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If there’s anyone we go to for spot-on shopping advice, it’s Red Editor Sarah Tomczak. She’s always on hand for outfit inspiration and advice on independent labels that deserve a place in our wardrobes, as well as homeware purchases to upgrade your interior in minutes.
For our Red Shops newsletter, Sarah is curating a monthly edit of the items she’s currently coveting. Clever, mood-lifting fashion purchases that you can indulge in now or add to your wish list for later (although she has great taste, so we can’t guarantee these pieces won’t sell out!) and beauty picks to add to the your routine for the new season.
For May, Sarah has picked out the ultimate lace dress that’s perfect for your next vacation, an easy-to-wear jumpsuit for summer nights and beyond, and a chic linen jumpsuit that will look fabulous with matching shorts.
For those heading off on vacation soon, she also picked out a criss-cross stripe swimsuit that doubles as a top, and edgy Birkenstocks for a laid-back look.
Here are the 20 purchases she’s got her eye on this month, and how to wear them.
The latest broderie anglaise dress
“Every summer I want to wear Broderie Anglaise – it feels like a new season on a timeless trend, a maxi dress in a pale blue chambray. Wear it buttoned up or a little open.
The classic striped tee
“I’m on the lookout for pale yellows (it’s the color of summer!) so I’m really drawn to this striped shirt (it’s available in a myriad of other colors!), I’d wear it French tucked into my jeans or shorts and like beach cover up over a white bathing suit.
The perfect alternative to jeans
“Chinos with a utility feel are a great alternative to jeans and in the summer months I always go for lighter shades, which feel fresh and beachy. Great with a plain black tank.
The stylish logo tee
“Ticking both boxes for stripes and logos, this tee would look great worn with jeans but also on the beach with some black bikini bottoms.”
Moisturizing lip tint
“Castaner is my go-to for espadrilles. They are comfortable and a summer classic. This pair is especially adorable with the stitching detail on the front and the raffia slingback.
The versatile summer pochette
“Once you’ve invested in a good summer clutch, you’re good to go. As a lover of stripes, I like this and feel very versatile. The raffia and soft shape are super cool.
The edgy sandals
“Last year I bought some Birkenstocks and have worn them more than any other sandal. They gave my clothes an extra edge and felt more relaxed. I really like the tonal white buckles on these, which make them feel that little bit special.
The flattering top
“A simple square-neck tank top is so flattering. This ribbed one from Albaray is also white, so I’ll pick one up to wear with high-waisted pants and skirts.”
The striped bathing suit
“This is the time to buy a new bathing suit before the best ones sell out. I love the gathered neckline and crisscross stripes. This would make a great summer vacation top worn with denim shorts too.
The foundation approved by the publisher
“I started wearing this foundation after it was recommended to me by the Red beauty team. It is particularly hydrating and gives a nice glow without being too heavy.
The fresh white blouse
“Printed T-shirts are big news this summer. I would buy this oversized and wear it to the beach with a bikini top.
The denim update
“This year I will update my jeans collection with a pair of Bermuda shorts. The longer length seems a little smarter to wear around town and on cooler days I love the idea of wearing them with a chunky knit and Birkenstocks.
The elegant large bag
“A large bag is good for the beach and beyond. This is a really good size to carry a few towels and a picnic, but it will also be perfect for a laptop on work days and for adding a pop of color to a simple outfit.
The best-selling sunglasses
“I rate Le Specs sunglasses highly – they look much more expensive than they are and magically adjust to most face shapes. These best-selling tortoiseshell cat eye shades are gorgeous, but not so precious that you’re nervous about wearing them to the beach.
The trendy crochet dress
“Crochet is the hottest trend of the summer. Here’s how to do it as an adult, courtesy of ME+EM. This dress would look as good at the beach as at a party.”
The easy-to-wear suit
“Simple and essential, I like the t-shirt cut of this Whistles suit. Easy to wear with heels even for summer evenings”.
The high top sneakers
“The new cropped jeans look great with high tops and this is another way to dip into yellow without going head-to-toe.”
The trusty foaming cleaner
“All my friends (and Red’s beauty director) swear by this cleanser that brightens skin and reduces pigmentation. Worth every penny.”
The elegant linen blazer
“Modern office tailoring: this cropped linen blazer is elegant and unexpected. Fabulous with matching shorts, would also look great with high waisted jeans.”
The office alternative to skirts
“Pair these linen shorts with your blazer or a simple navy knit sweater for an office-friendly alternative to a skirt of pants.”
Happy shopping!
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