We are all have different views of what works for us. Usually by the time we are in our 40’s we have probably made certain decisions about things that we should avoid and things that we can guarantee we look good in or at least good enough. So naturally when summer trends come around we view them through this filter. But are we always right to do this, or is it worth stepping out of our comfort zone a bit and trying some new things?
To be honest this year I was not particularly excited about what was on offer. Post lockdown perhaps understandably fashion felt quite incoherent, its taken a while for everyone to re-emerge and re-group and there is only so much you can do with the comfy loungewear trend in summer. So I thought about doing a top ten trends for summer but gave up as there were literally so many to choose from.
Therefore I thought it would be more interesting to look back on what I did buy and how it went. In the UK our summer has been a literal washout in comparison with last year so some of my purchases were made quite late. In making them I definitely tried to go out of my comfort zone a bit with some shapes and colours I expected not to suit me and some which went better than I expected. However the acid test is will I wear them again? Read more to find out how I rated them and if I will be wearing them next season.
1. Blazer and longer short combos
Confidence rating beforehand 2 out of 10: I am not very keen on getting my legs out in summer. I’m happy with a short dress in winter with tights and I used to love the shorts with tights underneath trend in the mid 2000’s. So this one was pushing me out of my comfort zone. I actually wanted to go for a full on co-ord of matching blazer and shorts. But the matching shorts that came with the pastel yellow blazer (left) were too unflattering to risk.
How new is this trend : 8 out of 10: So wearing a blazer with denim shorts is not that new, however what is newer this summer is wearing them with matching long line shorts.
Will I wear this again 6 out of 10: While I am not entirely comfortable with this trend (owing to not really liking getting my legs out) I think I will try and wear it again. I am waiting for some suitable occasions that call for a smart casual look on a warm summer’s day.
Hotness rating 7 out of 10: I think this combo with flatter to fit tailoring and some mid heels or mules to elongate the leg or flats for those more confident could suit many of us
New in my wardrobe this year:
White and yellow shorts : Apricot – If you want a wearable trend piece this could be it. They are inspired by Zimmerman but also with the large daisy motif have their own twist. While I loved these on the hanger but I’m still ambivalent about them as I’m not 100 percent convinced I can carry then off. However I think they sort of work for me, and I’ll give them a proper go again next year. I bought these in store and could not find them online – but this gently flared white pair are on sale and look very cute.
Other items : Sunglasses : Vintage (portobello road). I love these and have worn them almost every day. Vintage shops can be great for picking up quirkier styles. you can get a better look a them below knitted top (Ieft), and straw mules (centre), Primark
2. Shades of Yellow
Confidence rating beforehand 5 out of 10: I am a fan of yellow in theory but only really warmer shades. I definitely did not think I would go near pastel yellow.
How new is this trend : 10 out of 10: I believe its new this year. Vibrant yellow was one of the 2021 Pantone colours of the year. This meant yellow as a whole was a trend colour for the year.
Will I wear this again 8 out of 10: I still think that the brighter tone yellow of the top on the right and the wedges suite me more. However I was suprised how much I liked the pale colour vest and buttery colour of the blazer.
Hotness rating 9 out of 10: I think there is probably a yellow shade to suit everyone, and its a fun joyous colour for summer
New in my wardrobe : The knitted yellow top was from Tu Clothing at Sainsbury’s, the vest and blazer are Primark so alas I can’t link to any them direct online. The wedges are Office from three seasons ago. Here are some alternatives. This bright yellow knitted top from Vera Moda via Tu would be a cool transitional piece. I Saw it First have a similar pale yellow blazer. I like this square neck fitted vest from Warehouse. There are quite a few yellow wedge options available. La Redoute currently has this suede pair on sale.
3. Cropped jeans
Confidence rating beforehand 6 out of 10: I do find it difficult to find jeans to suit me and therefore I was not convinced how I would look cropped styles as they do have a bit of a tendency to make legs look shorter and thicker. If its a really hot summer I just abandon jeans as a whole. However given our cooler wetter summer I wanted to try some new options.
How new is this trend : 6 out of 10: Cropped jeans are popular every summer but this year there are even more style options available.
Will I wear this again 8 out of 10: To be honest I have had the cream pair in the centre from Zara for two years and have not worn them very much. Its probably because I tend to favour a darker colour on my bottom half. However I really liked how these photographed, paired with a fitted top and will make an effort to wear them more next year. The denim capri style pair are new this year and I expect to get a lot of wear out of them.
Hotness rating 7 out of 10: I think these are pretty cute, and given the wide range of styles including looser fitting cullotes there is probably something out there for most figures.
New in my wardrobe : The capri style jeans are from M & S. They are very comfortable, stretchy and available in a wide range of sizes and lengths. I bought them in store but annoyingly I can’t find them online. In general I was impressed by the M & S jeans range. This cream pair look quite similar to my Zara ones above.
4. Stripes with everything
Confidence rating beforehand 8 out of 10 I’ve been really into stripes this year. Its been hard for me to walk past anything with stripes and not buy it.
How new is this trend 7 out of 10 : while stripes are very popular this year, they are a classic look for summer hence I’ve only given this 7 out of 10
Will I wear this again? 10 out of 10 : Yes I plan for these items to be a core part of my summer wardrobe for the next few seasons. I think both horizontal and vertical stripes can be made to work. However thinner vertical stripes are probably the most flattering for most figures
Hotness rating 8 out of 10 : Its not hot hot but its cool and classic and that is good enough
New in my wardrobe : The blue and white bandeau is from Matalan and now only £1 in the sale! Striped tee was an opportunistic purchase at Morrisons supermarket, Blue and White dress (Charity shop in Devon – Laura Ashley), Red and White Dress was from M and Co last year, but they have a navy and white version available this year.
5. Linen
Confidence rating beforehand 5 out of 10 : I was not sure about this one as linen suits, skirts and blazers were in my younger days definitely associated with frump. However in the past three or four years they have had a major fashion renaissance with a range of flattering styles being produced, and in a wider range of fabrics and prices. I was also worried about the crease factor, but this proved to be less of an issue than I had expected. Therefore I definitely wanted to see if I could up my linen game and bring a few more items into my wardrobe.
How new is this trend 6 out of 10: Its not that new but its gaining strength from season to season. So its bang on trend this year and there are many options to choose from
Will I wear this again 10 out of 10 : Yes definitely. While its maybe not the most streamlined fabric its definitely cool in both senses and sophisticated and relaticely easy to avoid the frump factor by choosing flattering cuts
Hotness rating : 7 out of 10 – Its wearable, comfortable, stylish and great for a more low key not try too hard look
New in my wardrobe: Black linen jumpsuit was new this year from a market stall in Portobello Market. I had to buy it without trying it on first so was relieved it fitted and it works well with and without a belt. If you like a more relaxed fit you might like this one from Whistles, or for a more fitted version try this from from Gap UK (The white dress is two years old from Asos – try this one from Sosander. The green linen shirt is H and M last season, Gap UK also have a nice looking alternative)
6. Shirt dresses
Confidence rating beforehand 7 out of 10 : I really liked the idea of a shirt dress but did not actually have any in my wardrobe. I had in mind a Khaki version so was really pleased to come across this one in TK Maxx
How new is this trend 6 out of 10: Its not that new but its bang on trend this year and Khaki is also still going strong as a colour for summer.
Will I wear this again 10 out of 10 : Yes definitely. I hope to find some stylish options for the Autumn winter season too
Hotness rating : 8 out of 10 – There is something sexy about the formality and the informality of this dress at the same time.
New in my wardrobe: My dress was from TK Maxx and its on sale now from Vila The model must be quite tall as my dress hits just on the knee.
7. Milkmaid dresses and ruffles
Confidence rating before hand 4 out of 10 I suspected this trend was not for me. Too much distracting detail and too girly. However I deliberately selected dresses in neutral colours which I thought were more likely to suit me
How new is this trend 7 out of 10 : its been gathering momentum over the last couple of years, with the puffed sleeves and squarer necklines, and this summer it was everywhere..
Will I wear this again? 5 out of 10 The black dress definitely yes, the beige dress maybe but I was not wild about how I looked in it. I loved it more on the hanger than I did on me. The black dress was the opposite. It was a bit of a last minute purchase but then I was really happy when I tried it on. I’ve tried bardot style tops before and haven’t found one to suit me but this one worked well.
Hotness rating 7 out of 10 : I think you have to be a little careful with too many ruffles etc on summer dresses. However I think these relatively pared down styles worked quite well to capture the trend and would suit most people.
New in my wardrobe. The beige dress was Primark this year and they brought it out in a few colours. This version from Shein has ruffle detail at the back but is a similar shade. It The black bandeau dress was from Select Fashion and is currently on sale.
8. Statement Summer Accessories
All of the items pictured above were new in my wardrobe this year. I was looking for darker toned accessories which would go with many outfits.
- The sunglasses on the left are vintage from a shop in Portobello Road I suspect they might be a designer dupe but not sure of which style.
- The leather and gold metal cuff was also from Portobello Road.
- The sunglasses on the right were from Amazon and are Celine inspired.
- The black plaited sliders are Primark and the black straw hat is from Lindex its great quality and a snip at £4.49 in the sale. There is also a tan version available.
