There are hundreds of thousands of influencers in the social ether, but there is only a handful who we religiously follow in order to virtually steal the clothes off their backs. Our primary target is Monikh Dale—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.
There’s a real art to dressing well in a heatwave. With the humid air, sticky skin and that increasing halo of frizz, it’s easy to scrap any form of ‘a look’, and go for the first loose item of clothing in your wardrobe. But how does that feel past the obvious? If you’re anything like me, your clothing is an extension of your personality, and it would be a shame to hide that for the next couple of weeks whilst the weather continues to be changeable.
What actually needs to happen is pretty simple, you need to go back to basics. Think simple silk midi dresses, with open linen shirts. Loose jumpsuits and oversized basket bags. Flowy trousers and sleeveless blouses. No need to overthink any of this, minimal is extremely effective in the summer.
Keep scrolling for my hot-weather capsule.
This weather calls for oversized shirts.
No accessories needed.
Dad sandals are officially a staple style.
Such a classic shape.
Love that lace up detail.
They have that fun ‘Ibiza vibe’.
Open shirt, basket bag, basic flipflops.
Top/waistcoat hybrid to wear with loose jeans or bias cut midi skirts.
A new Gwyneth moment. Shop the matching cardigan (£30).
That colour.
Because who wears jeans in this weather?
Suede fishermen sandals to wear now, with milkmaid dresses, and in Autumn with jeans.
At first, I laughed, now I can’t stop thinking about them.
So simple and sexy. Pull your hair back in a sleek bun, gold hoops and flat sandals.
Buy now, wear for the rest of time.
Strapless is back.
I wasn’t sure about this but tried it and fell in love. Now I’m even thinking about painting my bedroom in that same buttery shade.
The investment belt, a very grown up purchase.
My favourite colour.
My love for all things this colour is just getting stronger.
That babydoll shape for grown-ups.
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!
Get ready to see this brand absolutely everywhere. When doing colour, really do it (but team it with jeans to keep it chic).
Crochet in orange—enough said.
I have been waiting for this style for a very long time. The fabrics are so delicately thin, and even with the sleeves, they’re a dream to wear in hot weather.
It’s so hard to find the right cut of striped jeans, but I think I’ve just done it.
Oversized clutches are back.
There’s a new It shirt in town.
My sister bought this the other day, and I had equal parts of sisterly happiness for her and jealousy.
Just like The Row, without the £££.
Incredibly simple, incredibly beautiful.
So effortless.
I just love this colour.
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.
