Nothing screams party like it’s summer better than something beaded! Whether it be beaded earrings, like these Next Pineapple Drop Earrings, or a beaded bag like those at River Island, the shiny handmade item is perfect for a resort getaway. With large sequinned mini skirts on the trend list right now, those on a budget will find that getting something fancy in an accessory, instead of splurging on a high-ticket item (that won’t give as much mileage), is a better way to get into the summer vibe. Wear these or use a beaded bag everyday on holiday, for maximum value!

This 2025, you shell! Yes, shell anything - shell jewellery, shell print T-shirts, even shell home decor are trending! Coastal chic is still very fashionable in the summer months, and I highly recommend this affordable H&M Printed T-shirt in Cream/Seashells. Try it on with a warm red bottom (skirt or gingham shorts) and you will sparkle like a pearl! Especially suitable for warmer skin undertones. If you are an Autumn season in skin tone, you can also wear shell gold jewellery to complete the look!

When denim is so pretty and lightweight, who can resist going for the denim on denim trend? This H&M Quilted Denim Jacket was snapped up recently, but I found it instore, so check your local store. The high-end version of this is the Seventy + Mochi Heidi Quilted Tie-Front Jacket sold at Anthropologie. If you prefer no frills, less fuss, try this tie-front version from Nobody’s Child, or the budget-friendly version from George at ASDA. The quilted denim version worn by the pregnant Vivian Kent in ‘Inventing Anna’ is ideal, but I haven’t found one like it here in the UK.

No matter what fashion trends dictate, the crossbody bag will always be a perennial. A hybrid of the famous Uniqlo round mini shoulder bag and quilted Chanel bag, this puffy or padded crossbody sling bag promises function, a luxurious look and comfort (like a pillow to hug!). This Oliver Bonas Betty Quilted Puffy Belt Bag is in a cheerful Lunar New Year red, or go for a more versatile Black Padded Sling Bag at Next (the beautiful pink one is sold out in the UK, sadly). Drape it over a wool coat and you’re ready to rush out the door.

Olive green is secretly all the rage right now, hiding behind its ra-ra burgundy sister. And with so many rainy days this year (especially in the UK), one NEEDS that raincoat. Try this New Look Khaki Hooded Rain Jacket (note: it is unlined) and if you are petite, there is another version in petite sizing (hooray!). The River Island Khaki Hooded Rain Jacket looks like it is lined, but it is sadly sold out. If it is dry where you live, an olive trench coat, like this Zara Long Trench Coat with Belt would do the trick!

We are looking for the sweet spot: the bag that is so deep red it is almost burgundy. It comes with top handles, but also a detachable strap so it can go across our body. The look is structured, so we can put it atop a table for work or lunch, then strap it across ourselves for shopping later or while out with our kids on the weekend. This red/burgundy bag also works with summer clothes and A/W. I give you: the red/burgundy bag, this one (more burgundy than red) from Charles & Keith. If you prefer a shoulder bag option that is more affordable, check out this Topshop Samira bag at ASOS.

Wraparound, see-through, asymmetric lace skirts have taken off, thanks to social media. Less as a coverup, more to show off micro shorts and slender pins (in modest fashion), a lace skirt shows you appreciate vintage fashion while giving it a nonchalant, modern spin, like this beautiful sheer Kimchi Blue Lace Maxi Skirt at UO (reviewers say this length suits taller women).

Tired of basics? Take a leaf from movies this year. While we wait for ‘Saltburn’’s polo shirt to dominate fashion for the summer (perfect with tennis skirts a la upcoming movie ‘Challengers’ chic), what best to go with those pieces than a heart choker, like Priscilla Presley in her eponymous film? This New Look Gold Velvet Heart Pendant Necklace also helps you get ready for the gold trend, which will probably overtake the silver trend by A/W 2024.

The sequinned skirt has been hotly trending for a few years, but never has it been so prevalent in high street stores until now. Walk into any British high street store and it is hard to avoid this eye candy. And what colour better to celebrate Christmas than red, the colour of 2023? This H&M sequinned skirt in red was sold out the moment it dropped. If you are faint of heart, go for a gold, silver or white sequinned skirt, which you can wear throughout the year with a solid colour top to pare it down.

If your summer is anything like us in the UK, you would want a backup longer skirt for those breezy, rainy days. Cue the denim maxi skirt, which is tough enough for cold weather, its split hem perfect for ‘ventilating’ the legs and its sexy shape amazing for evening dates or lunchtime with friends. (This New Look denim maxi skirt is now back in stock!) Whichever colour of denim you select, be bold in the summer and team it with prints, textures and bright colours. Read my blogpost on how to style a denim maxi skirt HERE.

As summer arrives, and bright colours hit their full swing, a light-coloured accessory that goes with everything will ensure you don’t have to keep changing bags. Before you pick up a straw bag, consider the evergreen cream bag, which you can take to the office and then meet your friends for Pimm’s later - it won’t fade out with the trends. This New Look woven bag is already sold out, but read my latest blog post with options. Woven bags are trending right now, so why not combine the two? Plus, this kind of bag is so roomy for summer essentials…

With French chic on the horizon again, the stripey top is a must for any wardrobe, which goes to prove that stripes, once again, can only be a perennial. Whether you prefer a striped jumper or a short-sleeved version like this H&M fitted cotton top, owning at least one stripey top gives you plenty of options when it comes to mixing and matching with bottoms. With this H&M top, I sized up and it fits perfectly.

Finally, a pair of knee high boots that fit thicker calves like mine! I have tried these New Look Extra Calf Fit Black Leather-Look Double Buckle Knee High Boots and can attest to its great fit, even with a zip! Now I can wear all my jumper dresses without slipping on tights. Hurrah!

Still carrying a box-shaped bag or an envelope clutch? Then you might want to update your look with an oval bag. This Mango Oval Short Handle Bag - a dupe of a designer version (think Staud Moon Bag) - sold out as soon as its Medium Brown bag became available. I prefer the black version for its timelessness and its sheen. The perfect accessory to pare down the brights of this A/W season.

Wear the hottest colour to work! Opt for oversized if you are tall, otherwise look for a petite version. Pick a colour that flatters you. This H&M Oversized Single-Breasted Pink Blazer with its magenta hue, suits cooler skin undertones. As a warmer skin undertone I would go for a bright lime or warm peach.

Hailed from the ‘80s, a time when clean lines and jeans were the emblem of youth culture, the white tank top is now the go-to item for summer’s minimalist dressing and autumn’s creative layering. The white tank top goes with any bottoms, and can even give old dungarees fresh appeal. Choose the white that helps you STAND OUT, not the white that washes you out!