When it comes to looking polished every single day, no one is quite as proficient as Jessica Skye. An influencer she may be, but she has the fashion clout to match, having held various roles within the industry before she found social media stardom. It’s this intrinsic knowledge and experience that sets Skye apart from her contemporaries (along with her imitable style, of course). With a penchant for pared-back staples and easy-to-wear outfits, all in a gloriously versatile colour palette, Skye creates perennially chic looks that aren’t try-hard—a potent combination we immediately want to re-create. Thankfully, each month, Skye will be sharing her new-season selects exclusively with you, rather pleasingly categorised by product type.
Jess wears a dress from Topshop (£95).
Hooray! It’s finally that time of year when we can leave the house without a jacket (well, on most days, anyway). This month, I’ve selected 12 throw-on dresses that can be worn day to night and right through autumn, too, with the simple change from sandals to boots. And if you’re anything like me and always seem to gravitate towards a less-is-more look, then you’re going to love these no-fuss dresses. When it comes to dressing in the summer, I always opt for foolproof pieces that I can throw on and run out of the door in.
Jess wears a dress from Free People (£158).
When summer comes around, I pounce on Sleeper. Its elegant dresses are always something I feel so whimsical in. Team with chunky gold hoops, a red lip and a sleek low ponytail.
Run, don’t walk. This embroidered white Topshop dress is quite possibly my new favourite thing. The relaxed sleeves and stretch waist speak designer but without the price tag.
This lively number is the perfect antidote for those scorching-hot barbecues. The exaggerated puff sleeves and shirred detailing add the perfect dimension.
Fancy being a little more covered up? Why not try a kaftan-style dress? The loose sleeves and breathable fabric are great when you don’t want to feel too hot and flustered.
This beautiful stone-grey dress by Raey is made from a breathable linen blend and can be worn through summer and winter.
Cotton poplin dresses are a style I have hanging in my wardrobe every summer. This lilac frock went straight in my basket.
Arket nails throw-on dresses. Simple, sophisticated and elegant—need I say more?
It doesn’t get any more throw-on than this. Matteau is your one-stop destination for easy-to-pull-off dresses.
This smock dress is a glorious option for a picnic in the park. I love the embroidered daisy print.
Linen is an absolute must-have in my summer capsule wardrobe. Not only do I opt for linen trousers and shirts, but dresses are a great way to keep cool too. This dress can be worn day or night, teamed with high heels or wrap-around flat sandals.
This is the iconic Reformation print. Remember the silky bias midi skirt it brought out a few years ago? Well, now it comes in the perfect long-sleeved dress and features slits down the side if you wanted to show a little bit of leg.
I am drooling just staring at this. The romantic floral print and bodice-style dress is a serious (if not the only) contender for every soirée.
Jess carries a bag from Arket (£25). This month, I’m coming to you with some of my favourite wish-list summer staples. Whilst we are patiently waiting for the summer to officially arrive (I have high hopes for June 21), there’s no harm in peeking at some high-summer pieces to gear us up to those warmer months ahead. Whether you’re jetting off or planning a soirée at home in the garden, I’ve got you covered. I’ve selected 16 drool-worthy staples that you’ll want to bring out year after year.
I’m starting the edit off with, of course, a basket bag. It’s no secret I’m partial to a basket bag or two, and each season, Loewe brings out different styles that I instantly want to buy. This lively number is the perfect size for an everyday handbag.
A new brand on my radar is Farm Rio. Not only are the prints heavenly, but each purchase made also equates to one tree planted.
This two-piece is perfect for those summer BBQs.
Matteau has to be one of my favourite brands at the moment—its dresses speak sophistication and style. Team with flat, strappy sandals and you’re good to go.
Simple and elegant—flat wrap-around sandals that don’t date.
River Island nail summer dresses, and I always have a few lined up in the wardrobe for those casual days ahead.
French Riviera, here we come. I love the knotted detailing and check print. Team it with a white linen sarong, basket bag and your trusted Havaianas flip-flops.
Again with the cute knotted detail.
Dungarees are making a comeback, and my 12-year-old self couldn’t be happier. I am obsessed with this Zara number and love the romantic floral print.
If you’re not ready to invest in a designer basket bag yet, then this Arket raffia tote is the perfect one. I love the picnic-style shape and pattern.
There’s nothing I love more than wearing a suit. This Mango check number is a perfect contender if you’re running from the office straight to dinner.
Try styling these shorts with a black oversize shirt for holidays (or peak British temperatures).
I love investing in new jewellery for each season; these give a subtle nod to summer.
Linen is always hanging in my wardrobe during the summer months, and Arket is my absolute go-to for lightweight pieces.
This nautical two-piece is going straight in my basket.
These sunglasses say “cool-girl summer.”
Jess wears an olive silk halterneck dress from Reiss. The invitations have landed and it’s nearly the season when weddings are in full swing. If you’re anything like me it’s an absolute panic station—rummaging through the back of the cupboard, trying to find something suitable to wear. I don’t dress up often but, when I do, I go all out (and even wear some eye-popping colours). So fear not—I have you covered. For this month’s edit, I’ve selected 12 standout pieces that will take you from the altar straight to the dance floor—and hopefully these items you can re-wear for any special occasion.
Starting the edit off with this bubble-gum pink vintage inspired dress by Ghost. The button down detailing and puff sleeves is an absolute showstopper.
A floaty silhouette always speaks wedding guest, this beautiful Reiss halter neck silk cami dress is timeless, and even a strong option as a bridesmaid dress.
Rixo nails the wedding guest aesthetic every single time, a hot spot if you’re in a last-minute panic. You’re guaranteed to find something you love.
Understated but so elegant—a slicked-back low pony, a red lip, some gold chunky heels, and you’re good to go.
Wedding guest doesn’t have to only mean dresses, and if you’re like me and partial to suit why not opt for something a little different.
This Maje two-piece would look seriously cool teamed with red heels and a matching clutch.
Fancy going a little shorter for the special occasion? This Cult Gia modern floral number is an excellent choice for those sweltering weddings in the height of summer. I’ll be throwing this in my suitcase for a holiday too.
I’m not a huge wearer of colour, but when it comes to a special occasion it’s my chance to dress up, and I’m instantly drawn to colour-popping pieces. This Rotate Birger Christensen knitted dress is a perfect contender if you want to ditch the jacket.
Not a huge fan of going over the top as a wedding guest? Then opt for a simple yet timeless slip dress.
This Zara Bohemian-style wrap dress is perfect if you want to feel a little more covered up.
I mean, it’s love at first sight. Elegance is key as a wedding guest and this Reformation dress speaks sophistication at its best.
Stand-alone white and black pieces are usually forbidden at weddings, so it can be a little tricky to find a suit that’s in the perfect hue.
This foolproof two-piece, however, is the perfect cornflower blue and is available in petite and standard sizing.
While it’s always tempting to buy something new, why not try renting a dress from Cloan for the special occasion.
Co-ords are by far one of my favourite looks to wear and style, whether that’s in summer or winter. And while we have slowly (and I mean very slowly) tucked away the tracksuits, we can now opt for some statement two-pieces that speak style and comfort. For this month’s edit, I’ve selected a mix of co-ords for any occasion, whether that’s evenings out with friends or cosy nights in. You’re guaranteed to find something that takes your fancy.
This beautiful white crinkle set by Totême caught my eye a while back. Its subtle detailing and raw hemline take the edge off of it being too fancy—a statement but understated forever piece.
This would look gorgeous worn with an oversized blazer and chunky sandals.
Lounge in style. Deiji Studios is the master of comfort and chic.
Comfort and style. This Reformation two-piece is the perfect contender for those days when you want to look a little put together but still be comfortable. I love the brown, but it also comes in a handful of other colourways.
When I think of co-ords, I’m instantly drawn to crochet pieces.
This & Other Stories number is already on my rail and ready to be worn out. Hurry up, sun.
This two-piece is so incredibly beautiful. The subtle crop puff sleeves and drawstring detailing make it the perfect piece for those springy days ahead.
Maxi skirts are trending in a big way for 2022.
Zara always seems to nail ’70s-inspired pieces so well. This cute button cardigan and matching skirt are the ultimate date-night look.
Just add slingbacks and a touch of lippy, and you’re good to go.
One thing I love about co-ords is you can mix and match each piece with existing items in your wardrobe, creating multiple looks in an instant.
Not only does this Totême set look incredibly chic matched together, but the blouse would look perfect with your favourite black linen trousers.
Sophistication at its best—COS nails it every time.
So elegant.
What’s a two-piece edit without including Daily Sleeper. Every season, the brand comes out with gorgeous pieces for any occasion. This little green number has got me wanting to plan a soirée (or two).
This screams spring.
Pair with open-toe sandals and your favourite basket bag; simple but oh so chic.
Whilst we’re still thinking about spring, I can’t help but look ahead to summer. This check number is perfect for those pending summer holidays.
I love the subtly sheer fabrication.
Too many options? Why not try renting and rotating a co-ord set first to see if you love the vibe of them. This Matteau set is already in my basket.
When it comes to investing in designer handbags, it’s something I think long and hard about. Yes, they need to be versatile and work hard in my wardrobe, but are they going to stand the test of time, too? I’ve hand-picked 12 must-have designer handbags of the season that will be sure to revamp your existing wardrobe and give you a spring in your step.
Rich, earthy-hue handbags have always been a winner in my wardrobe, and this Bottega Veneta Jodie is the ultimate day-to-night companion, perfect for running from the office straight to the bar.
The Loewe Puzzle is a cult bag that doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. I’ve had mine for just over three years, and it’s still my most-worn and -loved handbag. It’s so incredibly easy to style. It’s the perfect everyday handbag.
A hybrid between a basket bag and a tote bag—need I say more? Whilst we’re still in the midst of winter, there’s no harm in peeking at some mid-season trends.
Tried and tested—I absolutely love my Celine Triomphe, and it’s a handbag I know I will keep forever. It’s the perfect accessory for those days when you want to keep your attire chill but still want to look put together.
I’m always drawn to Scandi brands, and ACNE’s Musubi is an absolute classic. It’s simple yet incredibly chic and versatile.
BY FAR always does the cutest handbags. They’re so handy for dinner and drinks. When it comes to evening accessories, I tend to go bold and opt for something a little more jazz-hands.
Taking the plunge when buying a designer bag can feel a little overwhelming, so why not try renting a handbag first to see if you really love it? I’m planning on road-testing this one next.
A bag that doubles up as a pillow? Yes, please. The Coach Pillow Tabby was all over Instagram last summer, and it’s still jet-setting around now. It’s available in an array of neutral tones and colour-popping bursts.
The Mary Poppins bag of all bags. Everyone needs a giant tote bag that you can squeeze just about anything in—including your gym kit.
I dreamed of having this bag in my early 20s, and I still dream of it now. Well, now it’s back and in hot pursuit. Alexa has had a little revamp, and she’s looking cuter than ever.
Vintage-inspired bags have always caught my eye. They’re bags you can bring out of the back of the cupboard year after year and still have a soft spot for.
This bag speaks luxury and style. It’s no-frills—just simple, classy and guaranteed to go with your entire wardrobe.
Be sure to check back next month when Jessica Skye will share her next edit exclusively with Who What Wear UK.
