After a long and arduous wait, indoor activities are finally back on the cards. Whether you’re craving a trip to the cinema or you’re desperate to eat dinner inside, the easing of restrictions has been welcomed by many – particularly fashion lovers, who can now put together an outfit without the fear of being caught in a rainstorm.

As we step into June, we’re embracing our newfound fashion freedom with the return of summer style. Where last summer’s wardrobe consisted of sweats and slides, 2021 gives us the chance to get creative once again (or at least put on real shoes). We aren’t at the point of planning our holiday wardrobe just yet but the recent wave of warm weather is enough to get us in the shopping spirit, with sandals, sweeping dresses and sizeable sunnies among our most-wanted items.

To take a look at everything we’re lusting after this month, click through the slideshow ahead…

Refinery29’s selection is purely editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items we love! As part of our business model we do work with affiliates; if you directly purchase something from a link on this article, we may earn a small amount of commission. Transparency is important to us at Refinery29, if you have any questions please reach out to us.

After a long and arduous wait, indoor activities are finally back on the cards. Whether you’re craving a trip to the cinema or you’re desperate to eat dinner inside, the easing of restrictions has been welcomed by many – particularly fashion lovers, who can now put together an outfit without the fear of being caught in a downpour.

As we step into June, we’re embracing our newfound fashion freedom with the return of summer style. Where last summer’s wardrobe consisted of sweats and slides, 2021 gives us the chance to get creative once again (or at least put on real shoes). We aren’t at the point of planning our holiday wardrobe just yet but the prospect of sunshine is enough to get us in the shopping spirit, with sandals, sweeping dresses and sizeable sunnies among our most-wanted items.

If you’re not quite ready to jump into full-blown summer fits, don’t worry; there’s a selection of weather-conscious buys on team R29’s wish list, too.

To take a look at everything we’re lusting after this month, click through the slideshow ahead…

Refinery29’s selection is purely editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items we love! As part of our business model we do work with affiliates; if you directly purchase something from a link on this article, we may earn a small amount of commission. Transparency is important to us at Refinery29, if you have any questions please reach out to us.

Jess Morgan, Staff Writer
I walked past this store in Spitalfields the other week and I realised that I don’t need anything other than these lilac gingham trousers. They just inject so much joy! 

Ost London Gingham Trousers, $, available at Ost London

Summer is right around the corner, which means it’s open-toe sandal time. And if it gets a bit chillier, these would still look great with a pair of brightly coloured cashmere socks. 

Kickers Women’s Knox Low Buckle, $, available at Kickers

If, like me, you’re actually excited to return to the office (come on, let’s be real, we miss socialising! The free Thursday bar! The air-con!) then you’ll know that just like the start of a school term, we need new stationery and new bags. This super practical and stylish Away backpack ticks all the boxes: it fits your laptop, keys, diaries, phone and all the important bits you need to carry with you on your commute to work. I need it…expeditiously. 

Away Backpack, $, available at Away

Alicia Lansom, Editorial Assistant
No matter how hard I try, every pair of shoes I buy is black. In order to lighten things up for the summer, I’m investing in some neutral slides (let’s not mention the chunky black sole, shall we?).

Mango Leather Sandals With Straps, $, available at Mango

I really love the look of beaded jewellery. This pearl necklace is exactly the sort of thing I’ve been looking for, adding a drop of colour to everyday looks.

Astrid & Miyu Semi-Precious Rainbow Necklace in Gold, $, available at Astrid & Miyu

The exposed back, the light fabric, the cut-out sides = divine.

Pixie Market Beatrice Black Linen Dress, $, available at Pixie Market

Anna Jay, Art Director
I love a little piece like this which just adds a bit of a boost to any look.

Arket Seersucker Scrunchie, $, available at Arket

I feel like I’m going to be wearing these all summer. The elastic waist is an absolute win, and a breezy cotton/linen mix is made for summer days (when they finally arrive).

COS Cotton-linen Shorts, $, available at COS

For a summer of UK holidays, I’m bracing myself for all weathers with this light rain mac, which is ideal for layering.

Finisterre The Rainbird Waterproof, $, available at Finisterre

Jacqueline Kilikita, Beauty Editor
I spotted these barbed wire hoops on Instagram and now I have to have them. I’ve started wearing my hair in a messy bun a lot more lately but I feel a bit naked with my hair up. These are the perfect addition (and they’re pretty metal).

Break Out Jewellery Gold Barbed Wire Hoop Earrings, $, available at Break Out Jewellery

Let’s be real: British weather will always mess us around so I need something cute and cosy for chilly summer nights in pub gardens. This knit isn’t too chunky or too light and fits the bill perfectly. You can switch up the style of the neckline by popping the buttons.

Sézane Jumper In Camel, $, available at Sézane

I only started wearing dresses last year but I’d love to expand my summer collection. I’m not a fan of floral print or much colour, so this black linen dress is the one. I’m into the side split, fitted bodice and pretty ruched sleeves.

Reformation Linen Dress, $, available at Reformation

Kristine Romano, Photo & Design Assistant
Socks and sandals season is near and I couldn’t be more ready if I tried! These speckled socks are a nice departure from classic black and will pair nicely with my fisherman sandals.

Muji Right Angle Slub Yarn Socks, $, available at Muji

I’ve been looking to invest in some quality basics and love Rawson’s vintage and deadstock pieces. The ribbed material looks soft and comfortable but the long sleeves are what make this tee a real winner in my eyes.

RAWSONSTUDIO The Berlin Tee, $, available at Etsy

A sweet dress for summer! I would pair this with some chunky trainers and be out the door. 

Uniqlo x Marimekko Marimekko Denim Camisole Dress, $, available at Uniqlo

Sadhbh O’Sullivan, Health & Living Writer
I’ve reached a point with my white T-shirts where they are now so old and worn that no amount of Vanish can bring them back to their original glory. So I want a new one, like this: crisp, the perfect shape and sustainably made.

Teym The T-Shirt, $, available at Teym

I’m really enjoying the resurgence of Edwardian and Victorian-style blouses with their lace inserts and high collars. There’s no way I could afford one from the period but, luckily for me, the ’70s and ’80s had a real Edwardiana moment. This piece from the ’80s is beaut – I’d pair with tapered trousers, straight-leg jeans or under a pinafore dress for a vaguely put-together workwear look.

GoingAroundAgain Embroidered High Neck White Cotton Blouse, $, available at Etsy

I love this new brand launched by Danish knitwear designer Mie Firring – bringing knitwear back to functional basics while making the kits accessible for all skill levels. I particularly love the biker pants. Perfect for my cosplay as a fifth, cosy member of Italy’s Eurovision winners.

Boring Knit Boring Biker Pants, $, available at Boring Knit

Vicky Spratt, Features Editor
An Issey Miyake-esque top? At a reasonable price point? Don’t mind if I do.

COS Crinkled Top, $, available at COS

The quest for the perfect tank top continues. New to the top of my leaderboard: this perfect Toteme number.

Toteme Espera Organic-cotton Blend Jersey Tank Top, $, available at MatchesFashion

I need some new reading and writing glasses because, well, the last year of Zoom has taken its toll. I am currently mulling over a few options but I can’t stop thinking about these (slightly over the top) Linda Farrow frames. They remind me of the ones Kathryn Hahn wears in How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days when she pretends to be a couples’ therapist. A vibe I can absolutely get on board with.

Linda Farrow Oversized Square Acetate Glasses, $, available at MatchesFashion

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

Every Sandal Style You’re About To See This Summer

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