FIVE THINGS WE’RE BUYING RIGHT NOW
THE DUBAI LATE-SUMMER EDIT — FIVE PIECES WORTH BUYING NOW
Hello Beauties,
Late summer in Dubai requires a different approach to shopping. The heat is still very much part of the equation, but wardrobes are beginning to shift towards September, travel and the start of the new season. This edition of Five Things We’re Buying Right Now focuses on pieces that work in Dubai now but will not feel redundant a few weeks from now: sculptural accessories, lightweight statement pieces and clever wardrobe updates from Alaïa, Olympia Le-Tan, Simon Miller and JW Pei.
01 — Alaïa Crocheted Midi Skirt with Flowers
Alaïa takes the idea of summer crochet somewhere considerably more sophisticated. The open construction gives the skirt its lightness, while the contrasting floral appliqués introduce the kind of controlled drama that makes the piece recognisably Alaïa. The result sits somewhere between resortwear and evening dressing rather than belonging exclusively to either.
Why we love it — and why buy it now
Dubai gives a piece like this an unusually long season. It can work over a sleek base for dinner, with swimwear at a resort or with a minimal bodysuit and flat sandal for a more relaxed approach. More importantly, it does not rely on a single micro-trend. The silhouette and craftsmanship do most of the work, which makes it the investment piece of this week’s edit.
02 — Olympia Le-Tan Lettres de Capri Embroidered Clutch
Olympia Le-Tan’s book clutches have always occupied the sweet spot between fashion accessory and collectible object. Lettres de Capri has all the escapism we want from an August accessory, but the embroidered finish and instantly recognisable silhouette prevent it from feeling like another disposable holiday bag.
Why we love it — and why buy it now
This is the piece for an otherwise simple wardrobe. White linen, a black evening dress or clean tailoring needs very little else once this is in the hand. Dubai’s resort calendar also means destination-inspired accessories remain relevant long after European summer has finished. It is not a practicality purchase; it is the personality piece of the edit.
03 — Simon Miller Disco Wedge Sandals
The statement wedge is back, but this is exactly how we want to see it interpreted. Simon Miller keeps the silhouette strong and graphic, using reflective embellishment to create impact without turning the shoe into a conventional evening sandal. It feels playful, but the black base keeps the overall effect controlled.
Why we love it — and why buy it now
This is a particularly useful Dubai shoe because it can take a minimal daytime wardrobe into dinner without requiring a complete change of look. Wear it with fluid black trousers, a column dress or a short evening silhouette. The darker palette also carries straight into September and the beginning of Dubai’s busier social season.
04 — JW Pei Ellie Pointed-Toe Mules
A good edit should never be dictated by price point alone. JW Pei’s Ellie mule earns its place through shape: the elongated pointed toe, metallic finish and sculptural spherical heel make it look considerably more directional than a standard gold evening shoe. It is also proof that the piece creating the most impact does not necessarily need to be the biggest investment.
Why we love it — and why buy it now
Metallics work exceptionally hard in a Dubai wardrobe. Gold sits naturally with white, cream and linen during summer but moves just as easily into black tailoring and eveningwear later in the year. This is the quickest update in the edit: instead of buying another complete look, use one strong shoe to change pieces you already own.
05 — Simon Miller Pom Pom Mini Skirt
Texture gives this Simon Miller mini its personality. The neutral woven base keeps the palette restrained, while the exaggerated pom-pom fringe adds movement and just enough humour. The trick is to let the skirt remain the focal point rather than styling it as full resort costume.
Why we love it — and why buy it now
Dubai’s extended summer makes this immediately wearable. A crisp oversized white shirt and flat sandals keep it relaxed during the day; after dark, switch to a fitted black top and sculptural heel. Because the colour is neutral, the texture does not dictate the rest of the wardrobe — which makes it far more versatile than it first appears.
The TBM take: The smartest late-summer buys in Dubai are pieces that can be worn immediately without expiring with August. Alaïa delivers the investment statement, Olympia Le-Tan brings collectibility, Simon Miller gives us texture and personality, and JW Pei offers an easy wardrobe update. The common thread is simple: buy pieces that do a specific job, work with what you already own and still make sense when Dubai moves into its new-season rhythm.
Which piece would you add to your Dubai edit first?
xo
