Whistles summer sale 2020: As shops reopen, these are the items to buy now

Update your wardrobe with colourful prints, summer staples and bold accessories

To save you trawling through online, we've picked the best bargains to shop now (The Independent/iStock)

As the high street is slowly opening up after three months of lockdown, most retailers have launched their summer sales, with big bargains to be found.

It’s the perfect time to start shopping too, as trips outside and long-awaited meetups are becoming more frequent thanks to the gradual easing of lockdown restrictions.

Womenswear label Whistles is currently offering up to 50 per cent off its clothing, which includes everything from affordable wedding dresses down to swimwear.

Whistles stores in the following locations have also now re-opened; Bath, Brighton, Guildford, Northcote Road Clapham, St. Pancras International, Bromley, Cambridge, Henley, Islington and St. Albans. You can find the opening times of each store on its website here.

However, if you want to kit yourself out for the sunny weather and stock up on wardrobe staples, without facing the queues, shop online instead.

Prices begin from £15, so whether you’re looking for lightweight dresses to wear on your next socially-distanced picnic or to switch up you working from home garb. we guarantee you you’ll find something that works for you. Ahead is our hand-picked edit of what to shop now.

You can trust our independent round-ups. We may earn commission from some of the retailers, but we never allow this to influence selections. This revenue helps us to fund journalism across The Independent.

Dresses

Ditch the denim jeans and pick up this square neck denim dress (was £129, now £179) instead.

This A-line midi dress is flattering and easy to dress up and down (Whistles)

The button detailing, A-line silhouette and tie waist stop it looking frumpy and allow you to add shape to an otherwise relaxed fit.

The shorter hemline on this gianna ombre dobby dress (was £179, now £119) works all year round, as when it is colder you can add a pair of tights.

Pair with ankle boots or strappy sandals, depending on the weather (Whistles)

When sale shopping, it's worth thinking ahead, and if you have a wedding next year to attend, consider sorting your outfit now to avoid a last-minute panic nearer the time.

For lovers of leopard print, this big cat carlotta dress (was £179, now £89) is the perfect excuse to add to your collection.

Step into summer in style with this teal leopard-print design

The teal shade makes a refreshing update to the usual brown and beige tones typically seen for this print and the asymmetric length keeps it interesting.

For a day dress, this autumn floral shirt dress (was £149, now £69) is smart but still comfortable, so you can wear it for walks in the park and add it to your workwear wardrobe for when we return to offices.

Accessorise this simple style with gold jewellery and a bold handbag (Whistles)

Keep it casual with a pair of converse or dress up with ankle boots,

Summertime is an opportunity to inject some colour into your wardrobe, and we love the vibrancy of this jamima dress (was £169, now £44).

Play with bold colours and simple shapes this summer (Whistles)

The oversized ruffle will suit a smaller bust and while we’ll be wearing sandals around our local park for now, when we can finally go on holiday, it’ll be the first thing we pack.

Skirts, jackets and jumpsuits

This nora linen jumpsuit (was, £149, now £95) is perfect for sunny weather, as it's a breathable, lightweight material that will keep you cool, no matter how sweaty you feel.

Linen is the best material for the hot weather that'll keep you feeling cool and looking good (Whistles)

Pair it with tan sandals and a colourful clutch bag or with an oversized tote and your favourite trainers for a more dressed-down look.

You can’t go wrong with a midi skirt, and it's a versatile piece that will last you long after summer. This silk satin bias skirt (was £159, now £79) is eye-catching but easier to style than you might think. The lime green shade also makes a difference from the usual neutral tones seen in slip skirts.

A satin slip skirt is a style that will last through the seasons (Whistles)

Wear with a white T-shirt and box-fresh trainers, or with a black cami top and a leather jacket. When autumn comes around, a pair of boots will go nicely with it too.

If your go-to look is smart casual, then look no further than this ultimate utility jacket (was, £119 now £75).

Use this utility jacket as a layering piece for when it gets chillier after the suns sets (Whistles)

Cut in a relaxed fit, it’s a stylish and equally functional piece thanks to its big pockets, modest collar and button fastening.

Throw on over dresses, jeans and jumpsuits year-round as a great alternative to black.

Accessories

An easy way to update your wardrobe is through accessories. We’ve got our eye on this resin chain leonard wristlet (was £125, now £85) in yellow suede.

Bring the sunshine into your wardrobe with this resin handle bag (Whistles)

Deceivingly roomy, it can fit your phone, sunglasses, purse, mask and hand sanitiser and anything else you may need.

Sunglasses are of course an essential for summer, and this pair of hart cat eye sunglasses (was £79, now £55) are perfect for keeping the rays out of your eyes.

Keep the sun off your face with this pair of sunnies (Whistles)

Not to mention, if looked after, will last you years and always come in handy, so it’s worth splurging a little more if you can.

Elevate any outfit with statement jewellery such as these engraved swirl earrings (was £35, now £24).

Upgrade your accessories stash with these statement earrings (Whistles)

Lightweight enough not to drag on your earlobes, but big enough to make an impact, keep the rest of your outfit simple to let them do all the talking.

Swimwear is a must, even if the closest you’re getting to sunbathing by a pool is in the garden with your feet dipped in a paddling pool.

This simple swimsuit is ideal for sunbathing in the garden (Whistles)

This strappy swimsuit (was £75, now £29) is a minimal, understated design that’s form-flattering, has a low back and adjustable straps to keep you suitably covered at all times.

Simply add sunscreen and sunglasses and get tanning.