May starts with a bang in fashion. The Met Gala, held on the first Monday of May, is the most outrageous, high-concept red carpet event of the year. While the looks may not translate to real-life style, they serve as a reminder that summer fashion should be fun.
Bank Holiday Style Testing
Bank holiday weekends are ideal for road-testing your holiday-season style. Longer evenings make breezier dressing feel achievable. There are some gems out there right now, from Cos trousers that could become your new wardrobe staple to high-street flats that have garnered compliments every time worn.
Summer Bag with Swag
M&S Canvas Tote Bag - £43. Cream canvas with tan leather trim offers a perennially classy summer colour combination. This tote looks at home on a yacht or while queuing for an ice-cream van. It is roomy and light with an internal zipped pocket.
Sophisticated High-Street Sundress
Jigsaw Slub Stripe Sundress - from £145. Vertical stripes, luxe thick cotton, and chic knotted shoulder detailing make this summer dress special enough for a posh occasion yet useful for everyday wear. Pair with a navy blazer and loafers.
Perfect Tumbler for Summer Cocktails
Anthropologie Love Notes Icon Juice Glass - £16. These tumblers evoke Loewe spring/summer 2023 flashbacks, with phallic anthurium flowers, and inspire hosting a summer cocktail party. A simpler glass with a blue glass seashell is also available.
Flattering Barrel-Leg Trousers
Cos Elasticated Barrel-Leg Trousers - from £75. Not all barrel-leg trousers are equal. Cos excels at sculpting soft silhouettes that don't flop. These trousers are a white-jeans update for summer, available in black or burgundy.
Perfect Summer Bra
Dora Larsen Jean Clean Tulle Underwire Bra - £58. Dora Larsen's sheer underwear is comfortable, light, and comes in brilliant colour combinations. This mint green and pink number, or burgundy with magenta straps, starts the day on a happy note.
Pointelle That's Not Too Cutesy
Baukjen Antoinette Organic Pretty Rib V-Neck Top - from £65. Pointelle is having a moment. This organic cotton top has a slim fit and minimal detailing, avoiding too many bows. Wear with jeans and layered necklaces for French girl Saturday morning chic.
Instant Outfit Upgrade
Joseph Bean Pendant Necklace - £145. Joseph, a fashion icon of Nineties London, is thriving under creative director Mario Arena. The bean-motif jewellery is excellent. This pendant with three adjustable lengths is a real outfit-maker.
Shirt That Makes Chic a Cinch
& Other Stories Cotton Poplin Drawstring Shirt - from £77. If you love oversized cotton shirts but find they swamp you, this is the solution. Available in pale pink or crisp blue stripe, great with a pencil skirt and ballet flats for the office.
Investment Dressing
The Fold Adela Silk Satin Cami - £120. Silk camisole tops are borderline obsession-worthy. Silk is a nice base layer and works even better for evening. Wide straps are key to avoid rogue bra straps showing.
Best-Buy Shoes of the Year So Far
Boden High Cut Flat Point - £119. These shoes are as comfortable as slippers but properly smart. Available in ecru, with leopard print also tempting.
For more, read 50 women's spring wardrobe updates for under £100 and how to have a guilt-free wardrobe clearout.
