Dear reader, forgive me for jumping ahead as spring has only just made an appearance, but there is no moment I look forward to more each year than the big seasonal wardrobe changeover from cold-weather layers to light summer dressing. As we put away our wool coats and scarves and dust off our strappy sandals in preparation for the best weather of the year, there is no better time to start talking about holiday-ready summer outfits. Should you be in the market for some new swim, dresses, linen and accessories, you’ve come to the right place. Finding the very best new-in pieces is my forté, but I also have a keen eye for spotting which brands are rising in popularity too, and when it comes to summer-wear, there are a lot of hot brands on my wish list.

You will, of course, have your own favourite go-tos that serve you well each year (and M&S, Reformation, and Free People are always reliable), but when it comes to under the radar brands, cult favourites, and designer gems, we’re happy to introduce you to brands that may not already be in your wardrobes (but definitely should be). And having asked my colleagues, scrolled through socials and combed through sites, I’ve put together an edit of the brands that were recommended time and again for holiday season.

From the British brands specialising in pretty dresses to the Aussie wonders who design with heatwaves in mind, I’ve rounded up the brands you can rely on to keep you well-dressed for this summer (and the next). Just don’t blame me if you find each one better than the last.

1. FAITHFULL THE BRAND

Style Notes: Those who spend as much time on Instagram as I do will already be familiar with Faithfull The Brand thanks to their collaborations with some of the app’s best dressed. The Indonesian born brand are known for their hand-dyed and printed pieces, with light, textured and tactile fabrics collected from vintage markets and fashioned into chic separates and eye-catching dresses.

Shop Faithfull the Brand:

2. MATTEAU

Style Notes: Looking for a brand that has everything you need for a holiday capsule? Matteau’s clean and simple silhouettes translate across dresses, tailoring and swimwear, creating a few viral buys in the process (and if you managed to get your hands on any of the printed short sleeved shirts before they sold out, we salute you).

Shop Matteau:

3. FARM RIO

Style Notes: Bright colours and joyous prints are in Farm Rio’s DNA, and if you’re looking for pieces that will immediately transport you from the grey British weather to somewhere a little more tropical, your suitcase should include at least one of the brand’s dopamine-inducing dresses or shirts. We’d expect nothing less from fashion inspired by “the feminine spirit and vibrant colours” of Rio de Janeiro.

Shop Farm RIo:

4. SEZANE

Style Notes: We look to the French for a lot of style pointers, and it turns out they have summer dressing down too. Sézane takes all of the best bits of quintessential French style and turns up the volume, resulting in ultra cute knits, flirty dresses and pretty prints with a little added je ne sais quoi. Our favourite pieces? The artisanal accessories and linen separates you can wear well into autumn too.