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Festival and vacation season is upon us, and as such, I’ve been eyeing up all the S’s: swimsuits, shorts and stripes. As the end of the month approaches, I’ve dug back into my saved folders and wish lists for another edition of payday picks.
I’m known to be quite an impulsive shopper, so not only is this new monthly series designed to give you some inspiration this payday, it’s secretly to stop me splurging left, right and centre every month, too. My new rule is that anything I see and want to buy throughout the month goes on the payday picks list. Then, on payday, I can pick 2-3 things to buy. Generally if I still can’t stop thinking about it and it’s available in my size, then I’m allowed to treat myself. Bonus points if it’s on sale or I can blag a discount code from somewhere.
From June’s edit, I ended up buying the pink and green striped skirt from ASOS when it finally came back in stock in my size, as well as a pair of the Adidas SL 72s. I’m still very much considering the Damson Madder trench and leopard print cap from River Island, though.
This month’s edit is a mixture of holiday shopping inspiration, festival fits and wardrobe essentials, too. From the trending shoe of 2024 to the ultimate Brat girl summer dress – here’s everything I’ve added to my payday picks this July:
A pair of leopard print shorts
By looking at my Instagram, you might assume I’ve got something leopard print of everything, and while I do have plenty of the pieces in my wardrobe – including dresses, skirts, gilets to name but a few – I’m yet to acquire a pair of shorts. I had to throw out every pair of shorts I owned a couple of years ago because not a single pair fit me. I do now have a trusty black pair from H&M, but I definitely want to inject a little more fun into my summer holiday outfits with a patterned pair. Leopard print is my comfort print, so to me, it’s as essential as having a plain white tee, and I’ve found a couple of pairs online that would fit the bill, including, of course, these Damson Madder pull on shorts for £50. Albaray also had a gorgeous pair for £49, though these are almost sold out, while ASOS has a more affordable ‘flippy’ pair that come in at £16.
Hunza G Square Neck Swimsuit
It never fails to amaze me how Hunza G swimsuits come in one size only – it really does feel like a form of fashion wizardry that they’ll fit anyone between a size 6-16. I’ve bought countless swimwear sets and one-pieces from fast fashion brands in the past, and none of them seem to last longer than one summer. For all of the cossies and kini’s I’ve bought in the last five years, I probably could have already invested in one of their 80s-inspired pieces. Maybe this year will be the year. I’m just torn on colour – do we go classic black, Baywatch red, or something even more fun like a pink or lime?
H&M Black ballet flats
I really didn’t think I’d be sold on the ballet flats trend, but the more I see my favourite influencers wearing them with outfits not too dissimilar to ones in my own wardrobe, the more I want a pair. Except, I’m being a little picky. I really want a fabric pair over leather or mesh, because they feel a little more timeless. I’d been struggling to find a pair that ticked all my boxes, from the placement of the strap, to the shape of the toe and finish to the fabric. That was until I spotted this incredibly affordable pair on the H&M website. Priced at £18.99, they’re so much nicer than some of the other pairs I’d been eyeing up. A few others I liked include the Friends Like These square toe Mary Janes at Next for £25, a pair of Penelope pointed covered buckle Mary Jane ballet pumps at Dorothy Perkins and an elasticated strap flat suede look pair at New Look, though these were only available in a wide fit. I won’t lie to you – I’ve already ordered the H&M pair.
M&S Striped Column Dress
I did not have my name down for the Brat girl summer aesthetic, but this Striped Round Neck Midi Column Dress has me in a chokehold. I saw a girl wearing it in Manchester a few weeks back and I’ve been coveting it ever since. Green isn’t a colour I naturally gravitate towards, but the way I haven’t stopped thinking about this dress makes me think it really needs to find its way into my wardrobe. The only problem is that it’s been out of stock in my size since I saw it. I’ve got my email notifications switched on, though and I’m manifesting it’ll be back before my late summer getaway. I’m just so obsessed with the cut and how it skims the body for a really flattering look. It’ll also work year-round too styled under chunky knits for AW24 as the Charlie XCX effect will no doubt bleed into the cooler months.
Asos denim tie front top
Another piece that’s been on my watch list for weeks, but goes out of stock faster than a bag of Milkybar buttons from my fridge is this striped tie front top from ASOS. Priced at £34, it’s definitely giving Ganni/Damson Madder vibes and I think it’ll be perfect for styling with the aforementioned leopard print shorts or long white billowy skirts. There’s a bit of a running theme with this month’s edit in that almost all of the items on my payday picks happen to have been spotted either on Instagram or IRL. Faye Ellaby styled this top a few times in recent weeks and every time I see it, it only makes me want it even more. Definitely think it’ll carry into autumn layered on top of long sleeve tops, as well. I’d love to get this in time for Tramlines festival, though.
Cara and The Sky Rhiannon Jumper
Knitwear for summer may feel controversial but, have you seen the weather this July? I’ve loved Cara and The Sky for the longest time and have recruited a small army of colourful knits from the dreamy indie business. I’ve got a number of their jumper dresses and cardigans, but was looking to add a jumper to my collection and after Lily Pebbles near single-handedly sold out the Rhiannon Jumper, well, it cemented my decision on which of their designs I wanted to snap up next. Coming in a vibrant pink and green colourway, it reminds me of a Twister lolly, giving me all the summer vibes. Styled with a satin slip skirt, this is a really elevated and premium piece that I know I’d be pulling out of the wardrobe time and again.
Ghospell Ender Midi Dress
Another unexpected trend making a 2024 resurgence is the drop waist, and I thought I’d be mad about it but I’m really not. This Ender Midi Dress from Ghospell feels like such a great occasionwear pick for a wedding or summer event. It’s so elegant yet retains a laid back and effortless feel. I always find shirred bodices to be super flattering – not to mention comfortable – with the gathered skirt making it that bit more interesting, too. Sky blue is a colour I’ve been seeing everywhere this year – perhaps in response to last year’s Barbie pink movement – but I’m so here for it. It just feels really fresh and summery – perfect for sunny days and beachside adventures.
M&S Faux Leather Bomber Jacket
It feels criminal to be thinking of buying a coat in July – it’s like admitting summer is already over before it’s even really begun. That said, I anticipate this M&S Faux Leather Bomber Jacket is going to sell out quite quickly as soon as people catch on that the retailer has started drip feeding some AW24 picks (including some lovely chelsea boots, too). What I love about this jacket in particular is its aged, lived-in feel which almost looks a bit vintage. It’s in a regular fit meaning it won’t look too oversized, but I feel like it’ll be perfect for throwing over summer evening looks to give them a bit of a cool-girl edge before becoming a complete AW staple. At £59, it’s reasonably priced, but I do fear I may have to list some of my existing coat collection on Vinted before I buy it…
Raffia Bag
Last but by no means least, a raffia bag is on my radar – I’ve just not found ‘the one’. I quite like this Beige Raffia Clutch Bag at River Island – as seen on Frankie Bridge’s Instagram. But I think I’m looking for something a little more relaxed than this. Of course there’s M&S’s Straw Tote Bag that could give Loewe a run for their money, but I don’t know if I want to be tied down to the leather detailing. For example, if I opt for the tan colourway, I’ll only be able to wear tan sandals with it. This Natural fibre shoulder bag at Mango is certainly a contender, but it’s £49.99 and I’m not sure I’m prepared to pay that much for a not-everyday bag. If you have any suggestions, I’ll gratefully receive them.
