Is your closet in need of a little refresh? Let these fashion mag faves lead the way. 

By Lindsay Samson

Jul 13, 2021

We’re officially half-way through 2021 (how?!), and while many of us might not have dressed up much—for obvious reasons—there's still time yet! Feeling a little out of the loop fashion-wise? Let the choices of some of the foremost arbiters of style guide you. From Teen Vogue and Marie Claire, to The Coveteur and Forbes, read on for a curated selection of dresses, jackets, accessories, and more that are fashion editor-approved.



1.

Red tie-dye bomber

by Kahindo

With its iconic, soft silhouette and lightweight nature, Kahindo’s brightly patterned take on the classic bomber jacket is as relaxed and unpretentious as it gets. The perfect choice to instantly add a little flair to even the most simple of looks, it’s hard to go wrong with this standout piece. Add a pair of tailored cargo pants and a chunky platform sandal, and you’ve got the chicest of The Zoe Report-approved summer uniforms.

Wear with: 

Samba Earrings
Samba Earrings
Samba Earrings
Samba Earrings

Pichulik

Samba Earrings

$165
Adanna Cargo Pants
Adanna Cargo Pants
Adanna Cargo Pants
Adanna Cargo Pants

Emmy Kasbit

Adanna Cargo Pants

$155
La Petite Ameena II in Chocolate and Green
La Petite Ameena II in Chocolate and Green
La Petite Ameena II in Chocolate and Green
La Petite Ameena II in Chocolate and Green
La Petite Ameena II in Chocolate and Green
La Petite Ameena II in Chocolate and Green
La Petite Ameena II in Chocolate and Green
La Petite Ameena II in Chocolate and Green
La Petite Ameena II in Chocolate and Green

FemiHandbags

La Petite Ameena II in Chocolate and Green

$480
Brown Uri Sandals
Brown Uri Sandals
Brown Uri Sandals

Loza Maléombho

Brown Uri Sandals

$170



2.

Black Salma Cluth

by New Tangier

Boasting a soft woven cotton exterior and gold-plated brass fastening, the Salma Clutch bag by Moroccan label New Tangier is just the thing to add a touch of bespoke glamour to any look. Mentioned by The Zoe Report as one of their favorite evening bags of the season, the piece—which features touches of Moroccan Tarz embroidery, and handmade Sabra (a type of cactus silk) trimmings and tassel—is the embodiment of bohemian luxury. Make it a companion to an elegant evening dress or let it serve as the ideal finishing touch to a casual daytime look. 

Wear with:

Frond Drop Earrings
Frond Drop Earrings
Frond Drop Earrings

Ami Doshi Shah

Frond Drop Earrings

$280
Black Koh Sandals
Black Koh Sandals
Black Koh Sandals

Loza Maléombho

Black Koh Sandals

$135



3.

Pleated Coat Dress

by Lisa Folawiyo

Called attention to by Vogue for its stylish exuberance and kaleidoscopic print, Lisa Folawiyo’s irreverent coat dress is a show-stopping silk organza statement piece sure to prove a theatrical cult classic. And though its vibrant pink and yellow print and unusual shape may seem a little intimidating at first, the artisanal creation’s subtle silhouette and flowing fit renders it surprisingly easy to pull off: wear over a cropped top and leggings for a simple yet striking layered ensemble.

Wear with:

Antique Baroque Leggings
Antique Baroque Leggings
Antique Baroque Leggings

Lisa Folawiyo

Antique Baroque Leggings

$398
Ball Bag in Chalk
Ball Bag in Chalk
Ball Bag in Chalk
Ball Bag in Chalk
Ball Bag in Chalk
Ball Bag in Chalk

Khokho Collection

Ball Bag in Chalk

$290
Dama Brass Chain Necklace
Dama Brass Chain Necklace

Adele Dejak

Dama Brass Chain Necklace

$200



4.

Bolingo Dress

By TONGORO

Extravagant volume meets ultra-feminine silhouettes and graceful motifs in this exclusive piece by Senegalese brand Tongoro. Part of a limited-edition capsule collection created in collaboration with Industrie Africa and highlighted by Forbes, the Bolingo Dress is a callback to another Tongoro look sported by Beyoncé in the music film Black is King. Team with a minimalist heel and handbag for a look that is perfectly suited for a dinner with friends or a sophisticated soirée.

Wear with:

Taji Earrings
Taji Earrings
Taji Earrings

Adele Dejak

Taji Earrings

$75
Salmon Fitini Bag
Salmon Fitini Bag
Salmon Fitini Bag

Tongoro

Salmon Fitini Bag

$150



5.

MINI AFRO BASKET

By Reform STudio

A summertime essential if there ever was one, this basket-style bag from Reform Studio is made almost entirely from recycled plastic bags and, despite its diminutive size, it still packs quite the punch. Featuring subtle touches of gold hardware and available in three striking colorways (pink and orange, beige and gold, and black and gold), Forbes listed it as one of their “Feel-Good Accessories For Spring”, and given its versatility and classic shape, we're inclined to agree. 

Wear with:

Amaka Skirt
Amaka Skirt
Amaka Skirt
Amaka Skirt
Amaka Skirt

Emmy Kasbit

Amaka Skirt

$230
Amaka Bustier Top
Amaka Bustier Top
Amaka Bustier Top
Amaka Bustier Top
Amaka Bustier Top

Emmy Kasbit

Amaka Bustier Top

$90
I AM MOUNTAIN Earrings No.1
I AM MOUNTAIN Earrings No.1
I AM MOUNTAIN Earrings No.1
I AM MOUNTAIN Earrings No.1

IAMISIGO

I AM MOUNTAIN Earrings No.1

$298



6.

Waffle Knit Top

By Viviers

A top springtime wardrobe choice by The Coveteur, conceptual South African label Viviers’ Waffle Knit Top delivers on both ingenuity and innovation. With it’s eye-catching shrunken pleats, sashiko stitching, and contrast-colored beads, the handcrafted style hand is both avant-garde and highly wearable, serving as the ultimate sartorial ode to artisanship. Pair with a tailored trouser in a jewel tone and a pair of chunky sandals to create a look that’s bang on-trend.

Wear with:

Adejare Pants
Adejare Pants
Adejare Pants
Adejare Pants

Emmy Kasbit

Adejare Pants

$90
Jongoo Earrings
Jongoo Earrings
Jongoo Earrings
Jongoo Earrings

Sidai Designs

Jongoo Earrings

$55
Black Koh Sandals
Black Koh Sandals
Black Koh Sandals

Loza Maléombho

Black Koh Sandals

$135
Periana Black Clutch
Periana Black Clutch
Periana Black Clutch
Periana Black Clutch
Periana Black Clutch
Periana Black Clutch

ZAAF

Periana Black Clutch

$210



7.

ASALI DRESS

BY DOREEN MASHIKA

Highlighted by The Zoe Report, the Asali Dress by Doreen Mashika is another printed wonder from the Mozambican designer. With its voluminous sleeves and flouncy silhouette, the flirty floral frock is lent a playful effect, while its knee-grazing hemlines and billowy shape offer a respite from the blazing summer sun. Add a slip-on sandal and oversized sun hat for a romantic look that is also super modern. 

Wear with:

Hawa Rainbow Bag
Hawa Rainbow Bag
Hawa Rainbow Bag
Hawa Rainbow Bag
Hawa Rainbow Bag

AAKS

Hawa Rainbow Bag

$235
Kara Sunhat with Interchangeable Sash
Kara Sunhat with Interchangeable Sash
Kara Sunhat with Interchangeable Sash
Kara Sunhat with Interchangeable Sash
Kara Sunhat with Interchangeable Sash
Kara Sunhat with Interchangeable Sash
Kara Sunhat with Interchangeable Sash

Crystal Birch

Kara Sunhat with Interchangeable Sash

$95
White Uri Sandals
White Uri Sandals
White Uri Sandals

Loza Maléombho

White Uri Sandals

$170
Selina Earrings
Selina Earrings
Selina Earrings
Selina Earrings

Sidai Designs

Selina Earrings

$178



8.

Kai Cross Body Bag

BY Thalia Strates

Ethically crafted from cow leather and featuring a unique Springbok hair front strap, Thalia Strates’ Kai Cross Body Bag is an aesthetic celebration of longevity, sustainability and craftsmanship. A fool-proof way to channel that coveted French-girl aesthetic according to The Zoe Report, the striking tote boasts an artisanal minimal aesthetic and vivid tan coloring that’s great for setting off a look built from neutral separates.

Wear with:

Quartz Torque Necklace
Quartz Torque Necklace
Quartz Torque Necklace
Quartz Torque Necklace

Ami Doshi Shah

Quartz Torque Necklace

$325
Pouf Sleeve Shirt Dress
Pouf Sleeve Shirt Dress
Pouf Sleeve Shirt Dress
Pouf Sleeve Shirt Dress

Studio 189

Pouf Sleeve Shirt Dress

$575



9.

Salmon Pink Umy Jumpsuit

BY Diarrablu

Effortlessly cool and the perfect trans-seasonal piece, the Umy Jumpsuit by Diarrablu—as featured in Marie Claire—is an effortless addition to a stylish, modern wardrobe as well as being a comfortable sartorial solution. The one-piece is figure-elongating, completely adjustable and can be worn in over nineteen different ways. Combine it with a pair of comfortable and stylish summer sandals for a look that will take you wherever you need to go.

Wear with:

Siam Fanfold Nude Crossbody
Siam Fanfold Nude Crossbody
Siam Fanfold Nude Crossbody
Siam Fanfold Nude Crossbody

MYKILIM

Siam Fanfold Nude Crossbody

$280
White Koh Sandals
White Koh Sandals
White Koh Sandals

Loza Maléombho

White Koh Sandals

$135
Esther Pendant Studs
Esther Pendant Studs
Esther Pendant Studs

Sidai Designs

Esther Pendant Studs

$113



10.

MONOCHROME BLAZER

BY STUDIO 189

A slick combination of masterful tailoring and casual elegance, it's little wonder Marie Claire spotlit Studio 189’s monochrome suit jacket as a fall outfit essential. But since the blazer is a key staple of any woman’s wardrobe, this black and white iteration is sure to be more than just a seasonal fling. It’s also remarkably easy to dress up or down: simply pair with a classic sneaker style in a bright color to add that extra bit of allure or amp up the drama by stepping into your favorite party heels. 

Wear with:

Thila Heels
Thila Heels
Thila Heels
Thila Heels

Loza Maléombho

Thila Heels

$275
Accra T-Shirt
Accra T-Shirt
Accra T-Shirt

Studio 189

Accra T-Shirt

$45
Periana Black Clutch
Periana Black Clutch
Periana Black Clutch
Periana Black Clutch
Periana Black Clutch
Periana Black Clutch

ZAAF

Periana Black Clutch

$210
Ishtar Earrings
Ishtar Earrings
Ishtar Earrings
Ishtar Earrings

Pichulik

Ishtar Earrings

$210