YOUR SUMMER STYLE SCENARIOS, SORTED

Our buyers have your summer outfits solved

Words: Thea Bichard. Images: Clark Franklyn

Last summer was a washout; this year, it’s all to play for. The one catch? We’ve all but forgotten how to get dressed for the occasions that crop up at this time of year – the parties, the weddings, the trips away. Fortunately, our Selfridges buyers haven’t. Armed with expert advice and bursting with exciting brands, our team are on hand to style out the season, whatever the situation. Here’s their how-to…

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ACNE STUDIOS - Knitted cardigan (coming soon) / ATTICO - Chain-trimmed bikini set / CULT GAIA - Oversized-pocket woven cargo trousers (coming soon) / BOTTEGA VENETA - Cassette intrecciato leather cross-body bag / SUSAN CAPLAN - Pre-loved Christian Dior necklace (coming soon) / JOANNA LAURA CONSTANTINE - Feminine Waves 18ct gold-plated brass and enamel hoop earrings

NAIL A STAYCATION

Our Contemporary Studio Buyer, Charlotte Andreas, on prepping for some at-home sun

“Forget the hassle of airport queues and meticulous planning, this summer we’re staying at home. As the weather gets warmer and the sun begins to shine, dressing for ease, style and versatility is a top priority. Whether it’s the coast or a country walk you’re opting for, pairing casual trousers over a swim set is the ideal coupling for all sorts of scenarios. These comfortable, deep-pocket cargo pants from Cult Gaia immediately smarten up daytime looks. If the weather is temperamental, pack a lightweight knit – throw this super-soft Acne Studios cardigan on and off your shoulders as the sun peeps out and back behind the clouds.”

SUNDARBAY - Oversized belted stretch-woven blazer / RE ONA - Scoop-neck stretch-jersey body / GABRIELLA COLL GARMENTS - Pinstriped woven shirt (coming soon) / GALVAN – Knitted mini skirt / BOTTEGA VENETA - Arco large intrecciato leather tote bag / MISSOMA - Mini Chubby silver-plated brass hoop earrings / BOTTEGA VENETA - Block-heel nappa-leather mules

WORK A HEATWAVE

Grace Neal, our Denim and Body Studio Buyer, on smart summer style

“Working a heatwave in the UK is all about versatility (as we never know how much sun we’re going to get!), and what is more versatile than an oversized blazer? What I love about this white blazer from Sundarbay is that you can wear it tied up with a mini skirt or undone with relaxed 90s denim. I always go for light colours in the summer so I can be covered up but won’t feel the heat too much – I like to match my jacket with a bodysuit from Alix NYC or Re Ona, grab a pair of open-toe heels and I’m good to go from day to night.”

Style for balmy days

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Summer 2021 is an exciting time when we can begin to look forward to being with our family and friends. Summery occasion dresses, day-to-night separates, denim, swim and bridal are proving popular right now and should continue to be in demand in the months to come.

– Jeannie Lee, Head of Womenswear Buying

SUSAN CAPLAN - Pre-loved gold and diamond clip-on earrings, Pre-loved gold and diamond necklace, Pre-loved gold and diamond bracelet, and Pre-loved gold-plated elasticated bracelet (all coming soon) / BOTTEGA VENETA - Velvet dress (coming soon)

BE A GEM OF A GUEST

Accessories Buyer Raffaella Fulgoni on earth-conscious jewellery for weddings, parties, evenings out – you name it

“Fingers crossed this summer will be packed with celebrations, and these always go hand in hand with spectacular jewellery. Our hand-selected collections allow you to up the sartorial ante while keeping the earth in mind, whether you choose an exceptional showstopper or a more delicate piece. For high-impact jewellery, see pre-loved Susan Caplan and Jennifer Gibson’s array of extraordinary vintage finds, or Chalk Jewellery, which is all made by hand in the UK by founder Malaika Carr. For something pared back, see Edge of Ember’s lab-grown diamonds and recycled metals.”

Summer-ready accessories

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DION LEE - Cutout stretch-jersey midi dress (coming soon) / CULT GAIA - Ruched half-moon clutch (coming soon) / UNCOMMON MATTERS - Beam gold-toned earrings, Swell wooden bangle and Swell lacquered bangle / AMINA MUADDI - Lupita open-toe suede wedge sandals

UPDATE YOUR ACCESSORIES

Accessories Buying Manager Josie Gardner has bags of brands to get excited about

“For those who feel that it’s prime time to refresh your staple summer wardrobe, say hello to this season’s standout accessories. My absolute favourites are Hai’s pastel capsule of recycled silk handbags, JACQUEMUS’s Yauco sunglasses and Erdem’s straw treasures from its first-ever Vacation collection. Speaking of which, straw and raffia will be everywhere this summer – we’ve introduced soon-to-be icons from Christian Louboutin and Anya Hindmarch, as well as new discoveries from Casa Catinella and Stelar.”

WALES BONNER - Checked cropped woven jacket (coming soon) / KEPLER - Parachute oversized silk shirt / GAUGE 81 - Adeje V-neck stretch-woven mini dress / BALENCIAGA - Hourglass leather top-handle bag / UNCOMMON MATTERS - Beam sterling-silver earrings / AMINA MUADDI - Lupita open-toe suede wedge sandals

OUTSMART THE WEATHER

Come rain or shine, Designer Womenswear Buyer Philippa Holden is ready

“Now that bars and restaurants are open again, people are definitely keen to hunt for a few updates to showcase when they venture out. However, the weather’s track record means being prepared for all eventualities! Cue lightweight jackets that can be easily thrown over your shoulders when the sun decides to hide – Wales Bonner’s checked style is perfect for exactly that, and the collar is removable, making it doubly versatile. Once summer comes to an end, you’ll be ready to tackle that notoriously tricky transeasonal weather, too.”

Shoes for every occasion

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GIVENCHY - Logo-pattern mini dress (coming soon), Marshmallow rubber wedge sandals and G-link gold- and silver-toned earrings (coming soon)

MAKE AN ENTRANCE

Designer Womenswear Buyer Rebecca Tinker on party looks

“Now that our long-awaited summer is here, making an entrance at your next dinner-and-drinks booking (or perhaps a party at some point soon) couldn’t be simpler thanks to the return of the mini dress. Perfect for showcasing a successfully achieved British tan, these styles will serve us well. Our favourite new addition this season is this little pink macramé number by Matthew Williams for Givenchy – a very Carrie Bradshaw circa season two ensemble (paired with a Fendi Baguette, of course). Finally, we can dress for that summer we all deserve!”