Our Editors’ Go-To Summer Fashion Labels
Despite the fluctuating temperatures, here at The Handbook HQ we are getting excited about updating our wardrobe with shorts, floaty dresses and sandals. So we thought we’d share our favourite brands nailing summer fashion in 2024. No matter what your holiday style is, we guarantee you’ll love them just as much as us…
Ashling, Contributing Style & Interiors Editor
1. Luxury Womenswear: FARM Rio
Farm rio, Mixed Lace Garden Midi Dress, £330
With humble beginnings, this contemporary Brazilian designer brand is now a global masterpiece in fashion. Merging style with comfort, happiness and diversity, I’m totally on board with this joy-giving collection. Colours, tropical prints and flattering cuts define FARM Rio. In truth, you’d be hard pushed to find a more summery range of pieces; from plunging maxi dresses and floral jumpsuits to emblazoned tees and flamboyant blouses, this isn’t just summer fashion, this is a festival of summer fashion.
FARM Rio’s story began when two friends, Kátia Barros and Marcello Bastos, opened a small booth in an independent market. After expanding to the US, it is now a global brand focused on spreading happiness.
& Other Stories, Open-Back Linen Blouse, £97
2. High Street: & Other Stories
This store has been my wardrobe fail-safe for a number of years. As H&M’s big sister, it offers that similar off-beat, wearable style, only a little more grown up and, admittedly, at a slightly higher price point. But, to me it offers a level of high-end luxe delivering everything you could want in your warm weather wardrobe. The jumpsuits (I have a few) are second to none, while the swimwear is definitely confidence boosting, which I’ll take all summer long.
I truly believe that we’re lucky to have such an incredible selection of high street stores in the UK. So much so, it’s hard to give just one a shout out, but & Other Stories hits every single time.
Natasha, Digital Editor
1. Designer: Toteme
If I could fill my entire wardrobe with Toteme, then I absolutely would. The combination of slightly oversized silhouettes and muted colour palettes helps give the brand a sophisticated, luxurious feel. The designs are also more staple than statement, meaning you’ll love and wear them for years to come without feeling like they’ve dated.
If I could fill my entire wardrobe with Toteme, then I absolutely would.
Zara, Flower Tote Shoulder Bag, £59.99
2. High Street: Zara
Zara is my go-to for more affordable summer pieces with a fashion-forward edge. Some of the hardest-working pieces in my wardrobe are from Zara and have lasted me many (many) seasons. Of course, given how large the range is (both in-store and online), there’s a bit of a hunt required to find the real gems, but it’s definitely worth it, in my opinion.
Some of the hardest-working pieces in my wardrobe are from Zara and have lasted me many (many) seasons.
Astrid, Contributing Fashion & Lifestyle Editor
1. Designer Bohemian: Alix Of Bohemia
This brand is a fairly recent discovery of mine, but it really does feel like a bit of me. Inspired by that late ’60s/early ’70s free-spirited aesthetic, their pieces play into my current love affair with all things boho. But although they hit the mark trend-wise, Alix of Bohemia just makes beautiful pieces where the devil is in the detail – from intricate embroidered to stunning embellishments – and that will stand the test of time. Think if Chloé raided Keith Richard’s wardrobe and you’re there. It’s not cheap however and I’m already waiting for their summer collection to go into sale so I can snap something up for next year.
Inspired by that late ’60s/early ’70s free-spirited aesthetic, their pieces play into my current love affair with all things boho.
2. French Boutique: Sézane
Who doesn’t love a bit of Sézane? They pretty much nail it with everything from their knitwear to denim. Summer is no different and this season I have my eye on their charming Dorotha dress – I’m not a big fan of a floral print dress but this feels effortlessly chic and very French. While their rope-style Malia sandals will pair with everything from little white dresses to trusty denim shorts.
This season I have my eye on their charming Dorotha dress – I’m not a big fan of a floral print dress but this feels effortlessly chic and very French.
Sydney, Social Media Manager
Me+EM, Sheer Panelled Evening Knit Maxi Dress, £250
1. Affordable Luxury: Me + Em
For a sophisticated, effortlessly put-together look, I turn to Me & Em. My calendar is full of weddings this year and their beautifully tailored dresses are at the top of my wish list. Their dresses are really flattering to the body and give the impression of a meticulously curated outfit with minimal effort. Me & Em is a must for unique pieces that I know not everyone will be wearing.
My calendar is full of weddings this year and their beautifully tailored dresses are at the top of my wish list.
2. High Street: Pull & Bear
When it comes to high street fashion, Pull & Bear is my go-to brand. While it’s primarily aimed at a younger audience, I find it really easy to shop for all the essentials I need. They can be very trend-led which isn’t always what I’m going for, but their basic pieces are perfect for creating outfits that can be paired with more unique items from my wardrobe. Plus, you can easily put together an entire outfit for under £150, which is always a win.
This summer, I’m particularly drawn to Pull & Bear’s neutral-toned basics. Imagining stepping off the coast of Santorini is the look I’m going for.
The products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however, The Handbook may make a small commission on some products purchased through affiliate links.
