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Elevate your summer style: 6 luxury fashion essentials for your wardrobe

From a flowing maxi dress to a raffia bucket tote bag, we take a closer look at the very best fashion items you need in your wardrobe this summer.

By LLM Reporters   |  

With summer now in full swing and that five-star getaway well and truly on the horizon, if you haven’t done it already then now is the time to give your wardrobe a quick refresh. But there’s no need to completely overhaul your fashion collection, and the luxury lover knows that the key to achieving an elegant and sophisticated look is creating a capsule wardrobe of timeless and versatile pieces, and accessorising well.

If you’ve already got the basics down, then it couldn’t be easier to elevate your summer style with these five simple additions to your wardrobe, so if you splurge on anything for the new season ahead then make sure it’s these. This White Stuff discount code might come in handy!

maxi dress
The maxi dress is the epitome of feminine elegance. Image credit: Levranii/Bigstock.com

The elegant maxi

There isn’t much you should need to add to your closet when it comes to clothing if you’ve already got some good options to choose from, but one thing it’s worth treating yourself to each summer is a new elegant maxi dress. The epitome of feminine elegance, choose a lightweight fabric like linen or cotton for maximum breathability, and opt for a monochrome look for maximum versatility.

White, black or coral are great choices that can be easily dressed up or down and take you effortlessly from day to night – just add some flat leather sandals, a raffia tote and some statement sunglasses for sightseeing or shopping, then pop on a pair of heels and swap your shades for some simple jewellery when it’s time to head for dinner.

The raffia bucket tote

Jute and raffia are everywhere this season, and the bucket tote bag is the perfect partner for beach days, with plenty of space to pop in your sun lotion, book and even a towel. The key to an elegant summer look is balancing style with substance, which means functionality is key – but it just so happens that these bags look great too, whether you’re heading off on a luxury holiday, weekend getaway or simply planning on an indulgent shopping spree in the city. Choose one with tan leather handles and a drawstring interior to keep your belongings safe, and keep additional detailing to a minimum.

straw hat and maxi dress
The straw hat is one of those summer essentials that never goes out of style, and will instantly inject a sense of glamour into any outfit

The straw hat

The straw hat is one of those summer essentials that never goes out of style, and will instantly inject a sense of glamour into any outfit. Of course, it’s a practical purchase too, and will shade you from the sun’s powerful rays, keeping you cool and making it easier to enjoy a spot of reading in the sunshine, too. Choose one with a wide brim and a simple ribbon and pop it on for beach days, coastal strolls and lounging by the pool for a chic and sophisticated look that works as well with boho dresses as it does swimwear and a kaftan.

The timeless leather sandals

Shoes can take up a lot of space in your suitcase if you’re travelling, so save yourself the headache of excess baggage and splurge on a comfortable and versatile pair of sandals that will see you through every occasion and eventuality in style. The classic flat leather sandal, in a neutral hue like black, white or tan, is just the ticket, and will work seamlessly with just about every outfit you own. Not only that, but they’ll help to keep your feet happy during long, hot days of sightseeing, are easy to slip on by the pool, and work just as well with maxi dresses and skirts come the evening.

sunglasses
There’s no easier way to add glamour to a summer outfit than with a pair of statement sunglasses. Image credit: everest comunity/Bigstock.com

The statement sunglasses

There’s no easier way to add glamour to a summer outfit than with a pair of statement sunglasses, and while there are plenty of classic styles to choose from that will never fall out of favour, each season brings with it a variety of new trends, as well as some returning ones.

For 2023, the oversize style made famous by celebrities back in the 00s is officially back in vogue, and the bigger, the better – which is great news when it comes to hiding those holiday hangovers. The curved cat eye is also big news again this season, as well as a more angular, modern take on this classic style. Be sure to look for a polarised pair that will protect your sun from the sun’s harmful rays, and throw them on every day to make them a signature statement element of your new season style. You can shop for the very best designer sunglasses at GlassesUSA, one of the largest online eyewear retailers in the world offering a variety of both high-quality luxury and house brands with a wide-range of styles and lens types.

The beach cover up

You need never compromise on fashionable moments when heading to the beach with a classic beach cover up. Perfect for throwing on over your bikini or swimsuit and heading to the beach club in style, the range of kimonos, sarongs, tunics and kaftans to choose from are plentiful. For a head-turning, yet elegant, look, we love the super stylish Johnny Was beach tunics, which can be found in varying lengths, colours and styles to match beautifully with your swimwear, leaving you feeling fashionable and confident at the same time.