10 Fashion Brands That Will Kickstart Your Summer Wardrobe
Most fashion brands cater to the summer market in one form or another, but there are some names which were born to be worn in sunnier climes. From St Agni and Three Graces to Ahluwalia and Bode, the resort-wear world has grown rapidly in recent years, expanding from a niche offering for the one per cent to a flourishing market that adapts to every season.
Read more: 9 Pieces That Will Instantly Update Your Summer Wardrobe
Each of these labels has its own unique approach to warm weather dressing, however colour is a recurring theme in the line-up: just look at Roxanne Assoulin’s rainbow-hued jewellery, which is sure to kick your wardrobe basics into holiday mode. Print lovers, meanwhile, should check out fashion up-and-comer, Ahluwalia, for brightly-coloured checks and inventive patchwork. The brand’s blue-and-brown midi-dress has shot right to the top of our summer wish list.
Of course, there are plenty of options for the minimalists, too. Both St Agni and Piece of White are a must-see for simple summer dresses rendered in neutral linens and cottons, while Three Graces London bridges the minimalist-maximalist gap with its clean-lined separates that come in every shade, from navy to tangerine.
Scroll down to see and shop our edit of the best summertime fashion brands to buy now and love forever.
Ahluwalia
Awarded the LVMH prize in 2021, Ahluwalia is the brainchild of Priya Ahluwalia, a designer who uses her work to explore her Nigerian-Indian heritage and London roots through the medium of deadstock and upcycled materials.
St Agni
Byron Bay-born St Agni was founded on a “less is more” approach to design, and delivers clean-lined dresses, separates and accessories in neutral shades of brown, cream, white and beige.
Roxanne Assoulin
Creating colourful necklaces, bracelets and earrings out of candy-coloured tiles, New York-based Roxanne Assoulin offers respite from the recent reign of gold jewellery. An instant dopamine boost.
Bode
Another brand to create clothing out of repurposed textiles, Bode is known for its hand-spun aesthetic and intricate patchworking. The brand’s embroidered shirts are all we want to wear over a swimsuit on a beach holiday.
Fe Noel
Founded by Felisha “Fe” Noel, Fe Noel offers a contemporary spin on the traditional resort wear category. Offering everything from colourful sarongs to printed co-ords, the brand’s pieces are inspired by the designer’s love of travel and Grenadian heritage.
Brother Vellies
Looking for summer-ready shoes that will take you from beach to bar with ease? You need to check out Brother Vellies. Based in New York, the brand specialises in handmade sandals that come in block graphic prints and feature wooden soles.
Three Graces London
Creating resort wear that will look just as good in the city as it does in Sicily, Three Graces London is a go-to for easy-to-wear dresses and separates that come in brightly-coloured linens and printed cottons.
Alemais
This is one for the print lovers. Born in Australia, Alemais is a brand that knows a thing or two about warm weather dressing, so expect feel-good co-ords and printed one-pieces in natural linens, silks and hemp.
Louisa Ballou
One of the newer kids on the block, Louisa Ballou brings a healthy dose of Noughties nostalgia to our line-up with form-fitting pieces in colourful meshes, inspired by the work of artists such as Pierre Soulages and Chris Ofili.
Piece Of White
Piece of White is a Turkey-based fashion house founded by Zeynep Tansug in 2017. Initially specialising in white shirts, the brand has since expanded into everything from jumpsuits and dresses to trousers and knitwear.
Siedrés
Celebrating all things colour and print, Siedrés is an independent fashion label founded by husband-and-wife duo Emir and Ceylin Bilge. With plenty of ’90s and Noughties-inspired silhouettes at play, these pieces are perfect for a summer party.
Among Equals
Committed to championing local artisanal techniques on a global platform, Among Equals’ bags are handwoven by artisan weavers in Papua New Guinea. The ultimate beach or summer weekend bag.
