The Manhattan Minimalist

AW20 Trend Report

With September fast approaching it’s getting to the time in the season that everyone is getting ready to transition to Autumn/Winter fashion (no, just me?). As much as I love summer fashion with cute summer dresses and easy white shirts, nothing beats coats, boots and chunky knits! So in this blog post I am going to discuss the trend forecast for the upcoming season and all the glory it brings. I’m going to be taking photo straight off the February runaways and trust me there was some good stuff! So without further ado…

CHECK

Check has always been a staple AW pattern but this year it was back all over the runaway but with some new and exciting twists. The checked piece that stole the show most frequently was the checked suit with Rodarte demonstrating a classic check on a not so classic, but show stopping, skirt suit; Alexander McQueen combined simple check with bold blocks of black for an eye-catching yet effortless suit; and Gucci bring that pop of colour with a mismatched suit with clashing check in beautiful neutral colours for a more causal, regal look. This just shows that there’s a checked look for every occasion and we need all of them in our AW20 wardrobe.

Rodarte, Gucci, Alexander McQueen (All images from Vogue Runway)

2. LONGLINE LEATHER COATS

Leather should be a key item in everyones winter wardrobe and this year is no different. This year leather jackets have been transformed into gorgeous longline leather coats. Even though trench coats were the most common style they weren’t the only style if you want to mix it up. Louis Vuitton nailed the mixed textures look with a bold fur collar and fur cuffs to elevate a leather coat. Richard Malone kept it simple but effective with a stunning Navy leather trench coat. And Fendi added a fun twist with the puff sleeve detail and the vibrant khaki colour. Again, there is something for everyone and every outfit!

Louis Vuitton, Richard Malone, Fendi (All images from Vogue Runway)

3. BLUE

A colour that kept popping up all over the runaway was blue, in all shades from baby blue to electric blue. This is an interesting choice for AW but when styled on the runway you could see that it worked. With JW Anderson showing how a full blue outfit can still be very wearable; Tom Ford combining stunning shades of blue with a simple high neck jumper that could be worn by anyone; and Marc Jacobs highlighting how well blue and black go together with an adorable blue coat and patent leather boots. Blue is a great way to add some colour to your AW looks as it goes super well with neutrals or go all out with a statement full blue look.

JW Anderson, Tom Ford, Marc Jacobs (All images from Vogue Runway)

4. STRIPES

If check isn’t for you there’s no need to worry. There will be other print options that will be super on trend come the new season, one of them being stripes. Stripes are a classic print and this year there is a good mix of classic stripes and fun, new twists. You can mix colours, thickness or horizontal and vertical stripes for a refreshed way of wearing simple pattern. Below Alexander McQueen showcased a killer vertical striped suit for a power office look, Coach mixed various colours for a new age boho look and Givenchy kept in casual and classic with a thick striped jumper. Stripes are never going out of style.

Alexander McQueen, Coach, Givenchy (All images from Vogue Runway)

5. PINK

Another very common colour that appeared all over the fall 2020 runaway was pink and a very bright pink at that but gorgeous nonetheless! A mix of magentas, fuchsias and hot pinks will replace the pastel baby pinks of the summer and I am here for it. It may seem bold but is definitely more wearable than it may appear. Whether you want to go all out with a monochrome look or pair it with blue denim for a more causal day time look or even just have a pop of colour in an accessory, I promise you there is a space in your wardrobe for this lush colour. As shown in the runaway photos the colour will be available in all types of clothing from coats to sequin skirts so there will be plenty of choice.

Alberta Ferretti, Marine Serre, Tom Ford (All photos from Vogue Runway)

So there you have it, if these are going to be the big trends of AW20 I am excited! Autumn/Winter fashion is my favourite anyway and this year it looks like a good one, better start saving!

Enjoy, Mollie x

How to wear: Dad Sandals

This season Chanel released quite a controversial shoe: the dad sandal. The dad sandals are very much a marmite shoe, you either love them or you hate them. I was definitely apprehensive at first and almost thought they were too cool for me to pull off. But I was wrong, I have fallen in love with them and all the different ways to wear them. They are very versatile and really elevate any outfit you put them with.

In this post I am going to show you 5 different ways of styling the sandals. Most of the pieces I am going to choose are wardrobe staples so hopefully you will already have some of these pieces and there should be something for everyone! Also the dad sandals do not have to be Chanel, there are so many high quality, affordable dupes available.

OUTFIT 1

This first outfit is simple but effective. Throw on some dad sandals with your favourite summer dress and a statement bag for a knockout, effortless outfit. I have chosen a simple black midi smock dress just because it allows the sandals to become the focus of the outfit. Also the all black gives the outfit a chic monochrome look that never fails to look amazing but that’s not to say you couldn’t switch out the dress for something more colourful or of a different style. These sandals will go with pretty much any dress you like.

OUTFIT 2

This outfit is definitely one of my favourites! It’s a classic Parisian style outfit with a pop of a trend. You cannot beat a white shirt and blue jeans, in my opinion, and the dad sandals just add a complete new level to it. The shirt doesn’t have to be oversized like the one I have chosen, any crisp white shirt will achieve the same look, I’m just a huge fan of an oversized poplin shirt. Also a statement bag really ties this look together, I find this is best achieved with a crossbody bag which has a thick strap, just makes the outfit look more expensive and finished.

OUTFIT 3

This is may be a bit more on the formal side for some people but I still think it is a very wearable outfit. The suit trousers give it a completely different vibe than if this outfit was paired with jeans and I love that, very off-duty model. This is much more LA than Paris if you know what I mean. Paired with a pair of slick, cat-eye sunglasses you would look so cool and edgy and would definitely be catching many people’s eyes.

OUTFIT 4

Here is one for my casual girls! Dad sandals can really transform a simple pair of joggers and a t-shirt, especially if you go for a monochrome look. All black immediately makes an outfit more dressy than it is so this is the perfect way to style up your joggers so you can continue to wear them post lockdown. The dad sandals also make the outfit more summery and suitable for those days where its warm but not too warm, which is basically everyday here in the UK. This look combines cool and comfort is a chic way!

OUTFIT 5

A trendy twist on a classic outfit! Another huge trend piece this season has been longline denim shorts and I think they are here to stay. They’re bring something different to an outfit that regular denim shorts doesn’t. In a way they’re more formal but they can also be dressed down and I just think they go perfectly with the outfit below. It’s got just the right amount of trend while also remaining simple and classic and something you could wear year on year.

So there you have it 5 amazing outfits to show how versatile and wearable dad sandals really are. Hopefully you’ve found at least one outfit here that you would wear and it convinces you to take the plunge and purchase your own pair of sandals. I promise you, you won’t regret it!

Enjoy

Mollie x

5 Current Fashion Favourites

Quarantine shopping has been a real problem for me. There are so many amazing pieces around at the moments but the vast amount of shopping I have done has meant that I have found some real gems. These pieces are a mix between basics and trend pieces so all the boxes are ticked. But don’t worry, all the trend pieces really fit my style and go with so many pieces I already own so will stay in my wardrobe for years to come.

SUMMER KNITS

These are an essential in your summer wardrobe, especially in England where its not super warm very often. Little knitted crop tops are a lovely basic that adds some different textures to your wardrobe and they are really in right now so you can find them in so many different styles and colours. Zara are definitely a stand out shop for summer knits but I have also found some gorgeous ones from H&M and Brandy Melville. They’re so versatile when it comes to styling but they look especially stunning with a good pair of blue denim jeans or shorts. A serious must have.

White: Brandy Melville / Cream: Zara / Black: H&M

CHUNKY SANDALS

These are my newest addition to my wardrobe but I am obsessed! These are a good alternative for the dad sandals that everyone is wearing because they’re similar enough to get the vibe without being as intimidating (or is that just me!?). These go with so much, jeans, dresses and even joggers. They give off a very cool and effortless vibe. Mine are from Topshop and they are so comfortable! Even though they look a bit heavy and grungey they are still super versatile and go with a variety of styles. Extra bonus: if you’re short like I am, these give you an extra couple of inches while still being flats, huge win!

WHITE OVERSIZED SHIRT

I have never been able to get on the shirt hype, I found them too formal and, consequently, really hard to wear. Until now… I was so wrong before, white shirts are not hard to wear at all. They are so flexible and can be worn to dress up a pair of joggers or dress down a pair of jeans. A white shirt also looks super cool and edgy when thrown over a pair of cycling shorts and a little black crop top. This is another piece which is super on trend right now but also a white shirt is a classic and will never go out of style.

BALLOON JEANS

I would say these trousers are like marmite, either you love them or you hate them. I personally love them and actually think they’re really flattering for quite a baggy jean. This is because they’re so high waisted and well fitting they give you a really nice shape. The ones I have are also a really lovely blue which goes perfectly with black and white (and probably other colours too but I’m a neutral gal). They can also be dressed up or down. Balloon jeans with barely there heels and a bodysuit looks so chic but they also look lush with a t-shirt and trainers. I just can’t stop wearing them!

MARC JACOBS SNAPSHOT BAG

This is an extra special piece. This was actually a birthday present that I have lusted after for nearly a year so I’m so excited to finally have it and style it up. Now I cannot stress this enough… this bag goes with EVERYTHING! It’s so versatile and really adds something to every look you style it with. This bag with a plain t-shirt and a good pair of jeans is so chic and effortless. This bag comes in so many different colours and combinations but the monochrome green is so cool and goes with everything I own. If you want a cool, easy to wear bag that adds a whole other level to your outfits, I cannot recommend this bag enough.

Marc Jacobs Snapshot camera bag in olive green

So there we go, my 5 current favourite items. All these items are so versatile and make great basics. They go with everything and would make great items for a capsule wardrobe that can be worn from season to season for years and years. But they also are statement pieces that will really make your outfit pop. I can’t recommend them enough.

Thanks for reading

Mollie x

5 Affordable and Sustainable Fashion Brands

Shopping sustainably can be a bit of a minefield. Sometimes it’s hard to know whether a company is truly sustainable and normally the ones that are, are on the more luxury side and, understandably, not everything has or wants to spend that kind of money. But there’s no need to panic because I have found 5 affordable brands that have sustainability at the heart of them. However, don’t expect to find truly sustainable clothing at Primark prices. This is because the quality is so much better and definitely worth investing in. Can you really put a price on saving the planet?

TALA

The first brand I want to talk about are Tala. Tala are an amazing active wear company in so many ways. Not only is the founder and CEO an absolute girlboss called Grace Beverley, the brand is both inclusive and highly sustainable. Firstly, their products are made of 92% recycled raw materials with the aim to get this to 100% soon. The materials used to make their garments are normally materials that would have otherwise ended up in landfill and by recovering these textiles they are severely reducing the amounts of textile waste. Furthermore, some of their products are also made from recyclable plastic bottles, that are sadly not recycled, in order to remove this plastic from oceans and landfill. And if this isn’t enough they are also cutting their emissions and the amount of chemicals they use. They really are a truly sustainable brand and all of their garments are affordable and very high quality so its a win, win, win!

REFORMATION

This is definitely a brand that is on the more pricey side, but for the quality of their dresses it is worth it and it is perfect for when you want to treat yourself to something a bit more special. At reformation they’re all about minimising: water, waste, energy but definitely not quality. Their first achievement is that the company has been carbon neutral since 2015, this means that for 5 years now they have achieved net-zero carbon emissions. I don’t know about you but I think that’s pretty impressive! They also have amazing little sustainable touches throughout their stores such as recycled paper hangers and reusable tote bags because, as it says on their website, they not only lighten the load of plastic in landfill, they’re also way cuter! If this isn’t enough they aim to buy fabrics locally if they can while also making sure there’s no unfair labour in their factories. Reformation is an amazing allrounder that ensures sustainability, safety and quality are at the core of everything they do.

EVERLANE

Everlane is similar to brands such as H&M, they have lovely, high quality basics that are essential is everyones wardrobe. But more importantly, they are trying to make big environmental differences. Their first move to a more sustainable future was stopping the production of new plastic and they hoped to use completely recycled plastic by 2021. So far, 75% of their shoes, garments and packaging are made for recycled plastics such as water bottles and fishing nets. But plastic is not the only material they are trying to eliminate. They try and use the most sustainable materials from farm to factory. Their denim comes from a factory that recycles 98% of their water, their wool and cashmere comes from repurposed old sweaters and their leather comes from a Gold certified factory that uses considerably less water, electricity and CO2. This means that all of their garments are at least partially sustainable with the aim to be fully sustainable soon. It is worth investing in these amazing pieces as they’re very high quality and very sustainable.

LUCY AND YAK

This is a special brand. Even though their clothes may not be for everyone, they have some amazing pieces. If you want a new pair of dungarees, you really shouldn’t look anywhere else. This is because they are super affordable and some of the most sustainable dungarees out there. Firstly, all of their cotton, hemp and linen must be certified as organic in order to know exactly where their materials are coming from. Secondly, they limit the amount of elastane in their products by only adding it to a garment if it is absolutely necessary. This limits the amount of man-made fibres in their clothing and for any man-made fibres they do have to use they ensure that they are properly recycled. Therefore, you can be assured that your dungarees are made sustainably and transparently and at a bargain price. I highly recommend checking out this brand.

LEVI’S

To make jeans requires more water than any other clothing item. On average one pair of jeans requires 2000 gallons of water to make! The part of the manufacturing process that uses the most water is the finishing process, which gives your jeans that worn and broken-in look that Levi’s is known for. In 2011 Levi’s introduced a campaign called ‘Levi’s water<less’ in which they seriously decrease the amount of water used in the finishing process. This has been super successful so far and Levi’s have saved 3.5 billion litres of water from the finishing process! (That’s enough to fill 12 olympic swimming pools). And if that isn’t enough, they have also recycled 5 billion litres of water (you do the maths). Considering the difficulty around making the same quality jeans with way less water, I think Levi’s are doing a killer job and they’re not stopping there. By 2021 at least 80% of their jeans will be finished using ‘water<less’ techniques. So in just 10 years they’ll have switched the finishing process of a large majority of their jeans to a much more sustainable version and I’m sure in the next few years that will become 100%.

So there you have it, 5 amazing, affordable and sustainable brands that are doing everything right. I tried to find brands that sell a variety of types of clothes so you could easily buy anything you need from a sustainable brand. But, not all your clothes need to be sustainable straight away, don’t feel the pressure to buy a whole new, sustainable wardrobe right now but in the future maybe be a bit more mindful of where you shop and buy sustainable where you can.

Enjoy,

Mollie x

Fast fashion and the environment

Fast fashion has become a common phrase throughout both the industry and society as a whole. But the meaning may not be entirely clear. “Fast fashion” is a term used by fashion retailers to describe inexpensive designs that move quickly from the catwalk to stores to meet new trends. As a result of this trend, the tradition of introducing new fashion lines on a seasonal basis is being challenged. Today, it is not uncommon for fast-fashion retailers to introduce new products multiple times in a single week to stay on-trend. INVESTOPEDIA.

Typically, the fashion industry operates by seasons: autumn (fall), winter, spring and summer. There are two fashion months a year that showcase the trends months before the season they are for. For example, September fashion month will showcase the trends for spring/summer the following year. However, production has drastically increased in recent years which now means that some high street stores are producing new pieces every week in order to keep up with the demand for certain trends; and this is where the problem lies. Some of the worst offenders are the newer, online retailers such as Missguided; who, at the time of writing this, have 2233 items listed under their ‘New In’ section. The mass production of throwaway high street trend replications causes hugely damaging effects to many things, but especially the environment.

How does fast fashion impact the environment?

The first thing I want to bring attention to is the immense size of the fashion industry. On average, the world buys 80 billion items of clothing a year. The fashion industry has a 5.5% annual growth and it estimated to be worth $2.4 trillion, according to the Global Fashion Index. This illustrates the scale of production and waste that leads to the detrimental environmental effects.

A huge consequence of the fast fashion industry is waste. Due to the inexpensive nature of the garments produced, they are seen as throwaway clothing. You buy a dress for a night out, wear it once and throw it away. Or the lack of quality the garments possess means they don’t last and have to be thrown away after a few wears due to holes in the material or stitching undoing. This leads to 2625 kilograms of clothing being burned or landfilled every second! That is enough to fill 1.5 Empire State Buildings EVERY DAY!

However, the most damaging effect is the amount of greenhouse emissions the fashion industry produces. The industry produces these gases from the production and transportation of the billions of garments made every year. The fashion industry is the second biggest polluter in the world, after the oil companies. In fact, the industry produces 5% of the greenhouse gas emissions, that’s equivalent to the entire worldwide aviation industry. The manufacturing process of making these cheaper clothes leads to the production of nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas that is 300 times stronger than carbon dioxide and this is what makes the fashion industry the second biggest polluter.

What does this mean I should do?

I am by no means telling you to never shop again. Fashion is such a key aspect of our society and people’s sense of self. The industry is responsible for so many jobs and many people’s livelihoods. So, all I ask of you is that you are more conscious with your shopping: only buy pieces that you will wear over and over; try and shop from sustainable or more conscious brands (there is a blog post on this coming); donate or sell old clothes rather than throwing them away; and do try and reduce the amount of clothing you buy. I know this is easier said than done but small steps in the right direction will make a lot of difference.

A final, and maybe the most effective, way you can help is to raise awareness. Tell your friends, write blog posts, go to climate strikes, just spread the word. The fashion giants themselves need to change their ways and we have the power to put pressure on them to do so. Some companies are definitely taking steps in the right direction, for example H&M’s conscious collection and Zara’s paper packaging. But there is still a long way to go and we need your help to get there.

Enjoy fashion but also enjoy your planet

Mollie x

7 ways to style a blazer

Blazers have to be up there with one of the most versatile items of clothing. They go with EVERYTHING. In this blog post I am going to talk through 7 different ways you can style a blazer for all seasons and all occasions. There seems to be a bit of fear around wearing blazers as they tend to be associated with very formal, office environments but that couldn’t be further from the truth! There are so many different styles of blazers and so many different ways to wear them, they go well over tracksuits but also look insane over a lacy bodysuit for a night out. So hopefully this post will help alleviate some of your blazer related fear or give you new and exciting ways to style your blazer.

Before I get into the looks I’m going to talk through some of my favourite blazers. I think a black blazer is a really good place to start, one with nice shoulder pads but without being too structured. This allows for a very versatile blazer because the more relaxed fit allows you to wear it with casual daytime outfits but because its black it also works for more fancy, even outfits. However, if you want to keep your opinions open even more I would also go for a neutral coloured one, for example camel, brown or cream. These are perfect daytime colours so these blazers can get away with being a little more structured and still work perfectly with casual outfits.

OUTFIT ONE: Jeans and a Hoodie

This is my go to outfit when I want to wear a blazer. It’s a great everyday look because its simple and comfy (depending on your choice of jeans) but still looks chic and pulled together. You can go for any style of jeans, I tend to wear straight leg or mom but skinny works super well too!

OUTFIT TWO: The Matching Pantsuit

If you want to make a bit more of a statement, this is the one for you. Pantsuits are so underrated in my opinion. Much like the blazer I feel like there is a fear surrounding them because they’re too fancy for everyday… but not if you style them right! A simple t-shirt underneath or cropped sweatshirt and trainers is a great way to make these less work-a-day and more everyday.

OUTFIT THREE: Over a Knitted Jumper

A winter staple. Grab your favourite turtleneck jumper and pair of jeans, throw on a blazer and, I promise you, you’ve got a whole new outfit! Again, simple but so effective and nice and warm for the autumn/winter months.

OUTFIT FOUR: Cute Top and Satin Skirt

This is the perfect spring/summer outfit. It is definitely more formal than some of the other options but that doesn’t mean it’s too formal for everyday. It would be perfect for meetings or some offices. It is comfortable while still being very chic and the combination of materials makes it a statement outfit without it being too loud.

OUTFIT 5: A Tracksuit

This is a great way to dress up something extremely causal. Tracksuits, for most people, are something only to be worn at home. But I think they’re so much more and a blazer is a great way to dress it up and make it look more put together for the outside world. In autumn I would definitely wear this out for some high street shopping or even to met a friend for coffee. Tracksuits aren’t just for comfort!

OUTFIT 6: Denim Shorts and a Bodysuit

Another lush outfit for summer, especially in the UK when it always is a bit chilly. This is a lovely minimalist look and its so effortless and flattering. A nice high neck bodysuit or top tucked in to your favourite denim shorts, throw on a blazer and your favourite trainers or boots and you’re good to go. And obviously this wouldn’t really be a blog post from me without the appearance of Hailey Bieber, the inspiration behind this look.

OUTFIT 7: Black Jeans and a Lace Bodysuit

And finally, the perfect night out outfit. This look combines a pretty, sexy bodysuit with a smart, structured blazer giving the night out look to top all others. Whether it’s for drinks with the girls or someone’s birthday dinner. This look covers all bases and allows you to look sexy and sophisticated all in one.

So there you go, 7 easy to style blazer outfits for every occasion. A blazer is nothing to be afraid of, they are versatile, chic pieces that everyone needs in their wardrobe.

Enjoy, Mollie x

Style icon: Hailey Bieber

This post is going to kick off the first series on my blog: my style icons. In this series I’m going to talk about all the gals that inspire and shape my own style and, trust me, there are a few! There are definitely similarities in their styles but I think they each bring something a little different and they inspire me in different ways. I want to start off with none other than fashion queen Hailey Bieber. She is stunning in so many ways and has seriously slayed some outfits. Well, to be honest, I think she slays all her outfits.

Hailey’s everyday style is actually pretty causal. She is often pictured in sweatpants (or joggers as we UK peeps say) or oversized blue jeans. I can really relate to this, I spend my days in jeans and the second I get home I change into my joggers, so you can start to she why I love her fashion. The word I would use to describe most of Hailey’s clothes are oversized, but not too oversized. She tends to go baggy on the bottom and tight on the top (or vice versa). In most of the pictures I’ve seen this normally consists of oversized jeans (or some sort of trouser) with a cute little crop top and finished with a blazer.

These looks are really easy to recreate and look super stylish but in an effortless kind of way, my favourite kind. Even though in these pictures she’s paired some of the looks with heels, I totally understand that’s not for everyone (I am one of those people), you can easily swap them out for some trainers, flat sandals or a loafer and you’ll still achieve the same chic look.

Since it does seem to be getting warmer (even in the UK – I know, I’m just as shocked as you) you probably don’t want to be wearing jeans all the time but don’t worry Hailey has the answer… denim shorts! The perfect summer staple. They achieve the same chic, casual look while keeping you cool and allowing you to get that tan. Hailey tends to style her denim shorts in a similar way to her jeans most of the time by throwing a cute little vest top or cropped t-shirt but there are also some amazing outfits that are a bit different that I love and recreate all the time.

These pictures are of some of my favourite summer outfits from Hailey, simple but so effective. Oversized pieces are still playing a big part but instead of jeans it is now in the form of shirts, t-shirts or jackets. These pieces allow for a super causal look and most of you will probably have pieces like this in your wardrobe so they’re really easy to recreate.

So to finish off this blog post here are the 5 key features of Hailey Bieber’s fashion that inspire my own:

1. Less is more! A mainly neutral colour palette with the occasional pop of colour is a great way to achieve the chic, effortless look.

2. Oversized clothing is good but don’t go too oversized, make sure you follow the rule of oversized on the bottom, tight on the top (or vice versa).

3. Never underestimate the statement a trainer can make. A clean, flat pair of white trainers can completely pull together a look and Hailey definitely shows us that.

4. Blazers aren’t just for work! You can style a blazer is so many ways, it can make joggers and a hoodie look smart and high end, it can add an extra statement to your jeans or can be worn as part of an amazing pantsuit. Don’t be afraid of blazers, the styling potential is endless.

5. Accessories are so important. An outfit can be completely transformed by a bag and a pair of chunky gold hoops. These are worth investing a little more money into (but you definitely don’t have to, there are amazing high street dupes) as they really take your outfit to another level. Plus, if you don’t like wearing colour in your clothing, this can be a great way to bring in a pop of colour and make things a little more interesting.

So there you have it, how I use Hailey’s stunning style and incorporate it into my own outfits. Hopefully, this will help you do the same and we can all look super chic and effortless together.

Enjoy, Mollie x

SS20: 5 key pieces

SS20 is finally upon us. The weather is getting warmer and the days are getting longer and its time to transition to your spring summer wardrobe! So here are a few pieces that are versatile and (especially in the UK) can be worn on sunny spring days and hot summer ones.

POPLIN SHIRT

So far this season, this is one of my favourite trend pieces. But despite it being a trend piece, it is also a classic that will last in your wardrobe for years, it’s a Parisian staple. You can wear it with blue or black jeans in the spring and some cute loafers. Or some denim or cycling shorts as it warms up. I prefer a plain white one but many people are also killing pastel coloured ones or even striped ones so there’s something for everyone!

Women's Topshop Millie Double Breasted Blazer, Size 8 US (fits like 6-8) - Black — ASOS fine knit cardigan

CARDIGANS

These may seem like more a winter staple but they are definitely a key piece for spring/summer as well. They come in some many forms, cropped or oversized, knitted or made of yarn, thick or thin. Cardigans are for every season. You can wear them with shorts and a crop top or on their own, as a top. They also work really well as an extra layer for summer evenings when the sun goes down.

BIKER BOOTS

ASOS Anya Hardware Lace Up Boots — ASOS biker boots with buckle

This one comes straight out of Vogue! This style of boots was all over the runway and now they’re all over EVERYWHERE. You can buy real leather, vegan leather or faux leather so there’s something for all lifestyles and all price points. They give a very cool and put together yet effortless look when paired with a pair of denim shorts or a cute little summer dress for a nice mix of styles. Also, you can’t get through festival season without them.

Carousel Image 0 — MOTEL Galaca mini dress

THE PERFECT SUMMER DRESS

My mum always says that you can spend a little more money on a nice dress because it’s a whole outfit and summer is definitely a good time to invest in a good dress. There are so many different options to find your perfect summer dress: maxi, mini, body con, split dress or even a denim one. A big trend this season is floral and there are so many gorgeous floral dresses out there but there are definitely ways you can wear floral in a more understated way if you’re going for that minimalist chic.

MOM JEANS

A wardrobe without mom jeans is incomplete, in my opinion. I actually only added a pair to my closest a few weeks ago. There were some outfits, especially summer ones, that just didn’t quite go with the jeans I had and it turns out all I was missing was a pair of mom jeans. Now I am seriously having to restrain myself from buying them in all colours! Mine are from Zara but Topshop do amazing mom jeans as well. I promise you, once you start wearing them, you’ll never go back!

So there you have it, my 5 summer staples! These pieces will give you a really good basis to build an amazing summer wardrobe and keep you on trend. But they are also pieces worth investing in because they will never go out of style and will keep in your wardrobe season after season.

Enjoy, Mollie x

More about me

After years of debating it, I’ve finally found the courage to start a blog. I’ve been obsessed with two things for as long as I can remember: fashion and New York. And it’s just a huge coincidence that the two go hand in hand and The Manhattan Minimalist was born. So without further ado, welcome to my passion that is everything fashion. Bags, shoes, especially coats and everything in between!

I am currently at The University of Bristol, studying something completely unrelated to fashion… philosophy. But since being in Bristol, with the big fashion culture that it has, I have realised that fashion is my true calling.

The aim of this blog is to discuss anything and everything that is related to fashion. From what I love and hate, to the latest fashion shows, the biggest trends and how to style them. I want to share it all and if anyone reads it, then that’s just a bonus.

So (hopefully) this can be your helpful and simple guide to the crazy fashion world and how to always look classy and fabulous. Enjoy x