Monikh is our shopping guru and the girl we always want to buy from. Each month, she'll share her top new-in picks with you.
Trust Monikh: the Items That I'm Adding to My Wardrobe In 2021
There are hundreds of thousands of influencers in the social ether, but only a handful who we religiously stalk in order to virtually steal the clothes off their backs. Our primary target is Monikh—the London-based styling and shopping guru who seeks out the very coolest buys from every corner of the retail world. From her inspiring tips on re-wearing her well-chosen investment items to hunting down the coolest high-street pieces, her Instagram feed @monikh and website are a veritable hotbed of things you’re going to want to purchase immediately (and will never regret). Each month, Monikh will share her new picks exclusively for you…
2021 is here! And while of course nothing has really changed, I find the start of a new year so empowering. A new year is full of possibilities, for exciting fashion finds and styling combinations. Use this time to map out what type of woman you want to be, and who you want to portray—fashion is more than just clothes, it tells people a little about you without words.
The start of the year is a great time to clear out your wardrobe, keep those classic staples, the pieces that make you smile and feel like you. Then maybe sell or donate the others, and then replace them with new pieces to carry you through a lifetime.
To help you decide on those replacements, here’s this month’s Trust Monikh which I bring you chic forever pieces that I promise will work harder than any other in your wardrobe. And because we're still in lockdown, I've included some beauty and homeware buys too.
My January Shopping Picks:
Zara Oversize Puffer Gilet (£30)I have been tempted for weeks to steal my boyfriend's puffer gilet.
Vince Goran Shearling Slides (£210)I'm using this month to break these in so I’m ready at the first sight of spring.
Baserange Brig Cutout Ribbed Organic Cotton-Jersey Wrap Dress (£150)Need to get out of that tracksuit? This dress will carry you through the remaining winter months teamed with boots, and then I'd wear it with those shearling slides come spring.
H&M Zip-Hem Leggings (£13)Yes leggings are making a comeback! Opt for a longer length with an open zip, to create a slight flare effect.
Arket Asymmetric-Neckline Alpaca Jumper (£79)Give your knitwear section a shake up with this asymmetrical neckline, which makes such a statement that there's no need for jewellery.
&Daughter Maxime Tiered Ruffled Cotton-Seersucker Midi Dress (£425)I have this ready and waiting for that first post lockdown outing.
Mango Textured Fringed Poncho (£60)The cape—this month's no.1 companion for instant chicness.
Mario Badescu Drying Lotion (£16)Broken out over the holidays? Me too. Grab this dream potion Mario Badescu to dry up any potential volcanos before they erupt.
Secret Linen Store Black 100% Linen Duvet Cover (£116)I've never thought of black linen sheets before, but they are strangely chic!
Pixie Market Black Wool Double Breast Coat (£215)It’s all about the smart coat this season; crisp enough to dress up your tracksuit while running errands, and classic enough to last a lifetime.
Petra Palumbo Yves Blue Flower Carafe and Tumbler (£72)How dreamy are these hand painted carafes! Just the perfect hit of colour needed to dress up your bedside table whilst reminding yourself to keep hydrated. Thank you Lucy Williams for the inspo!
Tekla Towels (£64)Have you also got to that age where buying new towels feels just as good as buying clothes? Throw these on the radiator, light a candle, run the bath and enjoy a month of pamper nights.
Celine Small Cat-Eye Acetate Sunglasses (£290)The shape that never ages.
Ghost Luna Skirt (£69)Timeless! Slink around the house in this bias-cut skirt with on oversized jumper on top, and just add boots when you are leaving for fresh air.
Zara Belted Coat (£129)It looks like The Row, and comes in at £125.
Shop Monikh's December Picks:
& Other Stories Voluminous Crinkled Silk Blend Shirt (£120)The shirt and trouser set I'm wearing above.
& Other Stories Relaxed Silk Blend Drawstring Trousers (£120) H&M Wood and Glass Wall Cabinet (£120)You know you’ve made it to your adult years when you get this excited about storage—but how gorgeous is this cabinet?! This will be amazing to host all of my beauty products in the bathroom.
Zara Cashmere Top (£30)This is my absolute dream outfit for days at home this winter. Just add blanket, tea and Home Alone.
Zara Cashmere Briefs (£30) Nanushka Clarisa Mesh-Jersey Dress (£315)Worn with think tights and boots, or open with jeans and pumps—this is the shirt/dress that keeps on giving
COS Classic Leather Clutch Bag (£125)There is nothing chicer than a big oversized clutch worn with a big oversized coat, and yes, big oversized boots. Bigger is sometimes better.
Made Shona Accent Armchair (£379)Days at home should be spent sitting in this dreamy cosy chair.
Zara Heeled Leather Sandals With Rhinestone Straps (£90)We might not be going out out this year, but staying in can still be glitzy. Wear with a big shirt and jeans
COS Long Wool Mix Blazer (£180)A wardrobe staple. Ageless and timeless.
Frankie Shop Balloon Sleeve Pocket Shirt in Black (£89)I'd wear this tucked in to jeans or tailored trousers, with a few buttons undone and maybe a thin gold necklace or two. Very sexy.
Zara Midi Skirt With Rhinestones (£30)I love the rhinestones and love the slit. Pair with an old tee and lots of eyeliner for a '90s look.
Shop Monikh's November Picks:
Keep scrolling for the 10 items I have in my cosy edit this month.
Leset Sierra Wool-Blend Robe (£470)You’ve got your tracksuit on but need to run out for essentials, now how do you make this work? The answer is the robe coat, so chic it will add a touch of luxe to your casual attire.
Smythson 2021 Premier Fashion Diary Week-To-View (£95)My boyfriend buys me a new planner every Christmas, and it's always my favourite gift. I get to slot in all those special dates and be able to visually start my countdown. Plus with all those weddings which were sadly cancelled this year, I’ve got a lot to slot in already.
London Cashmere Co Griffin (£139)This is an exact dupe of one from The Row which I’ve had my eye on for months! A classic black cashmere jumper that will never go out of style. I also love that it is mens. I’m wearing this in a small, but if I were to re-order I’d go for a medium so it was a little oversized.
Frankie Shop Full-Length Cardigan (£257)A full-length cardigan is the new chic layer we need to keep wearing summer dresses.
Oka Large Fyli Vase in White (£95)I love to grab a few new home bits each season to spice up my living room a little. And when you’re a minimalist like me you have to be sure to make it is something that’s simple, yet effective enough to make a statement. Enter my new vase.
Nanushka Hope Wool-Blend Midi Dress (£416)Nanushka's entire new-in section is just an A/W dream! So chic, so cool. Wear this wool dress barefoot at home, and with a belt and boots when it's safe to venture out.
I love this brand—they just do simple homeware so well! Grab a few checked blankets to layer up on the sofa for those cosy film nights.
R+D.LAB Luisa Glass Carafe (£110)Setting the table for dinner really has helped me to feel like dinner at home is a real moment again. No TV, just some soft music in the background, a bottle of red and some pretty tableware.
If you don’t have to wear a bra, should you? The answer is obviously no, but in case you do want a little support, why not go for the knitted bra under a slightly opened shirt? Very chic.
Klevering Tortoiseshell Amber Glasses Set of Four (£45)One more reason to stay hydrated.
Monikh's October Picks:
Keep scrolling to see the 10 items I'm loving this autumn.
Gia x Pernille Boots (£431)"As the years have gone on, boots are getting bigger, bulkier and fiercer. And these by blogger Pernille Teisbaek are the ones to have this winter. Make sure to pre-order yours now to ensure you get a pair before the winter is over."
H&M Rattan Storage Basket (£35)"To help your summer wardrobe go into hibernation, grab a couple of these rattan boxes from H&M. Whether under the bed or on top of the wardrobe, they make storage become a feature."
Agnelle Grace Leather Gloves (£119)"Gloves are a real winter buy, and the one thing I haven’t invested in for years. I’m still pulling on mine from 6 years ago, and while they now hold sentimental value, the biker style just isn’t my vibe anymore. Now I want to be minimal and chic, and these gloves scream that."
Totême Tomar Ribbed Wool-Blend Turtleneck Sweater (£450)"The jumper dress is perfect for those days when it’s not so cold, that only a chunky jumper and boots will do. Note: must wear with at least cycling shorts or black leggings underneath when leaving the house (there are very high slits!.)"
Loulou Studio New Bruzzi Pull Oversize (£267)"Loulou Studio is full of Parisian chic staples to slot into any look, and this style is probably one of my favourites. It’s cropped just enough to tuck into your jeans or joggers without looking bulky. I wore the orange one non-stop this summer so the camel was a no-brainer for the winter."
By Far Billy Black Semi Patent Leather (£435)"I posted about this bag back at the beginning of the year when it was pre-order. It’s now in stock and a must have with their perfectly sized compartments to ensure you always leave the house with your phone (and mask)."
Ganni Ruffled-Collar Smocked Chiffon Dress (£255)"A black dress is always needed, and if yours isn’t weather appropriate take a look at this one by Ganni. I'd wear this with big boots."
Vans Old Skool Shoes (£60)"I think I’m going back to Vans. Yes, I have to. For those days when I might want to wear my tracksuits outside because let’s face it, they’re pretty chic now, I need a pair with a chunkyish sole to balance out the look, while still keeping everything very understated."
With Nothing Underneath Brushed: Grey Plaid (£110)"It’s no secret that I love an oversized shirt, and after becoming obsessed with the linen beauties from WNU, of course I was going to jump on their new checked collection. I normally go for a small but for winter I want them a little more oversized so I went medium. This way the slightly longer length balances out the under-the-knee boots."
Les Tien Crew Neck Cotton Sweatshirt (£275)"This is my absolute favourite loungewear. Yes they’re a little dear, but the quality is like no other. The fit on them is perfect (size down) and I love the chic sweatshirts. Note if you go for the snap-front pants instead of the traditional jogger type, they’re easier to wear with big chunky boots as the trousers glide over. I'm all for cosy dressing for this autumn winter."
Les Tien Classic Cotton Pants (£243) Arket Leather Anorak (£490)Want to look chic in the rain? This has you sorted.
Previous Shopping Picks:
Allsaints Hera Jasmine 2-In-1 Dress (£189)I bought this in black maybe four years ago and I still bring it out every Autumn. So maybe its time for a new print...
Rejina Pyo Eliza Top Knit Jacquard Flower Mocha Orange (£350)This top is perfect for last minute drinks.
& Other Stories Boxy Double Breasted Blazer (£165)Your back to work blazer sorted. Team with your summer slip dresses and a pair of caged sandals for the last month of summer
H&M Large Terracotta Vase (£25)Terracotta obsessed! Leave perched in the corner of your living room.
Joseph Taffy Crepe De Chine Trousers (£345)Joseph's new collection is out and it's everything I would want if I was heading back into an office. Sophisticated and polished yet effortless. Wear these burgundy trousers with the matching red jumper, burgundy bag and shoes. A full tonal look is very AW20.
Marysia Wrap Dress (£551)No holiday is needed when it’s 35 at home. Wear this in the comfort of your own living room while the heatwave continues.
Cafe Noir Sleeveless Gathered Waist Long Dress in White (£149)The ultimate easy, breazy dress.
Mara Hoffman Sicily Dress (£380)Mara Hoffman is one of my favourite designers and her latest collection is full of bold designs ready to steal the lime light.
Rixo Face Mask 3-Pack (£70)I took these away with me and coordinated them to my outfits. Being safe but chic.
Paloma Wool No 627 / Azalea (£134)Chic yet fun, wear this dress on holiday with a pair flip flops, and back home with an oversized white shirt and trainers.
Faithfull The Brand Maisy Shirt Plain Leaf Green ($106)Faithfull The Brand is the ultimate holiday destination wardrobe. They’re full of colourful linens to mix and match with previous seasons. I wish I’d seen this set before I went to Positano!
Faithfull The Brand Anja Short Plain Leaf Green (£106) Rat & Boa Roxy Dress (£125)Warning, this dress is seriously sexy! Rat and Boa creates slinky, curve hugging, sassy look-at-me dresses. The ultimate wow dress.
Ciao Lucia Gingham Mini Drress (£283)Dressed up or down, this beauty will carry you through the summer year after year.
Doen Castalia Dress (£384)I love this brand. Pushing a slow fashion movement, their designs are ageless. I’m also a huge fan how how they lift mothers in particular, with lots of their journal stories featuring real families.
Réalisation The Alba (£230)Launched this week and ready for pre-order. This is one of my favourite shapes, but now in these dreamy Autumn tones, Réalisation keep the fabric ultra light, making them perfect for hot summer days. Ill be wearing mine with flip-flops and a woven bag.
By FAR Billy Dark Brown Semi Patent Leather ($475)I love the double-pocket design on this By FAR bag. It's the perfect bag to not lose your phone in.
Musier Paris Skirt Shirley (£100)Super simple but effective. Team with a white tee and '90s sandals.
Envelope1976 Cannes Limited Olive Dress (£337)My newest brand crush, Envelope1976 has just launched this vegan-dyed dream dress from leftover material it had. It can be worn two ways and is also biodegradable. Now, that's a clever dress.
Ferm Living Ripple Wine Glasses (£35)Update your wine hour with these beauties.
Sleeper Atlanta Linen Dress in Black (£245)Another week, another linen-dress must-have.
& Other Stories Linen Blend A-Line Mini Skirt (£45)I’m not really one for showing off my legs (not for any particular reason, just my personal choice), but this skirt just might change that for me. Team it with a basic vest and minimal mules for Carrie in season three of Sex and the City vibes.
Tove Midi Dress (£425)This Black-owned brand is going from strength to strength within the industry, having just cemented another collection for Net-a-Porter. This dress is set to sell out.
Marle Nell Top (£136)Full of timeless beauties suitable for any age, Marle has your entire staple wardrobe covered.
The Frankie Shop Elvira Double Breasted Suit Blazer in Khaki Green (£277)The Frankie Shop is back open! Quickly grab the ultimate oversize suit whilst it’s still available. Wear during the summer with a skinny vest top and sandals, plus with jumpers and coats layered with boots for the winter. Chic all year round.
COS Cotton Pleated Short (£49)Worn with a simple white vest top, these are basically what we needed during last week's heatwave. Fingers crossed for another soon!
&Daughter Dawn Organic Cotton Pleat Back Dress in Ecru (£350)I am obsessed with the simplicity of this brand! Grab this dress, and wear it a hundred different ways through the seasons.
Faithfull the Brand Linen Frederikke Jumpsuit (£260)When searching for summer attire, Faithfull the Brand is a must! Its linens and easy day dresses are pieces you’ll wear year after year.
Havaianas Slim Flatform (£26)There’s nothing as effortless as basic flip-flops, and Havaianas are the ultimate staple. The brand has also just launched a platform version that is very S/S 20.
The Posse Alexandera Midi Dress in White (£160)Posse is another summer go-to, and with this week's heatwave in full swing, dresses like this are a godsend.
Loeil Bolzano Dress (£158)I found this brand on Instagram a few years ago, and I have been hooked on its incredibly simple yet exaggerated designs ever since. It keeps the colours very muted and uses über-dreamy materials. But the thing that sets its pieces apart is the volume of the shapes. Very clever, very beautiful. Note they also sell out and rarely get restocked—still kicking myself over a dress I missed from over three years ago.
This story originally appeared on: WhoWhatWear - Author:Monikh Dale