There are hundreds of thousands of influencers in the social ether, but there is only a handful who we religiously stalk in order to virtually steal the clothes off their backs. Our primary target is Monikh—the London-based styling and shopping guru who seeks out the coolest buys from every corner of the retail world. From her inspiring tips on rewearing her well-chosen investment items to hunting down the best high-street pieces, her Instagram feed, @monikh, and website are a veritable hotbed of things you’re going to want to purchase immediately (and will never regret). Each month, Monikh will share her new picks exclusively for you.
Does anyone else suddenly have the urge to dress incredibly simply? I’m talking about block colours, oversized cuts, light fabrics and the odd sexy cut-out. If so, like me, you’ve probably been glued to the coverage from Australian Fashion Week. Aussies are known for their impeccably simple and chic attire. Some of my most desired brands show there, and with their new collections showing last week, I’ve had a new wave of summer style inspo. So for May’s edition of my shopping column, this working wardrobe is quietly but oh so powerfully cool. We’re talking breezy summer dresses, linen and crop tops. Keep scrolling to see my edit of the 11 pieces I’m truly obsessed with this month.
So effortless.
My new brand crush
I just love this colour.
I once saw a very similar coat by The Row and have been kicking myself for not buying it. Obviously, it was ££££. Thank you, Raey, for making my dreams come true!
Crochet everything please.
That colour.
Cut-outs are big news this summer.
No accessories needed.
Wear with all those high-waisted trousers in your wardrobe.
No matter how swollen your feet are, these will fit.
No-brainer.
Wear this with the black linen jacket above. Long on long surprisingly works.
Something cosy to throw on when day turns to night.
I’ve had my eye on these bags for years!
The ready-made outfit.
Looks just like designer, but it’s high street!
I saw this in store and couldn’t stop thinking about it.
Such a flattering warm shade.
Chic.
I’m very into green.
An extra light layer to throw into your bag.
Safari style.
I feel like purple/lilac is key this season.
Monikh wears a Doen midi dress.
So chic.
Wear with a simple T-shirt and a trench coat.
Perfect for the change in seasons.
I hear waistbands are making a comeback.
Just enough sass to dress up a basic look.
This would look so cool tucked into tailored trousers.
The sort of dress you’d struggle to pinpoint where it’s from—the brand or the era.
I’m obsessed with clogs. These are the heels you can actually walk in.
Such a show stopping colour. I’d wear this with a patterned top.
Back to working out.
I’d wear this layered over a midi dress.
Already found my wow dress for the year. Can’t wait to dress it down with Birkenstocks/Supergas/Havaianas—anything! Right now, I’ll be wearing with my brown suede boots and an ankle-grazing cardigan.
I tried one like this on years and years ago in Topshop, and I have been kicking myself ever since for not buying it.
Something easy to swap out jeans for now and then.
Some basics never get old.
A good Ghost dress can be worn through all the seasons.
I think rectangular sunglasses will be the shape for 2022.
Last year’s quilted-jacket trend is still going very strong for 2022.
When in doubt, jumpsuit.
Effortlessly chic.
I need these ASAP! They will be my “transition shoes” to move from winter to spring.
To get me back into dresses, even on those cosy wintry days.
Cosy enough to justify wearing this fabulous jumper at home.
Wear with T-shirts and jumpers.
For those moments of running out for supplies in the rain.
Sequins work for after Christmas too.
This is cosy enough to leave the legs bare at home. Combine with opaque tights and chunky wellington-style boots when outside.
A great piece to throw on.
A weekend bag ready for any last-minute trips in 2022.
I’m obsessed with this dusty-rose colour.
I love the fit of Reformation jeans. These are perfect combined with a simple knit.
I have been looking for a classic khaki shirt for years! I wore my last one until it came apart on the seams.
Bringing a little print to those block colours. I’ve gone one size bigger and will wear it underneath that khaki shirt.
I really love that steel-blue tone, and this is a dress that will work all-year round.
An easy classic for those jeans-and-a-nice-top moments.
I love the ’70s-style pockets and buttons.
That sleeve.
I’ve got a thing for paisley in the winter months.
Looking for a new way to dress up jeans and a tee?
I’m obsessed with the fit on this. It’s the perfect shape for teaming with slightly billowy dresses.
The perfect jumper for nights at the pub.
Pink teamed with burgundy lips and nails is unexpectedly chic.
Wear with oversized coats and tall boots in the winter, big sunnies and sandals in the summer.
That wow dress.
Just the right amount of sparkle.
A forever piece.
Wear with jeans, leather trousers or a suede skirt.
Mix up the party dress code, and go with the jumpsuit instead.
