A Modest Summer Wardrobe
The cost of luxury fashion is a little eye-watering these days, so recently, I've (begrudgingly) turned back to more accessible brands. ‘Begrudgingly’ because affordable and modest fashion usually means worse, detrimental and poor by ecological and welfare standards. It feels like it’s the wrong direction to be going.
I HATE the idea of buying from Zara; before this summer I hadn’t bought anything from them for years, but when they make good looking clothes at a fraction of the price, it’s no surprise the world continues to shop from them - regardless of their standards. Are luxury brands only exacerbating the fast-fashion problem by pricing people out of quality?
So here’s some of the ‘basics’ intermixed with some of my favourite small brands doing good things (hello Asceno, Desmond & Dempsey, TOAST to name a few). If anyone has any further suggestions for inexpensive brands doing it right, I’m all ears.
Whites
Posse Gigi Set - This is a build on their SS23 ‘Emma’ set which I own and I love it just as much.
Everlane Cropped Mariner Jean - The fit looks a bit too loose here but in the right size, these look great.
TOAST Linen Boy Tee - Look no further. This is THE best white tee. I own three.
Zara Draped Linen Dress - I bought this dress recently and it’s even better on.
Blacks
Dissh Tilly Long Line Vest - I love the gold buttons on this vest and I love it paired with blue denim.
VINCE Fluid Satin Bias Pant - I own these in a pearl colour satin and wish I had this colourway too. The most flattering pants I own. My legs even, dare I say it, look long!
COS Leather Haltertop - I need to try this on in person but I am very into it.
Still Here New York Mississippi Tank - saw this on a friend recently and it’s now top of the wish list.
Reds
Zara Linen Blend Corset Dress - I also bought this recently and it’s the perfect summer holiday out-for-dinner without much effort dress.
Rhode Jonas Pant & Matching Chore Jacket - I want this matching set to do my gardening in. They also do a skirt, top and dress in the same fabric.
Levi’s Dad Utility Jeans - For those relaxed summer nights spent by the outdoor fire-pit roasting marshmallows.
Ark Swimwear Burgundy Balconette - This is seriously flattering. Was tempted to buy it in more than one colour.
Blues & Greens
Asceno Cornflower Blue Linen Suit - No one does linen better. Elasticated waistband. This colour. Amen.
Desmond & Dempsey Feluka Stripe Navy - I love the versatility of this worn just as a top, or just the pants with a bikini top as well.
With Nothing Underneath Boyfriend Weave, Khaki Stripe - I don’t yet own a shirt from With Nothing Underneath but I love their stripes.
Mango Strapped Stretch Bodysuit - I wore this to a festival recently and it’s highly flattering. Holds everything in place too ;)
Browns & Yellows
Reformation Daniela Silk Dress - This colour! This is my wedding guest dress for the season.
Sezane Medici Suede Dress Mustard - It’s still Spring so I’m ALL about the suede right now. Love the tie detail.
Sezane Will Suede Jacket - For Spring evenings worn over a shirt and jeans.
COS Silk Scarf Dress - This is my most favourite dress ever. I’m tempted to buy it again just in case anything happens to the one I have. It’s so elegant.
Cover image: Josh Olins for WSJ Magazine