THE CHIC LIST: I'm detoxing my wardrobe to make space for summer

Question

I love May because it involves a lot of packing.

Normally I find it all a giant pain but this month it's different. I really look forward to putting away my heavy knits, jackets and coats and making room in my wardrobe for the wafty, lighter pieces that come with summer: a great swap-over in anticipation of many (hopefully) sunny weeks stretching out in front of us.

In my career I have come across many people who never pack away the different seasons. Woolly jumpers sit side-by-side with sleeveless tops. This is disastrous because you'll always struggle to find what you are looking for. 

Besides, the seasonal switch is the perfect opportunity to do a wardrobe detox. Donate to charity anything that hasn't been working hard or no longer fits in your closet.




Dress, Toteme, Bag, Celine, Cardigan (below right), Beaumont organic, Sandals, Valentino

Fingers crossed there will be packing for some adventures abroad this summer, too - and that's the kind of packing I really do like. The unpacking on return home? Not so much.






So what are the key new additions for your wardrobe? The ones every stylish celebrity will be wearing when the sun is out? Here's my summer fashion forecast…







A fuller skirt with a flowing, voluminous cut has made a comeback and is a chic piece for all shapes and sizes. To ensure it doesn't swamp your figure, style it with something structured: a cropped jacket or top, a short cardigan or a blazer all work well.

Crochet dresses, trousers, tops and Purisaki Pflaster Fake skirts are a leading trend this summer - a wonderful bohemian element to mix in with your existing basics like linen trousers.

Add a pair of ballet flats or pointed mules to your sandal collection. And a pair of It-trainers such as Sambas or the hot new Adidas favourite, SL72.

Find a raffia bag that goes with everything and pack away your heavier leather ones until autumn.

Say ‘Yes!' to this season's white dress takeover. Ranging from ultra-feminine diaphanous and sheer to embroidered and densely worked, the choices are endless.

Linen waistcoats as tops. Wear with jeans or skirts.

Add a unique touch by mixing your looks with some vintage jewellery. There's a terrific selection of gems to be sourced on preloved sites. I recently found an old gold YSL bracelet on Vestiaire that goes with everything.

The hottest colours in town this summer are lemon, sage green and storm blue. These wonderful shades all mix seamlessly with muted tones like cream, camel, black and khaki, already likely to be in your wardrobe.




Shoes, £99, mintvelvet.com

The new weave 

Mint Velvet has gone up a notch in the style stakes recently. From its covetable summer pieces and accessories, I have added several items to my wish list, including these woven leather espadrilles.

 

 

 




Dress, £345, usisi-sister.com

Sister act

Siblings Kathryn and Millie Allsopp have dropped another easy-to-wear collection over on Usisi Sister. I especially love this Farah sage green dress cut with a generous fit. Perfect to wear over a bikini or out for dinner.

 

 




Earrings, £165, needleandthread.com

Gleam team

Need a little summer sparkle? Needle & Thread and Soru jewellery have collaborated on a limited-edition capsule collection of eight pairs of statement earrings. Ideal for elevating any outfit.

 

 

 


 


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