By Lily Rimmer, managing editor of Glass Magazine
It seems odd to be selecting my top fashion picks for spring and summer in strange times like these. Many of you, like me, are looking for a chance to escape, live life as normal. Unfortunately, I can’t really help you there.
What I can do, however, is offer a token of optimism during this troublesome period with a guide to my favourite pieces for your spring/summer wardrobe, hoping that it will incite a sense of excitement for the warmer months ahead.
If anything, this strange time provides the opportunity for a wardrobe refresh, so declutter and reactivate that eBay account – many of you really don’t have an excuse not to.
The pieces I have selected below celebrate trends from the spring/summer 2020 catwalk. Expect an abundance of colour, in materials ranging from rich leathers to delicate silks, as well as a generous display of bold prints. Not forgetting the return of the 90s boyfriend shirt of course!
Bags and shoes paint a broad palette of tones, shapes and sizes. It’s time to be more daring with your accessories. Jewellery design is following an empowering narrative, with the industry marking an uphill trend of women purchasing jewellery for themselves, rather than by men. My selection reflects this, with colour combinations and animal replicas signifying a child-like spirit, and couture asymmetry defining a modern and fun way of finishing a look.
Each brand below are offering online shopping and delivery during the quarantine, with many promoting discounts on email subscription or generous mid-season sale prices. The majority of the sites are familiar high street brands selling affordable dressing for the warmer months ahead, with NET-A-PORTER, Harvey Nichols and Thomas Sabo sitting on the more luxury end of the scale.
Storefronts are closing and the economy is on a dangerously precarious path, so I have made an effort to also include independent brands in my selection as well, because they need the support from shoppers now more than ever.
Whether your arrival here is a boredom visit or a coping mechanism, online shopping can be a wonderful distraction. In the recent words of Vogue Editor-In-Chief Edward Enningful, “We truly believe that fashion can decorate your day”.
Topshop (3.2% cashback)
With an online exclusive of up to 30% off everything, Topshop is a must-visit site for your spring/summer wardrobe. Offering a range of chic basics to knock-out pieces, like this enticing vinyl skirt, Topshop covers all occasions to keep you stepping your best fashion foot forward.
I anticipate collaged prints to be a key trend for the warmer months, and this beautiful floral version from Topshop will bring the ultimate dose of spring bloom to your wardrobe. So get clicking!
Lime Green Ruched Nylon Shoulder Bag — £16
Blossom Mesh Long Sleeve Top — £14
Green Full Circle Vinyl Skirt — £34
Get 3.6% cashback at Topshop HERE
NET-A-PORTER (4.8% cashback)
Tropical prints and animal attitude remain a stead-fast trend for spring/summer 2020. Rejina Pyo, the South Korean designer, and Stine Goya, a brand with Scandanavian roots, have nailed the focus, with graphic accents on their dress and peplum top, respectively, giving the looks an offbeat edge.
I predict that sculptural silhouettes will be all the rage, so keep an eye out for puff sleeves and voluminous draping. This trend can also be deciphered in jewellery, with these pink beaded Jacquemus earrings building explosive movement on wear. Plus, Net-a-Porter is generously giving 15% off new-season styles across the site.
REJINA PYO Amelia gathered tiger-print satin-twill midi dress £725
STINE GOYA Irene metallic floral-jacquard peplum top £190
JACQUEMUS Les Mimosas beaded gold-tone earrings £215
Get 4.8% cashback at NET-A-PORTER HERE
GAP (12% cashback)
My go-to for long-lasting basics and timeless style, Gap have clocked on to the desire for 90s understated chic, a feature of many SS20 shows like Jil Sander, Jacquemus and Bottega Veneta.
Their boyfriend shirt epitomises the trend, which I recommend purchasing in a size larger to achieve the oversized fit, and when paired with their blush cigarette trousers or a classic mom jean in dark indigo the laidback ensemble will be complete.
High Rise Slim Ankle Pants in Purple Violet —(Now) £26.97
Fitted Boyfriend Shirt — £34.95
High Rise Mom Jeans in Dark indigo — £49.95
ASOS (Up to 8% cashback)
Dresses that can translate from day to night are at the top of my list for the spring and summer seasons ahead. This maroon silk number with electric blue marble overlay is a prime example. Neon brights will proliferate in spring and the print on this dress displays them in a subtle manner.
But you must remain loud in your accessories, and these orange red mules and blue slouch clutch, both clearly inspired by Bottega Veneta, hit just the right note of outlandish and can complement both prints and monochromatic looks.
Glamorous Exclusive slouchy pillow clutch bag in blue: — £22
ASOS WHITE marble print long sleeve dress: — £65
ASOS DESIGN Wide Fit Nancy quilted square toe mules in red: — £35
Get up to 8% cashback at ASOS HERE
H&M (2% cashback)
A real contender for playful prints, H&M’s STUDIO collection exudes the heat of a sunny summer’s day, with pastel geometric shapes decorating satin trousers, and warm hues casting a sunset glow on jersey tops.
H&M’s latest collection resonates with the style of luxury brands like Roksanda but with the bonus of an affordable price tag. Likewise, structured details on this light blue denim shirt signified a certain Marques Almeida elegance. These are clothes that transcend any demographic and any style.
Studio Collection Patterned satin trousers — £69.99
Studio Collection Multicoloured Fitted top — £24.99
Denim shirt in light blue denim — £34.99
JD Sports (12.8% cashback)
Chunky, colourful, and cool are the things I look for in my trainer fix for summer. Take these classic converse high tops, which have been reimagined with a trendy platform, for example. Bought in white, they will go with just about everything in your spring/summer wardrobe.
I can’t resist these Future Rider Puma shoes either, a revamped version of the 80s classic Fast Rider, which offer an eclectic display of neon design and comfortable padded nylon. Likewise, the VaporMax 360 in understated black with turquoise highlights by Nike is the perfect wardrobe staple for any season. JD Sports is also offering next day delivery for £1.
Converse All Star Lift Hi Platform Women's £70.00
PUMA Future Rider Play On Women's £75.00
Nike Air VaporMax 360 Women's £180.00
Get 12.8% cashback at JD Sports HERE
