Jess Cartner-Morley’s May style essentials: summer totes, chic shirts and the best shoes of the year so far
Whether it’s the Met Gala or the start of holiday dressing, May is big news in the fashion world
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May starts with a bang, in fashion. The Met Gala, which happens on the first Monday in May every year, is the most outrageous, most high-concept red carpet of the year. The Met looks don’t offer much in the way of real-life style, but they are a nice reminder that fashion in the summer should be fun.
Bank holiday weekends are the perfect time to road test your holiday-season style, and longer evenings make a breezier kind of dressing up feel doable. There are some gems out there right now: read on for the Cos trousers that might just be your new wardrobe staple, and the high-street flats that I’ve had compliments on every time I’ve worn them.
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A summer bag with swag
M&S canvas tote bag
£43 at M&SCream canvas with tan leather trim is a perennially classy summer colour combination. This tote would look at home being carried on to a yacht, but it will also bring the vibes if you are queueing for the ice-cream van. Roomy and light with an internal zipped pocket.
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The most sophisticated high-street sundress
Jigsaw mulberry stripe dress
£145 at Jigsaw £145 at NextVertical stripes, luxe thick cotton and a chic knotted shoulder detailing make for a summer dress that’s special enough for a posh occasion but useful for every day too – sling a navy blazer over the top and slip on your best loafers.
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The perfect tumbler for summer cocktails
Anthropologie love notes tumbler
£16 at AnthropologieThese tumblers are giving me Loewe spring/summer 2023 flashbacks – the show where shoes and dresses had phallic anthurium flowers on them – and make me want to host a summer cocktail party. There’s a simpler glass in the same range with a chic blue glass seashell. I say mix and match.
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Flattering barrel-leg trousers klaxon!
Cos barrel-leg trousers
£75 at CosNot all barrel-leg trousers are created equal. Some look like an elegant style statement, some just drown you. Cos is really good at sculpting soft silhouettes that don’t flop, and these trousers are ace. A white-jeans update for summer, or they come in black or a delicious burgundy.
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The perfect summer bra
Dora Larsen tulle bra
£58 at Dora LarsenI’m obsessed with Dora Larsen’s sheer underwear. So comfortable, so light to wear, and they come in brilliant colour combinations that start your day off on such a happy note. I love this mint green and pink number, or the burgundy with magenta straps.
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Pointelle that’s not too cutesy
Baukjen pointelle top
£65 at Baukjen £65 at John LewisPointelle is having a moment, as we told you in April, and this is perfect. It’s organic cotton, with a slim fit and minimal detailing (too many little bows and pointelle can get a little cutesy, I find). Wear with jeans and layered necklaces for French girl Saturday morning chic.
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An instant outfit upgrade
Joseph bean pendant
£145 at JosephJoseph, fashion icon of Nineties London, is on fire again under new-ish creative director Mario Arena. The bean-motif jewellery is ace. This pendant, with three adjustable lengths, is a real outfit-maker.
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A shirt that makes chic a cinch
& Other Stories drawstring poplin shirt
£77 at & Other StoriesIf you love the idea of an oversize cotton shirt in summer but find the shape tends to swamp you, this is the shirt for you. Also available in a delicate pale pink, but the crisp blue stripe would be great with a pencil skirt and ballet flats for the office.
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Investment dressing, but make it hot
The Fold silk camisole
£120 at the FoldI am borderline obsessed with silk camisole tops. Silk is the nicest base layer to wear and works even better for evening as it does in the daytime. The wide straps are key, so that you don’t get rogue bra straps showing.
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My best-buy shoes of the year so far
Boden high-cut flat shoe
£119 at BodenI think these may have been my best buy of the year so far. As comfortable as slippers, but properly smart. I’ve got the ecru, but seriously considering buying the leopard print as well.
For more, read 50 women’s spring wardrobe updates for under £100 and how to have a guilt-free wardrobe clearout
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