Whether you are shopping for the holiday you will be melting through this month or the one you will be wearing a jumper for in October, the key to staying sane in silly season is to embrace the contradictions. Here are Jess Cartner-Morley's August fashion picks, from a £8.50 pair of pilates socks to a £730 leather handbag.
Pilates socks and a summer necklace
For reformer pilates, grip socks are now required in most studios. After spotting a pair on the woman next to her in class, Cartner-Morley picked up these H&M ballet socks, £8.50, which feature ribbons that can be tied around the ankles.
From L'Atelier 73, a London brand known for affordable jewellery, comes a palm tree pendant necklace, £30, in colourful enamel-plated copper. The woven rope braid is adjustable, and the range also includes sun and cactus pendants.
Home fragrance and hair repair
The Droplet orange blossom reed diffuser, £40, is a hand-blown glass piece with a single reed. The brand was launched by siblings Sam and Lucie Beecham to combine Grasse-level fragrance with London design. The citrus-floral scent has notes of tuberose and magnolia.
For fragile hair, No98 Beauty's Hydra Bond hair mask, £35, is the brand's bestseller. Apply to damp hair and leave for 20 minutes before shampooing; Cartner-Morley says it works.
High-street comebacks
Topshop is back on the fashion desk's radar. Deputy fashion editor Chloe Mac Donnell notes: "isn’t it nice to be able to buy Topshop and know the money isn’t going to Philip Green?" The organza shirt in light pink, £38, is the top pick, described as an elevated eveningwear option over a contrast bra or camisole. A monochrome lace column panel white maxi skirt, £45, is also mentioned.
Zara Srpls, the limited-edition seasonal collection, offers ivory cotton cargo trousers for £69.99. The perforated cotton feels breezy and dressy, and the matching fabric belt can be swapped for a tan leather one.
Knitwear and investment buys
Snazzy jumpers are an undercelebrated wardrobe category, says Cartner-Morley. Her favourite new piece is the Essentiel Antwerp navy, red and pink fine-knit cardigan, £260, with a lace-trim collar and strawberry buttons. In anticipation of Christopher Kane relaunching Mulberry at London fashion week next month, she has been tracking his classic knits on eBay, citing a fringed hot pink number at £413.68 and a preloved diamante-trim rollneck at £135.90.
The Longchamp Smart L tote, from £730, is made from topstitched grained cowhide with a threaded closure strap, internal snap fastening and subtle gold hardware. It is part of Longchamp's leather range crafted in five ateliers in the Loire and Normandy, while the classic Le Pliage, popular with gen Z, starts at about £115 and is now recycled canvas.
Sandals and lace camisoles
Reiss's Mabel woven flat denim sandals, from £158, are a flat mule style with a knotted open weave, padded sole and a 2cm heel – smart enough for work or a dress at dinner.
M&S's contrast lace trim cami top, £36, is described as the classic lace camisole, with timeless colour, eyelash lace and adjustable straps.
