Oh, I do like to be beside the seaside. Or at a chilled-out festival. Or in a park. To sum up, I love summer. Here’s my pick of nice new gear for the balmy weather, from the perfect sandals to hard-wearing wetsuits.
1. Leather sandals, £50, Teva
Teva sandals are an outdoor kit classic. First developed in 1984, after the founder attached a watch strap to a flipflop and figured he was on to something clever, these simple sandals give great support and are ideal for any summer adventure – just strap them on and go.
2. Casual carry drawstring bag, £35, Bowhurst
Bowhurst’s beautifully made bags are the perfect travel companions. Each design is made to last, and combines rugged canvas and plenty of pocket space with durable straps and leather and rope detail. They look pretty fine too – prepare for plenty of backpack-based compliments. My review of the larger Classic Pack is coming soon, but this smaller carry bag is perfect for evening wild swims and city day trips.
3. Isabella gold temporary tattoos, £35, Flashtat
The lazy girl’s festival saviour, these temporary tatts are nothing like the ones you plastered on your skin in your teens – golden tribal designs and delicate blue culicues are an instant way to dress up your skin with zero effort.
4. Seafolly waterproof jacket, £89.95, Seasalt
After seriously coveting the lovely Lisa‘s yellow fisherman’s jacket from Cornish favourite Seasalt, I was powerless to resist getting my own. Yellow raincoats are A Thing at the moment, in case you hadn’t noticed, and this one has TOGGLES and will add a dash of maritime style to any rainy walk.
5. Lansallos shirt dress, £60, Finisterre
The most versatile summer dress ever. Button over your bikini on the beach or wear with soft grey leggings for weekend breaks and you’re done. Finisterre’s first summer collection is full of luxe basics and sporty swimwear.
6. Turquoise bando, £10, ASOS
Floral crowns are so last Glastonbury. Wear semi-precious stones in your hair instead, for an I’m-with-the-band vibe – this pretty headdress is a great way to draw attention away from grungy festie hair.
7. Bikini top and bottoms, £50 and £45, Roxy
Roxy’s gone back to its surfy roots with its tribal-print Pendleton collection, and this eye-catching bikini is the star of the show. More coverage makes it perfect for water sports, wearing under wetsuits and a spot of cliff jumping.
8. Tank top, £18, Glower
Brand new apparel brand Glower make great staples with playful prints inspired by the outdoors. Ice-cream mountain, anyone? I love this ‘In Deep Water’ tank – it’ll transport you instantly to the lakes. Perfect for slinging on with shorts for rock climbing or beachcombing.
9. Wetsuit, £90, Animal
A bright, beautiful AND budget-friendly wetsuit, Animal’s Amp comes with bubblegum blue and pink accents to cheer up the greyest dawn surf. This entry-level summer suit boasts hard-wearing knee pads and a blindstiched body as well as lovely looks. Now go practise that popup.
Oh nice wetsuit, I love those colours!