3 Affordable New-In Pieces That I'll Wear Every Single Summer

When it comes to shopping, I live by one rule and one rule only: Whatever I buy has to be worn on repeat for many seasons and years to come. In order to fulfill this criterion, I have to fill my wardrobe with items that I truly love and feel excited by, whether it's a moth-eaten psychedelic printed dress from the '70s (yes, I have one of those, and no, I can't part with it) or a chic little find from the high street. In terms of affordable pieces that have stood the test of time in my closet, I have a few choice items from Warehouse that I continue to pull out, which has made this store one of my more trusted go-tos when it comes to affordable bits I know I'll get plenty of use out of. There's a striped, knitted jumper-and-skirt co-ord I snapped up in 2018 that has proven to be a beloved companion each autumn and looks far more premium than its reasonable price tag. I have a black-and-white gingham sundress from Warehouse that I've packed for every single holiday and worn for countless barbecues and outdoor gatherings since 2019. The same goes for a shirred white crop top. 

This spring and summer, Warehouse asked me to curate an edit of its latest drop, and I was all too happy to oblige. It gave me a chance to try a few new-in pieces on IRL (a much-missed experience in these remote times!) and to share with you some of the best items you can buy from the British brand now. A few key pieces stood out to me as the kind I would repeatedly rely on this summer and for many to come. Keep scrolling to see a handful of the best bits from Warehouse right now, and shop my full edit here.

1. BRODERIE ANGLAISE DRESS

White broderie anglaise dresses have been popular during the summer months for decades now. This big-collared beaut gives the idea some extra oomph and makes more of a statement than most out there on the high street.

I always like offsetting a sweet white dress with black accessories. This vintage belt goes with all of my midis. 

2. OVERSIZE BLUE SHIRT

Oxford shirts never really go out of fashion, but right now the vibe is to wear them big and unbuttoned. Warehouse already has this style that fits the brief. Worn casually with jeans, this is a weekend look I can get on board with.

Wide-leg jeans are back in business, and I've always been a fan. These are supposed to graze your ankle, but I'm 5'1'', so everything falls that little bit longer. I don't mind, though. It helps lengthen my legs. I'd suggest ordering up from your regular size in this particular denim style.

3. GINGHAM CHECKS

My aforementioned Warehouse gingham dress reminds me a lot of this skirt, so I gravitated toward it. The tiered cut, frill and shirred waist give it a 1950s holiday lilt, but the more modern cut-out top pulls the look into the here and now.

This is a super-comfy piece that could work just as well with a plain white tee, cosy knit or sleek bodysuit.

Shop more of my top Warehouse picks: