Dear Summer: A Love Letter To Statement Dressing
By Hannah Mae Webster
FASHION
Edited by Cece Wilson
10/2/20253 min read
Imagine feeling the soft kisses of the sun against your warm skin, your days framed by a dramatic pair of sunglasses that transformed every scene into a vivid dream sequence.
This didn’t have to remain a romantic reverie. As the summer months unfolded, statement dressing offered a chance to live out that beguiling vision. Here is my reflective guide to dressing with flair, from footwear to eyewear, and capturing that ‘main character’ energy.
Fabulous Footwear
A strong starting point for any outfit will always be an unforgettable pair of shoes. Whether you opted for sandals, wedges, or flats, the right footwear had the power to elevate—or ruin—an otherwise beautiful ensemble.
As always, it was easy to get swept up in seasonal fads and make impulsive purchases, but with a little thought and intention, a timeless, curated wardrobe emerged.
These were my top summer footwear picks:
Carvela
Sorrento Scarf Wedge – £149.00
These wedges are the epitome of chic, featuring a stunning scarf detail and a metallic gold snake-effect finish. The beauty of wedges lies in their versatility—they can be effectively styled both formally and casually. Over summer, wedges worked just as well with a floaty maxi dress as they did with cropped jeans and a lightweight blouse.
Gaimo
Tani Wedges – €119 / approx. £101
For those seeking a classic yet striking wedge, Gaimo is the ultimate go-to. This Spanish brand handcrafts high-quality, supremely comfortable wedges with exquisite attention to detail. Their interchangeable printed ribbons allow for instant customisation. I continuously rank my Gaimo wedges as the most comfortable and most walkable pair in my collection.
Though well-made wedges offered brilliant support, many preferred flats for those long summer days. While sandals could seem predictable at first, this season introduced several exciting alternatives.
A few eye-catching sandal options included:
Zara – Gold Leather Sandals with Flower – £49.99
Next – Neutral Suede Studded Toe Loop Sandals – £56.00
When it came to summer shoes, balance was key. While it was tempting to lean into the boldest styles, avoiding the overly ostentatious often made for the most versatile, impactful choices. Aiming for something both well-made and visually interesting was the answer.
Styling Inspiration:
In the final stages of summer, try pairing metallic footwear with a monochrome outfit for a clean yet eye-catching look. Alternatively, dresses with metallic threads or embellishments will perfectly complement gold or silver wedges. On cooler days, cropped jeans with embellished sandals and a sheer blouse can make for an effortless, elevated outfit.
Buzzworthy Bags
Arguably the most exciting part of your summer style mission, the right statement bag had the power to catapult you to icon status. Whether you leaned towards small, structured handbags or always needed something bigger (I fall firmly into the latter category!), there was a style for every occasion.
Here were a few awe-inspiring bags that made the season:
JW PEI
Cecelia Leaf Shape Shoulder Bag – £130.00
This sensational leaf-shaped shoulder bag was the ultimate dreamy summer accessory—a guaranteed conversation starter.
One Hundred Stars
Stork Black Slouch Bag – £60.00
Quite possibly one of my favourite discoveries! Featuring an Art Deco–inspired stork print, this roomy slouch bag was ideal for chronic over-packers (you know who you are).
Zadig & Voltaire
Mini Wings Basket Bag – £280.00
A flawless hybrid, this piece combined the nostalgic charm of a Jane Birkin–style basket bag with a sleek modern silhouette.
Styling Inspiration:
Beautifully tailored pieces like structured linen midi dresses balanced out the visual drama of a statement bag this summer. Echoing elements from the bag throughout your outfit is a simple way to create an impact. If your bag features studs or embellishments, a dress with subtle metallic hardware can build a cohesive, elevated look.
Dazzling Sunglasses
No summer wardrobe was complete without at least one pair of unforgettable shades. With an overwhelming influx of styles, finding the perfect pair could be daunting—but it didn’t need to be.
It was best to begin with a shape that flattered your features. From there, it became easy to experiment with different aesthetic elements. If you are a vintage lover, delving into the eyewear styles of decades past could provide a treasure trove of inspiration.
My summer favourites:
Gucci – GG1081S Round Acetate Sunglasses – £350.00
Agent Provocateur – Blue Cat-Eye Sunglasses – £65.00
Agent Provocateur – Blue and Grey Cat-Eye Sunglasses – £89.00
Styling Inspiration:
Pucci-inspired prints with oversized sunglasses and wedges make for an effortless, retro-glam vibe. Kaftans are a striking option when styled with unusual sunglasses. Why not go full vintage with a true 1960s mini dress and cat-eye frames? A match made in Mod heaven!
Let your wardrobe speak for you—even as summer fades. Spend those final sun-drenched days curating an outstanding array of outfits that will linger in your memory long after the seasons change.