There are hundreds of thousands of influencers in the social ether, but there are only a handful who we religiously stalk in order to virtually steal the clothes off their backs. Our primary target is Monikh—the London-based styling and shopping guru who seeks out the very coolest buys from every corner of the retail world. From her inspiring tips on rewearing her well-chosen investment items to hunting down the coolest 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…
I’m sure I’m not the only one struggling in this heat right. Not that I’m complaining or anything, summer is finally here and I’m over the moon about it! But wow it has been hot this week! So to help get you through the next month or so of heat, I’ve put together an edit of 20 melt-proof staples that will have you looking chic no matter how strong that sun is.
This month, I’ve assembled the ultimate summer capsule with everything from easy throw-on dresses to sunglasses to won’t budge makeup. As ever, I’ve been careful to find wise investments from luxury brands and from high street labels like & Other Stories, COS and Mango.
This is so chic! Keep it super minimal. Basic hair and makeup, flat flip-flops and an oversized basket bag.
The other day I actually went out for dinner! Yes, I was out (kind of). I really struggled to find a fancy bag for a nighttime look but still casual enough to keep that laid-back vibe. I needed this.
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Team with a crop top, T-shirt or oversized shirt.
I love the minimal vibe, love the fabric and love that it’s made to order. Mine is being made right now, and I cannot wait to get my hands on it!
Thinking about upgrading your mini fan? Say hello to Ferns Fans.
There’s nothing worse than piling more makeup on in this hot weather, especially when you took so long getting that natural look. So when your skin starts shinning in a bad way, grab one of these blot sheets to absorb that extra oil. Much better than adding more powder.
I love the neutral tones because they will go with everything.
We all need a white, puff-sleeved dress in our wardrobes.
Very. Chic.
A put-together everyday bag.
No idea what to wear? Put this on.
Okay, I can’t lie, my little sister got to this dress first. But there’s nothing wrong with a little twinning, plus that blue hue is just so cooling.
I adore the simplicity.
This open-collar shirt will double up as a light jacket when you’re in the shade.
Remember, lots of linen!
I constantly talk about this product, but it’s so useful. Dab on eyelids, cheeks and lips.
This style was big news for Zara circa 2017. It was the start of that laid-back boho vibe that took over the high street. Oversize and embroidered, it was the dress to be seen in, whatever the occasion. I managed to get my hands on it in two colourways while on holiday in Palma. While they still sit proudly in my wardrobe, where they’ll stay till post-pregnancy (I knew I should have gone oversize!), I couldn’t help but jump on Zara’s remake of the very same dress.
I’ve been thinking more about accessories this season, and I think the statement bangle might be the one for me.
So. Very. Chic.
Colourful, maxi, crocheted—what a dream dress.
What a colour! Wear with a printed tee and white trainers.
The ultimate Carrie cocktails vibe, especially when teamed with these below…
Very chic.
Yes, I’m a little crochet obsessed this season.
I put a pair of clog-style wedges in my column recently, and they sold so quickly! It seems you guys really are into the style this summer, and I don’t blame you. Giving you height and all those sassy vibes, without the wobbly legs.
Have you seen Massimo Dutti’s latest campaign? Everything is just so chic! Grab this oversize shirt to wear with midi dresses and flip-flops.
Wear with a big bag and even bigger sunnies.
Can you be a realist and an optimist? Well anyway, we live in the UK, so it’s best to take a jacket out with you just in case.
On Monikh: Ghost Leona Dress.
This colour—a slightly neon pastel peach—is one of the colours of the season.
Platform sandals are big news this summer.
This set screams fun! Get ready for those trips and sleepovers.
A throw-on dress which can be the base of 1000 looks. Team with beaded jewels and wedges for a garden party, or keep it chilled with Superga trainers and a basket bag for a trip to town.
Not ready for heels but need a little lift for all those outdoor plans you’ve made? Look no further than Castañer. These wedges are the most comfortable out there.
This is your staple piece. Wear it with jeans, skirts, dresses—it goes with it all!
I have been looking all over the place for a chic pair of yellow sunglasses, and these from Taylor Morris do the job without being over the top.
After a year of squeezing all my belongings into the pockets of my puffer jacket, it’s time to get back to reality and grab something big enough for a full day and night of essentials.
My Prada linen skirt is one of the most-worn pieces in my wardrobe. It goes with absolutely everything and looks totally effortless. You can get the same vibe with this Zara number. You maybe should just go up a size or two and take in the waist if you’re handy with the sewing machine so the shape is a little more relaxed around the thighs and legs.
I love a Rixo mask! Well if you have to wear one, why not make it a full-on accessory?
Everyone needs that one top to throw on when they’re trying to look put-together but casual for the pub.
This dress is a completely seasonless staple. I bought it in black maybe three or four years ago, and I’ve been wearing it non-stop ever since!
Monikh wears a La DoubleJ dress and Loewe basket bag.
Ticking all my spring needs: long-sleeved, ankle-skimming (I’ll take it up), floaty but still structured, and floral. This black-based dress is the ultimate pre-summer beauty.
Every summer, I get so many questions about Loewe basket bags—if they’re worth it and if they’re going to stay in fashion. My answer to both is yes. They’ve been knocking around for a few years now, coming out each year in the same style plus a new shape or colour variation. I think the key to their success is the simplicity of the design. This season, I’ve invested in last year’s newbie, the Shell, and I’ve already taken her out for numerous walks.
Ready for BBQ season.
Yellow is big this season, and I love how uplifting this sunshine tone is.
Spring/summer 2021 is all about big, bold and colourful jewellery. Start your new statement collection with these precious pieces from Zara.
So effortless. Wear this with the Zara clogs and colourful jewels, the Loewe basket bag and last month’s khaki jacket.
For those going back to work, this on top of your spring floral dress is instantly office friendly.
That cornflower blue is just everything.
Brighten up your room with sage covers, which are surprisingly uplifting.
I’m starting my micro-needling journey this week, and I can’t wait.
I’ve had my eye on these minimal sandals for so long now! So you can imagine how happy I was to see them restocked this month. Fancier than your average flip-flops, these will carry you through those slightly dressier occasions this summer.
Monikh wears a dress by Faithfull the Brand.
I’ve had my eye on this jacket for a few years now (it’s one of the brand’s staples pieces), and this year, I decided to finally put away my tired high-street companion and go for it. By purchasing a high-street version of something the first time round, it’s a great way to see how much you love the style and just how many times you will actually wear it. After years of grabbing that oversize khaki jacket to wear over almost everything throughout spring and summer, I knew it was time. This Totême Army Jacket is oversize yet structured, perfect for pairing with satin dresses and skirts for summer evenings. Right now, I’ll be teaming it with a white poplin top and baggy jeans.
I’m migrating to all things green this month—it just feels fresh!
The boho vibe was a big theme for the S/S 21 runways, and it’s one trend I can’t wait to dive into. I’m always a huge fan of ’70s styling, and this new take on the style is even more relaxed. Think scarf prints with long, fluid layers and nothing tight, lots of fringing, crochet and, of course, embellished accessories. Heaven!
I think it’s going to be a while before I go back to fitted trousers or jeans after almost a year of joggers. So I’m going to start with these loose L.A.-style jeans with rips. Yes, I once said I would never go back, but I should have known better. These are the denim style of summer 2021.
A piece to invest in now and wear a thousand times during the summer. Team now with an oversize cropped jumper. Roll up the hem and add pumps.
Add a little fun to February with these initial scarfs. Use as a face mask, hair tie or bag accessory. The options are endless!
I’ve found the perfect poplin top for those baggy jeans.
I’ve wanted to try a green polish for ages, and this just might be the perfect time.
Cleverly build up your boho wardrobe with accessories first. It’s a great way to try out the trend without fully committing.
I love a thin gold anklet, one so delicate people might not even notice it at first. Now that I’ve firmly turned my back on winter style, including my big chunky boots, I can finally wrap last year’s fave around my ankle. I would always recommend investing in a slightly more durable material, like this gold-plated style, so that you don’t have to take it off between washing.
Black is always relevant, no matter the season. Grab this beauty to wear with sandals and that Marni bag as soon as the weather allows.
I’m sure I’m not the only one who missed their local florists during lockdown. It really is amazing how a few fresh flowers can brighten up your home and your mood. So I’ll be stocking up on a few new vases for when they reopen. Big pots like these also look great without flowers in corners of rooms on the floor.
I love the mix of colours in this top by one of my favourite little secrets. Paloma Wool is full of quirky designs to uplift the most minimalist of wardrobes.
I have been tempted for weeks to steal my boyfriend’s puffer gilet.
I’m using this month to break these in so I’m ready at the first sight of spring.
Need to get out of that tracksuit? This dress will carry you through the remaining winter months teamed with boots, and then I’d wear it with those shearling slides come spring.
Yes, leggings are making a comeback! Opt for a longer length with an open zip to create a slight flare effect.
Give your knitwear section a shake-up with this asymmetrical neckline, which makes such a statement that there’s no need for jewellery.
I have this ready and waiting for that first post lockdown outing.
The cape—this month’s number one companion for instant chicness.
Broken out over the holidays? Me, too. Grab this dream potion from Mario Badescu to dry up any potential volcanos before they erupt.
I’ve never thought of black linen sheets before, but they are strangely chic!
It’s all about the smart coat this season—crisp enough to dress up your tracksuit while running errands and classic enough to last a lifetime.
How dreamy are these hand-painted carafes? Just the perfect hit of colour needed to dress up your bedside table whilst reminding yourself to keep hydrated. Thank you, Lucy Williams, for the inspo!
Have you also got to that age where buying new towels feels just as good as buying clothes? Throw these on the radiator, light a candle, run the bath and enjoy a month of pamper nights.
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