A summer style refresh might be on the cards as the season gets into full swing, but with many of our budgets shrinking, finding pieces that can transcend a single season is a must. We’ve tried and tested a few that will be an excellent addition to any wardrobe, regardless of the weather or the season. From warm summer showers to chilly autumn breezes, we’ve got you covered.
Helly Hansen Women’s Escape Anorak
£80
When the summer weather is a little unreliable, having a lightweight jacket on hand is the perfect solution to protect from an errant rain shower or to keep the chill off on a late summer evening. The Escape Anorak from Helly Hansen is a stylish option with a retro vibe that we’re loving this season.
Available in three colours, the quick-dry fabric features a slight stretch, making it comfortable to pull on and off, or wear all day as a light layer when the clouds keep the summer sun at bay.
The kangaroo pocket features poppers to hold it securely closed and provides ample storage for a few essentials. That said, adding a couple of hand pockets would make this just about the ideal jacket.
A great light jacket for some fabulous summer style, that will work just as well as an outer layer in spring and autumn.
Helly Hansen Men’s Belfast 2 Packable Jacket
£150
Helly Hansen has nailed packable usability with the Belfast 2 jacket. Summer showers while you’re out and about will be no problem with this lightweight, breathable option. It’s available in all navy, or black and white patterned designs, so you can style it any way you want to.
Not only is it lightweight to wear, but it’s easy to carry while you’re not wearing it. Folding down into its side pocket, which takes a little fiddling, the Belfast 2 Packable Jacket becomes a compressible fabric package that can be easily stowed in a backpack or your holiday luggage without taking up acres of space.
A perfect summer option, keeping you on the move, whatever the weather.
Flower Mountain Trainers
Washi: £200
Flower Mountain has been designing trainers inspired by nature since 2015 and launched in the UK this Spring. With Japanese craftsmanship and modern design at its core, the brand seamlessly blends urban style and function, adding plenty of colour and texture to the mix.
While there are designs aimed specifically at men or women in the range, many are unisex. We love this approach – after all, feet are feet, right?
We trekked around Italy in Washi, a design from the Lifestyle range and found them extremely comfortable from the get-go. The eye-catching, colourful, playful design had several friends asking about them, which is a first for me.
The toothed tread provided a slight extra grip, and the antibacterial insole was nicely padded, keeping my feet feeling comfortable throughout the day.
An individual look, with some lovely designs that stand out, as well as some that blend in, too.
Rewind half zip sweatshirt
£55
White Stuff has been creating activity-led clothing since its inception in 1985. This year, to celebrate its 40th anniversary, the brand released its Rewind 85 range, full of retro style that harks back to its foundations.
With half-zip sweatshirts and graphic tees in various styles and colourways, Janes and Joes can rock the retro look, whether they’re changing out of a wetsuit in a windy car park, sitting around the campfire, or just loving the style.
Our half-zip sweatshirt, made from 100% cotton and designed to be oversized, is the perfect nod to the ski and surf designs that underpin the brand. The quality of the fabrics is excellent, so it’ll be a year-round staple for seasons to come.
JAK SO1 Vegan Trainers
£225
Lisbon-based footwear brand JAK is taking sustainability to a new level with the release of a vegan version of its best-selling silhouette. JAK’s first vegan sneakers in the range have been crafted from AppleSkin leather, created using apple cores and peel together with natural cotton.
The AppleSkin leather, combined with microfibre linings, recycled rubber midsoles and soles, and finished with natural cotton laces, results in a sneaker that is 30% lighter than the non-vegan alternative, but is gentler on the planet and animals alike, without compromising on style or quality.
The style is available in a wide range of sizes, making it accessible for both Janes and Joes who want kinder sneakers this summer.
Each pair comes with a cotton transport and storage bag, so they will keep looking pristine for longer. At first glance, as you take them out of the box, they look rather narrow, but the good news is they actually aren’t. Once on your feet, they’re supple and comfortable, and add a touch of class to your wardrobe.
