With a heatwave on the horizon—and a beach holiday tantalisingly close—you've probably started ruminating about what on earth you're going to wear to both commute and commune with sand. There are several paths you could go down, but the one well-trodden by tastemakers is the lightweight minimalism—cool in both interpretations of the word—served by The White Company.
The retailer has always been a high-street stalwart for bedding, slippers and baby gros but its clothing has traditionally played second fiddle to homewares. Until last autumn, that is, when its womenswear was given a glow-up courtesy of a newly-appointed clothing director Sheila McKain. And for the brand's first resortwear collection, McKain has created no less than a "one-stop collection curated to embrace a slower holiday rhythm."
Summer technically hasn't yet started but the collection is already making waves among early-adopting influencers. For a long weekend in Menorca, Brittany Bathgate packed the brand's Cupro Harem Trousers, which are selling fast in all sizes and looked perfectly at home with her black-and-cream wardrobe from The Row, Phoebe Philo and Lemaire. India Cardona plumped for the brand's Relaxed Stripe Shirt, mixing the button-down into a hot-weather rotation that included a bikini top, fluid trousers ideal for a pre-beach brunch and straw accessories.
The best thing is that rather like how the retailer can take care of all your candle-related needs at Christmas, The White Company’s summer shop is largely neutral—built from black, white and chocolate, plus the occasional blue, olive and butter—so that everything can be paired with everything (ideal if you're looking to streamline your luggage). It's also been designed with heat in mind, prioritising fabrics that feel gauzy against the skin—and more weightless for it—like muslin, linen and georgette.
Keep scrolling to shop our favourites, from a white shirt that can be slipped over a swimsuit, paired with silk trousers or tied around the shoulders for emergency sun protection to an elasticated-cuff jumpsuit, beautifully cool and breathable, that's a "one and done" look.
Shop The White Company's Holiday Edit:
Scoop-necked and high-legged, this cossie ticks all the boxes.
Slip this open-stitch tank over swimwear or wear like a tunic with linen trousers.
These are the perfect everyday sandals.
A neutral basket will be one of the hardest working pieces in your summer wardrobe.
If you want your clothing to feel as weightless as possible, The White Company's gauze halter-neck is the one.
These versatile mules—ideal for day or night—won't take up much space in your suitcase.
A simple white dress you can throw on in the heat is a must.
Hand-woven, and made with an internal strap, The White Company's straw basket makes a great carry-on.
One of the resortwear collection's hero pieces, this scoop-neck jumpsuit is as effortless (and elegant) as they come.
Featuring a flattering square neckline, complete with fine straps, The White Company's scrunch cossie will be your go-to this summer and next.
Lightweight and effortless, The White Company's shirt is a hero for a reason.
Paired with the matching blouse, or worn over a swimsuit, these shorts are multi-tasking and a must-pack.
This jacquard dress's whisper-fine fringe will mean it moves beautifully in the breeze.
