Shopping Guides
Apr 25, 2022

I Just Made the Ultimate May Capsule With These 13 Chic Items

by Avalon Afriyie

may shopping guide:

Photo:

Avalon for Who What Wear

It’s that in-between time of year again when it’s neither hot nor cold, but every ray of sun inspires creative styling. It’s an inspirational season. The blooms are burgeoning in their cotton-candy pinks, and colours are emerging in every shop window. The comfortable settling of seasons means we can now experiment with our outfit choices and show off the fanciful outfits that have been hidden in storage boxes for months on end. The mere sight of sunshine is excuse enough to dress up.

My spring fashion switchover is well and truly underway, and I’m welcoming some of my most-loved pieces back into my wardrobe. I’m assessing my current collection, reintroducing older pieces and considering which items are lacking or need to be re-homed.

We can finally pack away heavier coats for next autumn and embrace trenches, light knitwear, and billowy long-sleeved dresses. Swapping a coat for a cardigan, blazer or jacket can make all the difference. My taste tends to gravitate towards neutrals, so the colour trend I’m most enamoured with is chocolate brown. However, I can’t help but be taken by the sage-green colour of the season. It looks amazing on all skin types and also pairs wonderfully with the bountiful tan accessories on offer. There are also a lot of lilac and asymmetric silhouettes at every corner, which will be great for holidays.

Boilersuits are having a resurgence, too. The all-in-one is as much about comfort as it is about looking pulled together and uniform. Furthermore, I’m enjoying co-ords, either worn in unison or mixed and matched with other items. Can you tell I’m feeling inspired? These picks are all high on my wish list for May. As always, material and quality are factors I highly prioritise, as are classic shapes I know I’ll wear for years to come. Keep scrolling for the items I have in my May capsule.

Ninety Percent Gaia Ribbed-Knit Top

Gaia Ribbed-Knit Top

Click for the surprise feature at the back.

Ninety Percent Rib-Knit Side-Slit Skirt

Rib-Knit Side-Slit Skirt

An effortless ribbed co-ord in chocolate brown.

Matteau Belted Tiered Organic Cotton and Mulberry Silk-Blend Maxi Dress

Belted Tiered Organic Cotton and Mulberry Silk-Blend Maxi Dress

This tiered beauty is one to watch. Matteau does spring pieces so well.

Reformation Lindy Organic Cotton Crop Top

Lindy Organic Cotton Crop Top

The elevated basic has a place in every fashion person’s wardrobe. Wear this with very high-waisted jeans.

Mango Striped Cotton T-Shirt

Striped Cotton T-Shirt

A trench and ballet flats complete this look.

The Slow Label Muslin Wrap Blouse

Muslin Wrap Blouse

I’ve had my eye on this for a year, and it’s finally being restocked in April!

Warehouse Frill Front Lace Up Back Blouse

Frill Front Lace Up Back Blouse

Romantic ruffles are a timeless staple worn with classic indigo denim.

Reformation Glenna Cashmere Sweater

Glenna Cashmere Sweater

This sweetheart neckline pairs beautifully with tailored trousers and trainers for everyday wear.

Dion Lee Cutout Ribbed Wool-Blend Top

Cutout Ribbed Wool-Blend Top

~~£370~~ £168

I can’t get enough of this sage colour.

Massimo Dutti Striped Knit Cardigan With Buttons

Striped Knit Cardigan With Buttons

A classic striped cardigan with a twist on colour.

Nanushka Gathered Georgette Midi Skirt

Gathered Georgette Midi Skirt

~~£292~~ £148

The ruched detail and split elevate this skirt.

Baserange Brig Ribbed Organic Cotton Maxi Wrap Skirt

Brig Ribbed Organic Cotton Maxi Wrap Skirt

Exposed stitching is an update on last season’s collection.

Mango Fringed Skirt

Pair with an oversized shirt or jumper and heeled mules.

Dune Loupe Sandals

Good quality sandals with added height.

Loeffler Randall Camellia Pleated Sandals

Loeffler Randall

Camellia Pleated Sandals

A subtle nod to the platform trend in a pleated fabric.

Birkenstock Boston Suede Slippers

Boston Suede Slippers

Love them or hate them, everyone is talking about these shoes this season. One thing is for sure: They’re comfortable.

Tod's Leather and Canvas Tote

Leather and Canvas Tote

~~£1975~~ £698

Tod’s follows suit with the monogram-bag trend.

Loewe Cubi Small Leather-Trimmed Canvas-Jacquard Tote

Cubi Small Leather-Trimmed Canvas-Jacquard Tote

The understated monogramming is true to Loewe’s stripped back, somewhat ambiguous brand identity.

Cult Gaia Devora Gold-Tone Faux Pearl Anklet

Devora Gold-Tone Faux Pearl Anklet

It’s almost summer holiday season. Wear this with a bikini and flip flops to jazz up your swimwear.

Arket Oversized Wool Hopsack Blazer

Oversized Wool Hopsack Blazer

The composition is wonderful for a blazer of this kind.

COS Belted Trench Coat

Belted Trench Coat

A classic, good-quality trench coat.

Arket Straight-Cut Poplin Trousers

Straight-Cut Poplin Trousers

Wear with anything from knits to vests.

River Island Khaki Jumpsuit

Boilersuits are back and better than ever.

Massimo Dutti Long 100% Linen Jumpsuit

Long 100% Linen Jumpsuit

A smarter take on a boilersuit with attention to tailoring.

& Other Stories Belted Denim Jumpsuit

& Other Stories

Belted Denim Jumpsuit

A classic boilersuit shape with a tortoiseshell D-ring belt.

Half Baked Swim London Sylwia Swimsuit

Half Baked Swim London

Sylwia Swimsuit

A classic cut you can wear time and time again. It also doubles up as a bodysuit.