I Wanted To Keep This Quietly Cool Brand A Secret – But It’s Dominating My Summer Wardrobe

This summer, I made a promise to myself: I'd only invest in an item of clothing if I could picture it in at least three outfits. It's a pretty basic lesson, I know, but having relied on panic-buying trends and being seduced by next-day delivery options through the years, it's one I've learnt the hard way. So, since my new approach called for a more timeless and thoughtful wardrobe, I've made sure that my newest purchases are far less rushed and much more considered (does this mean my frontal lobe is fully developed?) Naturally, I've been on the hunt for brands offering said considered clothing, which is when I discovered the hidden gem that is Marame.

A label built out of a very real wardrobe problem, Marame's founder spent years collating (or attempting to collate) the ultimate capsule wardrobe, one that nails everything from fit, to colours and quality. If you've attempted the same in recent years, you'll likely have noticed that it's a pretty time-consuming undertaking. That's the problem Marame solves with well-crafted, timeless designs all under one roof.

'Fast fashion taught us how to buy more. But it never taught us how to dress well,' a stylist at Marame says. And, that's exactly what Marame is about: good quality staples and clothes that don't rely on trends to feel relevant - basically, the type of clothes that I'd imagine myself wearing as a put-together grown-up at 15. From impeccably tailored workwear to polished basics, the brand is stocked with the kind of pieces that help you 'rediscover your own look' as the brand says, which feels like the kind of sartorial epiphany we've all been waiting for.

While 'capsule wardrobe' is now fashion's favourite buzzword, most stylish women have always sworn by taking a more intentional approach to dressing. So, if you're only looking to invest in a couple of ethically made core pieces, I'd suggest starting with Marame's linen, particularly for the next supposed heatwave that's on its way. Its Linen Blend Long Sleeve Shirt can be worn open over a t-shirt and jeans, or done up with a pair of linen or denim shorts. You also can't go wrong with a pair of Straight Leg Jeans, especially in a light wash denim. I'd wear mine with Marame's Regular Fit T-Shirt in a white/black Breton stripe.

Finally, to add a touch of Scandinavian charm to any outfit this summer, don't leave the house in anything other than a pair of Leather Flip Flops. The leather adds an element of luxury to the humble flip flop, particularly when compared to the rubber type that might remind you of early 2000s trips to the beach.

All of this to say, Marame is my summer secret for anti-trend, ethical pieces of clothing. At least it was, anyway – discovering new brands is somewhat of a guilty pleasure of mine, and one I take incredibly seriously. I wish I could gatekeep Marame with the same ferocity as I would a particular Mallorca beach or favourite nail colour, but alas, when a brand is this good, I'm all but obliged to let you in on the secret.

Shop the best of Marame below, before the secret gets out and stocks start disappearing.

Shop: Marame Top Picks

Main image credit: Instagram/@chloelloyd

Gemma Lavers is a fashion commerce writer at Grazia, where she tracks down viral pieces and is as comfortable navigating the M&S new-in page as she is dissecting the latest celebrity look. When not writing, shopping or at Reformer Pilates (a cliché but she's hooked), Gemma will likely be planning her next holiday (and what she's going to wear). For a glimpse into said travels, outfit inspo and life as a journalist, follow her on Instagram or TikTok.