Mother Nature just keeps on surprising us but as we round the corner into August and September looms, we can't help thinking that this glorious summer must end soon. Which makes us determined to enjoy however many warm weekends we have left in style.
In our office, sundresses and black Birkenstocks reign supreme during the week, but for those cherished two days off, we've selected some statement accessories to give our well-worn summer wardrobes a much-needed lift.
Ahead, team R29 shares our summer weekend ensembles, including a Little Bo-Peep visor, a mermaid shell necklace, some cute cross-body bags and tons of comfy sandals...
Charlotte Gush, Fashion Editor
I am well aware that this is a dressing gown. Sorry, a robe. And I am not posh enough to have such a fancy robe for lounging around my own house. However, I love the mustard colour (it’s Gen Z yellow all grown up!) and the shape, and I just about reckon I could wear it as a dress. (Or at least that’s what I will tell my mum if she calls to make sure I didn’t spend more than £150 on a dressing gown. Hi Mum!)
Once Milano Bell-Sleeved Linen Robe, £157, available at Matches Fashion
Now here’s a choice my mum could surely get behind... just probably no one else. I need a sunhat, but wearing a sunhat means I have to have my hair down, which is like wearing a wool scarf right now. So I realised I need a ‘sunhat with a ponytail hole’, which is what I searched for. And here is what I found. I know I’ll look like an American golf mom slash Devonshire grandmother in her garden, but I’m completely at peace with that.
Sensi Studio Toquilla Straw Visor, £110, available at Net-A-Porter
When big trends (like straw bags) happen, I instantly feel turned off. I balk at the idea that we are told what to wear, and then consume to fulfil that requirement. However, I could really do with a summer bag. My friend, the filmmaker Eloise King, has a green plastic basket that I love, but I’m looking for something less… rigid. Really into these Turtle bags (stocked at Arket) – they are fair trade, small enough to fit in a mini bag (to take out for grocery shopping), and – by virtue of being 100% cotton – will never contribute to the ocean plastic epidemic.
Arket Turtle Bags String Bag in Black, £5, available at Arket
Georgia Murray, Fashion & Beauty Writer
We’re currently experiencing an unprecedented heatwave, which means although I’m stuck on the sticky Northern Line, I’m dressing like I’m poolside in a tropical oasis. WALD Berlin is the reason you’ve seen shell jewellery all over your timeline, and this Drop It Like It’s Hot number (GREAT name) will be around my neck all summer.
WALD Drop It Like It’s Hot Shell Necklace, £168.43, available at WALD
I bought this dress when I stumbled across The-Acey’s pop-up in Shoreditch last month. It’s a sustainable brand that makes limited edition pieces from fabric offcuts. I’ll be pairing with the aforementioned shell necklace and some trusty Birkenstocks.
Pink City Prints Rah Rah Dress Riviera Stripe, £129, available at The-Acey
I’ve been following Manu Atelier since I saw their cute bags pop up on the streets around LFW a few seasons ago. It’s a family business, owned by two sisters (their father makes prototypes of their designs too!), based in Istanbul. This linen and suede number is a sweet alternative to my ever-growing pile of basket bags...
Manu Atelier Nude Fernweh Bag, £375, Farfetch
Dami Khadijah, Strategy Manager
I'm loving this pullover because I'm anticipating it will not be as hot in London towards the end of August (too optimistic). It’s inspired by the Nigerian National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) uniform which all corpers wear for the duration of their year long service – the entire look is a vibe – Google it!
Kiwi & Yam NYSC Long Sleeve, £16, available at Kiwi & Yam
Due to the unforeseeable heatwave, my purchases have slightly altered to a ‘holiday shopping list’ and this pinafore is too cute and I think they’ll go well with the shoes in my next pick.
ASOS denim belted mini dress in stone, £35, available at ASOS
I love footwear that have a vintage resemblance and twang to it. These particular ones are woven too and that’s been a weakness of mine for over a decade now *covers face* so combine the two and I’mma purchase.
Uterqüe Brown braided mesh mules, £99, avaliable at Uterqüe
Kara Kia, Editorial Intern
A breezy, V-neck or Bardot midi dress is my unofficial summer uniform and this gem from Free People in the colour "Lagoon" will transport me to the sea, sand and sun of my island home.
Free People Love Of My Life Midi Dress, £88, available at Free People
My collection of casual bags – basket, netted, plastic – has become a bit excessive lately, so this plum-coloured find is just what I need to add some elegant formality to an otherwise casual summer wardrobe.
Mango Chain Leather Bag, £49.99, available at Mango
I want comfortable walking sandals that are practical but fashion-y and not black or brown. I've been eyeing these cool cut-outs for some time and they tick all the boxes, so maybe – just maybe – this will be the month I make a purchase.
ATP Atelier Dina Sandal in Lava Red, £136, available at Need Supply Co.
Effy Okogba, International Sales & Partnerships Manager
This dress has just stepped out of my polka dot-filled dreams. I must have it.
Weekday Hockney Dress, £35, available at Weekday
Because when it seems like the UK’s frankly tropical weather is here to stay, a girl must ensure that her slide collection is on point. Dear Frances is a brand that I have spied on social media and resisted buying for about a year now, but these slides at a slightly more purse-friendly price point might be the thing to tip me over the edge!
Dear Frances Tye Slide, £248.11, available at Dear Frances
I probably won’t be able to pull these off, but god loves a trier, so I am willing to look like an insect for the sake of summer fashion.
Ace & Tate Donna in Mint, £98, available at Ace & Tate
Katy Harrington, Managing Editor
I intend to get my legs out as much as possible in August before we return to the dreaded 60 denier tights weather, and I really like this easy breezy Intropia dress for bare-legged bar hopping.
Intropia Jacquard Midi Dress with Floral Embroidery, £194, available at Intropia
Phoney statement T-shirts make me feel queasy, but I’m into this simple and succinct Sandro one. And my summer weekends will be spent hanging out with brilliant and funny women, women, women, so it feels appropriate.
Sandro Cotton T-Shirt With Lettering, £90, available at Sandro
I am a very lazy dresser (read: person) so a co-ord set is the perfect solution for the heatwave. This lightweight polka dot Topshop one is playful and fun.
Topshop Spot Print Co-ord Set, £62, available at Topshop
Samantha Yu, Senior Director, Strategy & Client Services
Definitely trying to spend half my weekends at the beach...
Ayla Castara Bandeau, £75, available at Ayla Swim
...and the other half living in comfortable clothing and doing yoga. Truth is, I haven’t found the perfect place to do both of these activities yet! Where should I go?!
A Day Don't Stop Top in Teal, £45.80, available at This Is A Day
I have never thought myself to be a Birkenstock person but then I saw THIS and was inspired! Versatile, easy to wear, and this pair is waterproof, lightweight and affordable. Just need to find a pair available in my size…
Birkenstock Arizona Eva Sandal in Black, £25, available at Birkenstock
Liv Santner, Art & Graphic Intern
I love long skirts so much, hence why my legs won’t ever get a summer glow. This skirt is so cute that I don’t care. I love the colours and the comfort levels are through the roof!
Zara Contrasting Knit Skirt, £29.99, available at Zara
I am adamant that I will make it to a beach one weekend, I don’t care if every woman and her dog will be there – the need for saltwater is so real. Love these swimmers, the colour is lush and it looks as if it will actually stay on as I splash about in the waves.
Weekday Horizon Swim Top, £16, available at Weekday
I’ve been on the hunt for a kimono ever since I arrived in London. I left my beautiful canvas one back in my hometown and it has been one of my biggest regrets. This Weekday kimono looks like a bundle of fun, light and super comfortable. Can’t wait to prance around in this all weekend, and every weekend for that matter.
Weekday Ziggy Kimono, £60, available at Weekday
Sheloa Nichols, Director of Content Production
Never one to shy away from a little sparkle, I really love the detail on these well constructed, genuine leather sandals. Also metallic accessories go with everything – so it'll be easier than breaking a sweat to pair these with your favourite summer dress ya'll.
Sofie Schnoor Silver Studded Sandals, £130, available at ASOS
This dress is the closest thing to being naked and it's 100% sustainable cotton. Some would go for the spaghetti strap – which I get – but I find covering my shoulders is actually cooler and this light, loose, natural fabric means you never feel sticky. I suggest pairing it with 100% cotton underwear and no bra. Freedom!
Monki Tunic Dress, £30, available at Monki
Growing up in Colorado, there was no fresher fruit in the summertime than a chunky slice of watermelon. I wore the scented lotion as a teenager (thanks, The Body Shop!) and now I choose to wear it as an accessory. I know it doesn't hold a lot – but then again, who wants to lug a bunch of crap around in this heat anyway?
Pitusa Watermelon Straw Cross-Body Bag, £105, available at Selfridges
Casey Bird, Creative Lead
Since I’ll be on holiday in the south of France later this month, my eyes are well and truly fixed on anything that complements a glass of rosé and my sun lounger. First up is this white floaty sheer dress that I’ve got my eye on to wear over my bikini. It’s also a great investment that can go with jeans and a white tee when this heatwave eventually (will it ever?) subsides.
Never Fully Dressed Aurelie Dress White, £79, available at Never Fully Dressed
Cute straw bags are life this summer. That is all.
Muuñ Caba Tote, £160, available at Net-A-Porter
I am obsessed with frame chains right now and I’ve got my eye on this one for my holiday (I wear reading glasses as well so I can double up). My boyfriend says I look like an old librarian, but I think I look great and let’s be honest, a glasses chain is so damn practical – a sure sign that I’ve turned 30.
Frame Chain Gold-Plated Golden Balls Glasses Chain, £65, available at Liberty London
Laurene Mpia, Associate Production Manager
It’s hot so legs out please! This is a perfect mini dress for a perfectly hot day.
Les Rêveries Ruffled Floral-Print Mini Dress, £425, available at Net-A-Porter
I like to think that I am a tall person but in reality, I am only 5’4 so I wear heels. And it’s hot. So I introduce you to my new summer best friend – the Chiara espadrille, who is a mix of comfort and makes me look tall. I love her.
Castañer Chiara Canvas Wedge Espadrilles, £100, available at Matches Fashion
My mum always says, "You’re Parisian, you need to stay chic at all times". So this is for you, Mum. I will try to stay chic with this super nice cross-body bag. Also, when it’s hot, you don’t want to carry a bag in your hands, so a cross-body is practical.
Chylak Saddle Bag Glossy Brown Crocodile, £245, available at Chylak
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