WHY NOT TRY
thing. It would sit elegantly with a longer skirt for a late-summer wedding, or with smart black trousers in early December. Perfect “wardrobe perennial”.
For more movement, the Peachy shirt with its poppy fabric is a viable alternative. Again, it works well for a smart casual weekday look, sleeves pushed back, with denim. Let the top elevate the denim but not so much that you feel out of place on your Monday morning errands. It can then be taken up a level with smart trousers and a heel or loafer. It will glide easily under a jacket or mackintosh too, the frill neck working in place of a necklace. I particularly love the poppy print for its coral/reddish pink – very much a youthful poppy.
Mostly I admire how Phoebe Grace, a small brand, has stuck to its drive to produce its garments here in Britain. “To put it frankly, it is not an easy process,” Janet Newman says. “Sourcing fabrics can take months…” The most obvious “pivot” for this brand is the shift away from standard materials. “We’ve been lucky to discover beautiful recycled fabrics made from plastic bottles.” You’ll also find GOTS certified organic cotton and there’s a notable push to encourage customers to consider renting Phoebe Grace garments from the likes of HURR or By Rotation, rather than buying for one-wear-only, such as a wedding. Forward-thinking fashion, yes, but made into hard-working garments that prove a floral is not just for festivals or height-ofsummer barbecues but they can be a much-needed boost as we start to see a step change wardrobe-wise. Get out in the garden, go out in your florals.