The forever fashion buys for summer and beyond

Is there anything more retro than the suggestion that each new season demands a shiny new look to go with it? Fashion’s inner circle has long got over the idea that newness equates to style success. Looks that stand the test of time – and clothes which come loaded with longevity – are now the holy grail for designers and style enthusiasts alike.

While many of us once jumped for joy at the prospect of a new-fangled trend, these days it’s the clothes which have been truly future proofed that appeal most. And with more and more brands waking up to the idea that true beauty lies in that which is built to last, this has never been easier.

So-called slow fashion does not have to be dull fashion. Take a good floral dress, for instance. It’s a wardrobe staple that’s as functional as any navy blue sweater, particularly when chosen well. The most enduring floral frocks have a retro, vintage-inspired feel with ditzy prints and a silhouette close to the classic tea dress. Where possible, seek out mid or long-length styles and opt for a silhouette that gives you room to breathe – especially in the full heat of summer.

Whatever the weather, whatever the season – the definition of effortless style is a white or pale blue shirt nonchalantly tucked into a pair of jeans. Choose a shirt of high-quality organic cotton in a fabric that feels pleasing to the touch and you’ll never look back.

If you have enough of these two colours in your wardrobe, go for a similar shape in a bolder colour or pattern (AND/OR have a great selection), and pair with simple jeans. 

Don’t forgo jeans altogether just because it’s summer. Organic cotton in light colours is the perfect way to keep denim in your summer wardrobe and, as the days heat up, go for wide- or loose-leg silhouettes that won’t suffocate you. Brands such as AND/OR are leaders where protecting the planet is concerned, using organic cotton and low-impact practices to create some of the best-looking denim styles on the market. 

High summer shoes should be anything but throwaway, so focus on finding yourself a sandal that you’ll be desperate to slip your feet into for years to come. For durability, comfort and long-lasting appeal, something with a sturdy sole is essential. Birkenstock enthusiasts look to the German label for playful colour choices and future classics such as the Tulum. A stark white sandal – see Kin’s leather cross slingback – is the summer equivalent of the white trainer.

The workwear jacket can be everything to every outfit. One part 1950s beatnik and another part contemporary city dweller, this jacket’s strength is its simplicity. To find one that’s right for you, ignore anything fussy or with unnecessary trims and instead focus on super-soft fabrics and a great fit. Denim is a failsafe option that will age beautifully.