Stepping into summer with no clue what to wear? Us too, a year of living in loungewear has left us directionless. We pinned down Rebecca Dransfield from Sandersons to save us, with her 10 key pieces to buy this summer.

Since its doors swung open in April, Sandersons boutique department store in Stroud’s Five Valleys has fast become the go-to emporium for the style cognoscenti *that’s you!*. So, where better to turn to for some tips on what’s trending on the sun terraces and poolsides this summer.

We pinned down the glamorous Rebecca Dransfield, Senior Buyer at Sandersons, an all-round fashionista (and daughter of the store’s founders no less), to give us her 10 best summer buys.

Want to know what’s trending on her hotlist this season? Read on …

Rebecca says: “As a buyer I’m always thinking a season or two ahead, you need to have your eye on what is coming up months in advance.

“I really love this season’s colours, it’s all about the blues, pinks and bold floral prints this year. At Sandersons we’re a family-run business ourselves so we really pride ourselves on having a stable of unique brands that we love from Cheltenham-based Holland Cooper Fashion to Katie Loxton. Here are my essential, top picks for this summer.”

1. The dress

Part Two, Hasita Desert Rose

For me summer is all about pretty summer dresses, and this year’s styles are great. After months of lockdown who isn’t ready to get those floaty, tiered gorgeous dresses on? Equally lovely paired with cute trainers or a stylish high heel. I love this Hasita dress from Part Two which can be worn with a belt or floaty and loose.

Buy it now: £99.95

2. The top

Part Two, Heena White Top

This gorgeous summery number is top of the tops for me! White and cream puffy sleeved dreamy blouses to go with any denim are this season’s must have, this one is 100% cotton and perfect paired with a summer wardrobe.

Buy it now: £99.95

3. The skirt

Tommy Hilfiger, Crepe Midi Skirt

Flowing skirts are always a big hit and following the success of THAT Holly Willoughby Tommy Hilfiger skirt (Google it!) the brand brought out a very similar one that has also followed the success of the one last season. It’s so flattering and pulls you in at all the right places! Pair with white tee and trainers or dress it up with a basic navy body and some nude stilettos.

Buy it now: £77

4. The hat

The Jessica Natural Hat, Holland & Cooper

I LOVE this perfect panama from Gloucestershire’s home-grown brand Holland Cooper. It’s perfect for topping off your summer outfit and comes in a flattring, natural as well as a white and black version.

Buy it now: £149

5. The swimsuit

Topaz Boutique Swimwear, Sienna Luxe Swimsuit

We like to create a bit of theatre in store at Sandersons and this year we have beach cabanas to show off our gorgeous range of swimwear. I love Topaz because it’s a small independent brand and I’m really impressed with the cut and style; they’re made from high-quality fabrics so it will be a summer swimwear staple. No fast fashion here – this sophisticated swimsuit will be a beach favourite year after year. White swimsuits are often tricky but Topaz designs are well thought out – this one is ribbed so doesn’t showcase your lumps and bumps in the wrong places.

Buy it now: £85

6. The bag

Katie Loxton, Jourdan Cylinder Bamboo Bag

One of my favourite summer trends has to be the wicker bag and there are some absolutely beautiful shapes in our Katie Loxton range, my favourite one is the bucket bag, very Brigitte Bardot!

Buy it now: £49.99

7. The shoes

Ugg, Lynnden Bronzer

We have a wide range of footwear whether you are going for a sunny stroll, a day out shopping, or cocktails with the girls. I carefully select our shoes based on comfort and style because these are the two things that in my opinion are non-negotiable. For a sunny stroll and picnic these leather and rubber Ugg Lynndens are perfect and they are the comfiest pair of shoes you will ever put on your feet. A really good staple for your summer wardrobe.

Buy them now: £90

8. The earrings

SORU, Mini Santana Earrings

We’ve got some lovely summer nights statement jewellery pieces from SORU right now, this is such a gorgeous brand and perfect to add that special touch to any summer outfit. How stylish are these?! They are handmade in Italy from 24ct gold plated, with semi precious stones, Swarovski pearls, sandblast gold and intricate filigree. Perfect for dressing up any summer evening.

Buy them now: £210

9. The bracelet

SORU, Taormina bracelet

This is fabulously on-trend. A lovely, weighty bracelet is the perfect everyday accessory and can be worn alone or layered with your favourite pieces. Each medallion is double-sided so there is no need to worry about the bracelet turning. It’s set by hand in Italy with mini St Christopher protection medallions in 18ct gold plated solid silver – so unique!

Buy it now: £159

10. The perfume

House of Oud’s Grape Pearls

I’m really proud of our fragrance collection, it’s something we have built up a reputation for over the last couple of years. Our fragrance team really know their notes! Have a chat with them when you’re in store. One of my favourites is this House of Oud’s ‘Grape Pearls’, it’s the perfect summer date night fragrance with a floral bouquet and frozen blueberry at the top that give way to a heart of rose, grape, grape leaves and coffee bean.

Buy it now: £190

To find out more head to Sandersons Boutique Department Store. Shop online or find it located in the heart of Stroud at the new Five Valleys shopping centre.

Plus, throughout June get a fantastic 30% discount off Tommy Hilfiger and Armani Exchange.