Finally, we've May-ed it (see what we did there). With temperatures starting to rise and the promise of a mini heatwave, it's hard not to get excited about switching to a more summery wardrobe. We're thinking sundresses, swimsuits and sandals that work for summer city breaks, sun holidays, festivals, or just a warm weekend at home.
Team Refinery29 is especially eyeing up leopard-print midis, polka dots, multicoloured swimsuits and basket bags for the month ahead.
Click through to find the fashion pieces our staff are currently lusting after...
Kara Kia
Editorial Intern
You can never have too many midi skirts IMHO. This will be the very first piece of animal print in my wardrobe – a trend that I have resisted for ages, but has grown on me. Equal parts sophisticated and sexy, I'll be pairing this midi with a silky white sleeveless top, strappy sandals and shades.
Never Fully Dressed Jaspre Leopard, £59, available at Never Fully Dressed
I have the Crawford one-piece in cream and it's my forever go-to swimsuit; I love the soft fabric. I'm investing in this red bikini for the beach, lake, lido...
Frankie Swimwear Darling Bralette, £43, and G3 Bottom, £32, available at Frankie Swimwear
I'll be going to Paris for the very first time this summer, which is the perfect excuse to buy a new dress. I'll wear this apron-style midi to explore the city and tick off all the touristy hot spots on my bucket list.
Mango Linen-Blend Midi Dress, £59.99, available at Mango
Georgia Murray
Fashion & Beauty Writer
I recently got this after months of pining for a Rixo dress. The brand's use of vintage-inspired cuts and prints slides nicely into my wardrobe (which is already made up of florals galore), and the silk material is light as a feather. It may not appear to be the most spring-focused print, but try telling me it won't look gorgeous with mules and a diddy bag come sunset.
Rixo London Camellia Midi Dress, £295, available at Net-A-Porter
I already own two Hades knits, but when the brand's Alphabet collection dropped, I wanted in. The 'G' jumper, however, was a lime green shade, which I didn't think would suit my mega pale skin tone. Praise be, though, the brand then released a second load in different colour ways, and now I'm waiting for payday so this fuchsia piece can be mine.
Hades Alphabet G Knit, £160, available at Hades
I think & Other Stories has the best swimwear offering on the high street, thanks to its focus on suits as well as bikinis, and its jolly prints and patterns. This graphic piece will shade my fair skin from the sun like the vampire I am, but feels thoroughly sunny and bright, too.
& Other Stories Colour Pop Swimsuit, £45, available at & Other Stories
Katy Harrington
Managing Editor
My airport 'style' is usually last night's pyjamas, especially if it's an early flight and I've started my holiday the night before. This year I'm determined to be comfy on the plane but not look like an old rolled-up pair of socks. This polka dot jumpsuit should do it...
Essentiel Antwerp Black And Off White Polka Dot Jumpsuit, £220, available at Essentiel Antwerp
My luggage could do with an overhaul too (nothing beats my ex who turned up at the airport for our first holiday together with his hand luggage in a Tesco Bag For Life). I have my eye on this floral Eastpack lightweight baggage, which everyone will wish was theirs when they see it on the carousel.
Eastpak Tranverz S Black Plucked, £110, available at Eastpak
I always pack a light jumper when I travel and for nights out on holiday and I really like this soft cashmere pink one from Everlane.
Everlane The Cashmere Crew, £73.55, available at Everlane
Nina Joyce
PR Director Europe
There's only so much SPF50 I can frantically apply to my pale skin while lying bored on a beach, so I'm much more interested in holidays which involve some activities. As a result, trainers that don't give me shin splints are always top of my summer wish list; these Air Max look comfy as hell and the Flymesh material will keep my little piggies cool while I explore the Tuscan countryside. Well... the vineyards of the Tuscan countryside.
Nike Air Max 2017, £139.95, available at Nike
Italy is home to some of the best cuisine in the world, so what better way to celebrate the crème de la crème of British food culture while I'm there than with this Ristorante frozen pizza T-shirt?
Beach London Ristorante T-Shirt, £16.99, available at Beach London
When I was younger women's mags always told me horizontal stripes weren't flattering but WHO CARES. Look at the stripes! The flares! The stretchy all-in-one-yes-I-will-have-more-pasta-and-what-of-it comfiness of it all.
Topshop Stripe Plunge Jumpsuit, £29, available at Topshop
Meg O'Donnell
Junior Art Editor
I'm off to Lisbon in a few weeks. Nothing to do with Eurovision, I promise. I have recently purchased this dreamy item for the occasion as I am most definitely a swimming cossie-wearer (I have tried a bikini but they're not my cup of tea). I love the delicate straps and tie front and can pop a skirt on for a quick trip to the shops (bar).
Pimkie Polka Dot Swimsuit, £24.99, available at ASOS
I will also be donning this gorgey button-through playsuit while wandering the streets of Lisbon, paired with my Dr. Martens sandals and a little jacket of some sort.
UO Tencel Button-Through Playsuit, £49, available at Urban Outfitters
These beautiful shoes are currently sitting in my shopping basket. To me, they scream Lisbon. So I guess they'll get purchased after payday.
Zara Leather Slingback Espadrilles, £49.99, available at Zara
Liv Santner
Graphic & Photo Intern
I spent last summer backpacking through Europe and although I love all my hippy baggy travel clothing, I don't feel like it's practical to dress like that in the city. I'm in need of practical and versatile basics. I will start with buying a Weekday tee or three, like this one. The colour's rad and it looks comfy as.
Weekday Carrie Tee, £12, available at Weekday
May means festivals. I'll be travelling to a few this month and I'm picturing sun, sandals, shorts, and good vibes... However I think this rain jacket in a bag is the perfect way to tackle my festival plans if the sun decides to hide.
Zara Water Resistant Windbreaker, £29.99, available at Zara
My mum has a similar bag stashed in the back of her wardrobe and if I could borrow it, I would. However she's on the other side of the world so I'm going to buy this fab bag from & Other Stories and think of her every time I have it with me.
& Other Stories Tassel Woven Tote, £45, available at & Other Stories
Sian O'Flaherty
Senior Creative, Branded Content
I'm heading to Rome tomorrow and will be channelling Gwyneth in The Talented Mr. Ripley with this Muuñ straw bag.
Muuñ Natural With Ecru Handles and Pouch, £119, available at Muuñ
I <3 shell accessories atm! This necklace from Spanish label Gimaguas will look killer with a tan and sundress.
Gimaguas Multi-Coquillage Necklace, £31, available at Gimaguas
I just bought this H&M dress, which will be perfect for May. It looks just like Isabel Marant but for a fraction of the price. I'll be wearing it with white trainers and a denim jacket all summer long.
H&M Flounced Jersey Dress, £29.99, available at H&M
Sohini Gogel
Senior Delivery Director, Branded Content
Pink wedges are in my suitcase already and the destination (TBC) will be most certainly sunny and beachy.
Désordre-Urbain Sandales Compensées Factor, £78, available at Désordre-Urbain
When I travel, I always love to have a scarf that I can tie around my neck or have around my shoulders when it gets a bit chilly in the evening. Ma Poésie's scarves are a statement, and those colours look wonderful with a tan.
Ma Poésie Stole Diamand Yellow, £62, available at Ma Poésie
Rose Lander
International Co-ordinator
I'm off to France for a big group holiday this summer and this jumpsuit will be ideal for evenings when the temperatures start to cool and I've consumed my body weight in cheese and rosé. Or when I'm sitting in the pub at home and I've consumed my body weight in cheese and rosé. Both work.
Neon Rose Romy Stripe Jumpsuit, £32, available at Neon Rose
Who doesn't love a hand-embroidered tee? This one goes out to all the "bad boys" I'll be sharing the Tube back from day festivals with this summer – no one thinks you're big or clever because you're taking up three seats and singing Foals, mate.
Sophie King "You're Not A Bad Boy, You're Just A Bad Person" Hand Embroidered Unisex T-Shirt, £30, available at King Sophie's World
I'm living out my Amalfi coast style fantasy (and finally investing in protecting my eyes from sun damage) by ditching my cheap sunglasses this year and investing in these Italian-made beauties.
Sunspel The Chiltern Sunglasses In Dark Turtle, £220, available at Sunspel
Tamar Riley
Director, Marketing & Audience Development
If it didn't cost the same as my trip, I'd be wearing this amazing skirt on the Italian coast with red lipstick and huge gelato in hand.
Ganni Leopard Print Silk Skirt, £370, available at Browns
I'm trying to embrace colour for summer. I'm going all-out with this one. I'd wear it with high-waisted white denim and a two-week glow/overnight tan.
Mango Striped Swimsuit, £39.99, available at Mango
For cooler evenings and as a beach cover-up I don't think you can go wrong with an oversized shirt.
Kitri Morera Striped Shirt, £65, available at Kitri
Anna Jay
Art Director
Caps are essential for my holiday capsule – in my head I look like a '90s surfer babe but in reality the look is more package holiday tourist. But practicality wins, and that extra sun protection for my face avoids the frown tan line.
LIVINCOOL Black Cap, £29, available at LIVINCOOL
On holiday I live in one-piece throw-over dresses – so much easier and more comfortable than dealing with sweaty waistbands (anyone else?) and the faff of zips and buttons. This red and blue stripe has Cali vibes written all over it.
& Other Stories Striped T-Shirt Dress, £45, available at & Other Stories
How else are you going to show off your fresh tan on the first day back at work?
Mango Denim Organic Cotton Skirt, £29.99, available at Mango
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