I’ve been thinking a lot about what’s actually worth buying right now. Welcome to your monthly dispatch — a running list of the pieces currently earning their place in my browser tabs and, soon enough, my wardrobe.
As a shopping editor, I spend an unreasonable amount of time trawling through new arrivals, developing what feels like a near–special ability for stock levels, budding trends, and where to find exactly what you want. It’s not a great party trick, but it does mean I know what’s moving fast, what’s worth the splurge, and what you’ll wish you’d grabbed before the inevitable “sold out” label hits.
I always think of October as the soft launch of summer—a month for refining, not reinventing. A test run for bare skin, when your wardrobe starts to feel restless and your jeans too heavy. This between-season moment demands just the right wardrobe additions.
So before the heat hits and the good stuff disappears, here’s what I’m picking up now—and what you’ll thank yourself for later.
Read: I Live In Wardrobe Basics, But I’m Shopping These 7 Trends For Spring
Refined Flannel
Flannel isn’t just for cabins and coffee runs anymore. This season’s iterations are sleeker, cut from fabrics that make the casual print feel unexpectedly (and delightfully) elevated. My mind immediately goes to the Olsen Twins as a reference—flannel shirts, Havianas, and effortless nonchalance. But as the weather warms up, the soft texture and muted print make flannel shirting an easy way to add interest to even the most uniform looks—whether slung around the hips as a makeshift skirt or thrown over a slip dress.
CAMILLA AND MARC
Pasphae Check Shirt
MASSIMO DUTTI
Flowing Linen Blend Check Shirt
KALLMEYER
Chloé Checked Voile Shirt
MATTEAU
Flannel Shirt
Nearly Nighties
There’s something so appealing about the nightie-adjacent dress: it looks like something you’d sleep in, but I personally wouldn’t want to just nap in these pieces. Breathable and fresh, with just the right amount of summer-cusp, Sound of Music whimsy, these dresses look just as good over swimwear as they do worn out to dinner.
POSSE
Marlowe Dress
DOEN
Nessie Dress
PEONY
Broderie Mini Dress
CHLOÉ
Silk Crepe De Chine Midi Dress
Boat Necklines
The most flattering neckline we all almost forgot existed. When I think of boat necklines, my mind immediately goes to Audrey Hepburn — undoubtedly the blueprint for understated elegance. However the most recent reference comes thanks to TikTok, after Kendall Jenner wore the now-viral Intimissimi boat neck top. Unfortunately, unless you’re blessed with an international address (which I am not), that version is nearly impossible to get your hands on in Australia. That said, plenty of other brands are championing wider necklines worth adding to your cart.
FLORE FLORE
Steffi Tee
COS
Boat-Neck Tank Top
ST. AGNI
Soft Jersey Ballerina Top
ROHE
Boat Neck Knitted Top
T-Bar Details
There’s something quietly subversive about slipping into a pair of T‑bar heels or sandals: they carry just the right amount of vintage charm, yet feel entirely modern at the same time. Best of all? As someone committed to her steps, I can attest that this style is surprisingly walkable—bringing an almost ballroom-level comfort to the heeled versions, and just the right amount of extra ankle support to the sandal styles, perfect for city stomping.
EMME PARSONS
Cecilia Flat
PROENZA SCHOULER
60mm Tee Thong Sandals
MANOLO BLAHNIK
Turgimod 50 Cutout Elaphe Pumps
CHRISTOPHER ESBER
Billi T-Bar Flat
Swim Shorts
Technically swimwear, but really just the most practical warm-weather bottom you can own. I’m becoming increasingly convinced that swim shorts are a summer wardrobe staple. A little sporty, a little retro, and perfect with a crisp shirt or tank when you’re nowhere near a body of water — I’m very ready to embrace the tiny-short renaissance with one of the below finds.
WITH JEAN
Blake Swim Shorts
PEONY
Quintessential Short
SIR
Leilana Swim Short
VENROY
Mini Boardshort
Clutch Bags
The conversation around occasion-appropriate bags seems to be everywhere right now — at least on my corner of the internet — with fashion devotees passionately debating which styles belong where. As far as I’m concerned, few accessories can deliver the same effortless cool as a clutch tucked nonchalantly under the arm. Somehow, it’s the one piece that can make a casual outfit feel instantly intentional — and a polished one ever so slightly undone. Is the clutch the secret styling weapon of the season? I’m inclined to think so.
TOTEME
T-Lock Croc-Effect Clutch
OROTON
Icon Clutch
A-ESQUE
Slimline Clutch Pouch
COS
Mini Cavatelli Clutch Bag
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