We wouldn’t be doing our job if we didn’t alert you to the latest and greatest taffeta dresses. Our newest favorite is inspired by Bulgarian folklore and comes courtesy of designers and friends Emma Chopova and Laura Lowena. The pair first attracted notice for their magnificent wool winter skirts, which were festooned with leather belts, key chains, and even the occasional carabiner. Now their brand offers styles for all four seasons, and it prides itself on sourcing unusual, recycled materials, often from Sofia, to create pieces that are unlike anything else on the market. At the top of the heap is this belted A-line beauty, whose smart silhouette and memorable fabrics are accented by silver brooches and buttons. Prepare to receive compliments and queries! ($1,651; matchesfashion.com)
The Tote
JW Anderson
Filled with dread at the prospect of hauling a heavy leather bag all over town? Help is here in the form of this kicky raffia tote bag from JW Anderson. With its checkerboard pattern and whimsical blue stripe, it communicates the spirit of a carefree summer spent in picturesque European villages without actually requiring a boarding pass. It’s spacious enough to hold the essentials—wallet, phone, keys, Rosebud Salve, a copy of Hunter Biden’s memoir—but won’t weigh you down, thanks to its lightweight material. ($415, net-a-porter.com)
The Sweater
Weekend Max Mara
The moment Weekend Max Mara’s spring collection sprung, we found ourselves wanting every single piece. We’ll be starting with this Auronzo sweater. Made of cotton, its inverted stripe pattern and funky little panel are a departure from our well-stocked collection of striped sweaters. And its slightly boxy shape means it can be worn over T-shirts and button-ups alike. Spring is the season to layer, after all. ($310, matchesfashion.com)
The Sandals
Aera
We usually err on the side of comfort when it comes to footwear, but we’ve decided to try out slides this season with the Raffaellas from Aera, a newish line of vegan Italian shoes. Thanks to a molded footbed and oversize knotted straps, these beauties (inspired by the 60s-era Italian pop star Raffaella Carrà) are easy to walk in all over town without sacrificing a bit of style. Throughout the month of April, the brand is donating 20 percent of direct sales to the Shatter Foundation, which provides entrepreneurship opportunities and support to girls in underserved communities. ($395, aera.com)
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