Why 'waft' is the key feature you should be searching for in your summer purchases
Recently my favourite cream sundress fell victim to a life changing disfigurement. My husband had, somewhat, helpfully put it in the wash. It came out a strange blue colour. It wasn’t just that it had been the perfect shade of flattering cream, or its puff sleeves so charming that I almost enjoyed being asked where my sheep were, or that it had a jagged hem that didn’t look naff, or its flattering not-quite-empire line-not quite-high waist… the thing that made it perfect was that it had the exact right amount of waft. On a scale of bodycon to waft-off, it was an 11. It wafted beautifully. God, I love to waft.
While considering what to do with my ruined gauzey-cotton pal, I looked into new as-waftable options. My poor afflicted frock was from Mes Demoiselles, one of my favourite Parisian brands, which can be a little pricey but always has the sort of timeless slight gipsy-tinged boho pieces (with premium waft-age) that – if they’re your thing – you can justify forking out for. I mean, I can. I’m into this pretty peasant-y top, which would give great waftability to a pair of jeans. Also of waftable note is LF Markey, who does a great line in the kind of gently oversized, flattering classics in pretty colours you wish you could always find. For those with more Duchess‑level funding, see Emilia Wickstead’s new capsule collection with Matches Fashion.
Three Graces London cotton-blend maxi dress, £675, Net-a-Porter; Mes Demoiselles square-neck blouse, £178, Matches Fashion; Florian skirt in salmon, £170, L F Markey
But waft shouldn’t be confined to dresses (though Three Graces London is a wafting hotspot), bags can waft – see Loewe’s tasselled branded tote which I am keen to sell my mother for. Earrings can waft – there are lots of slightly crazy giant ones at Mango (no great plan to spend too much on silly earrings) – I like these red and gold ones, which I would wear with an all-black ensemble as I get tense mixing too many colours, but others may have more adventurous ideas.
You need a good shoe to facilitate the right level of speed while wafting, not that you want to be too slow. You should glide purposefully rather than trail along. A solid sandal or even chunky trainer (I’ve just treated myself to Stella McCartney’s ones and they are the comfiest thing I’ve ever put on my feet) might be the ideal option, heels aren’t necessarily the accessory of choice here: a bit of bounce can be very beneficial.
Loewe fringe leather tote, £1,275, Browns; Pompom beads earrings, £12.99 Mango; Laminated track sole sandals, £29.99 Zara
My other, more low-than-high discovery is the delicious black hole of chic typing “vintage kimono” into eBay. I found a red, white and pink floral print one for £26, which I intend to throw on over anything, wear open, and yes, waft.
You’re still worried about my sad blue friend. Friend is now black courtesy of Dylon. It might almost be better than the original incarnation. But obviously we must never tell my husband that.
