tone leather clutch, $676.
Givenchy Shark Lock nubuck and textured leather heels, $1,235. Net-a-porter.com.
Aquazzura Sexy Thing suede sandals, $757.
Balenciaga Le Dix mini clutch, $770.
Eyewear
Like a little black dress for your face – a classic, quality pair of shades never dates. Choose a frame that best suits your face shape and stick with it – you won’t regret spending a little extra for a keeper.
Dita Magnifique sunglasses in black, $495.
Prada Swing sunglasses in black, $370.
Ray-Ban Folding aviators, $259.95.
Celine Audrey sunglasses, $410.
Cocktail Dresses
For those nights where a little extra effort is required, a knock-it-out-of-the-park cocktail dress is your wardrobe MVP. Invest in luxe fabrics and silhouettes for an easy peasy entrance-maker.
Zimmermann Sueded balconette long dress, $495.
Opening Ceremony ribbed dress, $569.
McQ Alexander McQueen draped crepe dress, $585.
Self Portrait macramé lace midi dress, $478.
Tailoring
It’s like preaching fashion gospel: good tailoring goes a long way. You need quality fabrics and construction to hug your silhouette as it should – the cost per wear ratio is in the green when it comes to this category.
Camilla & Marc Granite blazer, $620.
Ellery Berlin pencil skirt, $825.
Sportmax Ragtime trousers, $334.
Isabel Marant Kreo trousers, $625.
Feature Image via Istalo.com