Everything I’m Loving For Summer Right Now, Plus Elegant Ascot Dressing Ideas
The freshest scents, swimwear, Ascot worthy dresses and accessories currently earning a place on my wishlist.
There’s something about this time of year that makes getting dressed feel a little easier. The days are longer, the diary is fuller, and suddenly we're reaching for pieces that feel lighter, simpler and more effortless. This week's edit is a collection of the things currently on my radar - from the fragrances that instantly put me in a holiday mood to easy summer styling, timeless swimwear and a handful of beautiful dresses for race day and beyond.
Summer Scents
I’m convinced fragrance is one of the quickest ways to transport yourself somewhere else. A few spritzes of the right scent and suddenly you’re imagining salty sea air, sun-warmed skin and long evenings spent outdoors. This edit is filled with fragrances that capture summer perfectly - fresh citrus notes, soft florals and those warm, addictive scents that somehow smell like a holiday in a bottle.
One brand I’ve been particularly drawn to recently is Aerin, which was actually introduced to me by my friend Lily. I’ll be honest, I’d never really come across the brand before, but after having a proper look, I completely get the appeal. The whole range has that easy, sun-soaked feel that makes you want to book a holiday immediately. If you’d like to explore them in person, you’ll find the range at Harvey Nichols, making it easy to pop by the counter and discover your favourite.
Easy Summer Styling
When it comes to summer style, I'm always drawn to pieces that do the hard work for you. A great cover-up, an easy white dress, denim shorts that go with everything and accessories you'll wear on repeat are the foundation of every holiday wardrobe. These are the pieces that make getting dressed feel easy whether you're heading to the beach, exploring a new city or simply enjoying a sunny weekend at home.
If I had to pack just two swimsuits for the entire summer, it would probably be these. Both are classic, flattering and incredibly versatile - exactly the kind of pieces you'll reach for year after year. I love swimwear that feels elevated enough to wear beyond the pool too; just add a linen shirt or relaxed trousers and you're instantly ready for lunch, drinks or a stroll along the coast.
Hunza G halterneck swimsuit, £195.00
Away that day contrast swimsuit, £195.00
8 Dresses for the Races
The races offer the perfect excuse to dress up. I've rounded up eight dresses that feel polished, modern and undeniably special, from romantic lace to fluid, statement-making silhouettes. These are the pieces that do all the talking, requiring no more than a great pair of shoes and a few simple accessories. And no race day look is complete without the finishing touch: beautiful millinery. Here two designers whose fascinators and headpieces I absolutely love: Kat Barclay Millinery and Martha Lynn Millinery.
Kat Barclay is an award-winning London-based milliner whose work sits firmly in the world of wearable art. What I love about her designs is the way she combines traditional couture techniques with unexpected contemporary elements, creating pieces that feel creative, individual and full of personality. Her headpieces often have a sculptural quality to them, making them ideal if you're looking for something that feels a little less conventional and more fashion-forward.
Martha Lynn's aesthetic is quite different. Originally trained in Fine Art and sculpture before working with renowned milliners Philip Treacy and Stephen Jones, her designs are known for their architectural shapes, clean lines and modern approach to occasion dressing. Her pieces feel incredibly polished and contemporary, often blurring the line between fashion accessory and sculpture. If you're drawn to bold yet elegant millinery, she's one of the most exciting designers to know.
One thing I’ve always loved about Ascot style is that you can wear the simplest dress and let your accessories do all the talking. When I look through race day photographs, it’s often the hats and headpieces that leave the biggest impression. Even if you’re not naturally drawn to traditional dressing, there’s something fun about embracing the occasion and taking part in a long-standing British tradition.
One of the standout looks from Royal Ascot this year came from the Princess of Wales, who re-wore a vibrant yellow Roksanda dress first seen in 2022. With its elegant midi length, sculptural bow detail and coordinating hat, the look perfectly captured the polished sophistication Ascot is known for. It’s a timely reminder that great occasionwear never dates.
Roksanda cloqué midi dress, £1,295.00
Safiyaa caped crepe dress, £783.00
David Koma floral-applique dress, £1,068.00
Self-Portrait belted floral lace midi dress, £420.00
Self-Portrait tailored belted crepe midi dress, £450.00
Until next Sunday! Wishing you a stylish week ahead and hopefully a little sunshine too.
Love, Erna x