We all know it – summer dressing can be tricky. If you live in the UK you will know that a four seasons in one day can be a reality, or perhaps you are moving over the day from highly air conditioned areas to the heat of the day. To cope with these changes in temperature – outfits with layers that can easily be removed without compromising on elegance work best. In this respect trousers and jumpsuits in lighter and more summery fabrics styled with a blazer can be an excellent option. Here are a few of my favourite combinations I have been wearing so far this year. For all the outfits I have provided suggestions of where you can source some similar looks.
In putting this outfits together I have been trying to follow a few style guidelines which I found were true of the outfits I was most happy with and keenest to share.
- Suggestion one – stick to the three colour rule
- Suggestion two – body skimming not body hugging
- Suggestion three – classic patterns like spots and stripes are easier to style than bold prints
- Suggestion four – include one on trend piece per outfit whether clothing, shoes or an accessory
Outfit One : Office or event to dinner and drinks
Jumpsuits in a classic fabric can be a real winner and are easy to dress up or down. For any jumpsuit The key thing is fit, and that is not worth compromising on. Its worth shopping around to find something that is the right length for you – for example trousers that end in a flattering place and a body that is not too long or too short.
This is the outfit I wore for my birthday dinner earlier this year. I felt really confident in it and that it had struck the right balance between having made an effort but not trying too hard. It worked well over the evening – both with and without the blazer and I added a raffia style belt to cinch the waist and add a more summer look and nude wedges to elongate my legs. There are quite a bewildering array of spring summer trends this year (almost too many to count), and happily chic wearable stripes is one of them.
The striped jumpsuit was from Apricot last year and is on sale in the black stripe option the white blazer is from Zara. – but I can’t remember where the shoes and belt are from.
Get this look:
Navy striped jumpsuit – try this one by SilkFred, White blazer – I love this one with gold buttons from M&S or for something plainer try this one from H&M, raffia belts are also a trend still going strong this summer and are everywhere. Try this one from Lindex UK – also available in black. For the nude wedges – this pair from Cotton Traders or these from Dune via Asos (in a pale blush pink) are good options.
Outfit Two : Casual day out
This outfit works well for a late spring look right through to early autumn.
It is made up of soft loose layers in neutral tones that all work well together. I’ve chosen some bolder accessories, a statement necklace and some mirrored sunglasses to bring it up a notch. I also like the way that the waterfall line of the jacket echoes the ruffled neck on the top. Perhaps this should’t work but I feel it does. For me these are also the perfect summer trousers, high waisted and flowey and forgiving on the thighs.
Get the look
Some of these items, namely, the top and the jacket (old Zara) were actually charity shop finds – and the necklace too, which sadly I lost one day when I was out shopping. The trousers are last year from Primark and the strappy snake print sandals are Florence and Fred (Tesco) from two years ago. This makes the whole look highly affordable.
Here are some similar items:
- The sunglasses – I think these ones from Amazon may be identical to the ones I am wearing
- The jacket – try this one on ebay (might be the same?) or this longer line one from Roman Originals
- The trousers – these ones from Zara would give a similar look
- The top – try this one from Light in a Box
- The sandals – this pair from Dune are currently on sale
Outfit Three : Beach to Bar
This outfit makes me nostalgic for a proper beach holiday like the one we managed by the skin of our teeth to Cyprus last September. However these outfits would work equally well for weekend time when the temperatures rise. Just throw a shirt over the bikini top or substitute it for a plain black top (see below). In all of these outfits the striped trousers from Apricot are the star item.
Get the look
- Linen Shirt – my shirt came from the H and M sale last season. Try this one from Gap.
- Trousers – are from Apricot as mentioned
- Shoes – The kitten heeled mules featured on the right are from Stradivarius last summer and are a trend item with their plaited detail. I can’t find the exact ones but try these with the gold chain detail. Or for a flat option these are great.
- Clutch bag – mine was from Primark also last season. There are loads of options out there. This croc version from Whistles is very elegant. This one from Guess would also make a statement for an evening look.
Outfit Four : Shopping and lunch
This black and white outfit is definitely my favourite of the year so far. For when its slightly cooler use a linen shirt or a white blazer as a third layer. I’ve styled it with flat thong sandals in the style of Valentino rockstuds which are perfect for a shopping outing and a classic tan bucket bag with a gold chain which pairs with the simple gold chain necklace and the studs on the sandals.
Get the look:
- Black halter neck top – I found a River Island version on Sale on the site 21 Buttons.
- White trousers – these are very old Zara, try these ones from Oasis.
- Sandals – If you prefer something less pricey than Valentino pair (mine are Primark!) then try these gladiator style ones by Kurt Geiger
- Tan bucket bag – Try this affordable faux leather version from Amazon, or push the boat out with this very smart one from Coach
- Sunglasses – try this pair from Amazon where I got mine, or if you really love this style then Celine has you covered.
Outfit Five : Picnic time
I wore this outfit for a picnic at the height of summer last year. I hope to have the opportunity to wear it again soon when the rain stops… What I like about this combination is that it has a bit of drama with the super wide leg nude culottes (that could easily be a skirt paired with a dark floral cropped top, and of course a basket bag.
Get this look :
Culottes – mine are from Stradivarius last season. These one from Mango would give a similar vibe. I also like these from Warehouse.
Dark floral top – the 90’s revival has brought back some familiar styles. I think mine might actually be original 90’s – I’ve certainly had it a long time! Asos have a pretty long sleeved version, I also like this one on sale from Reformation at the Outnet
Basket bag – there a trillions of bags this style available, and they are a must for any summer wardrobe. This one from Amazon is known as a French market bag. – which are very in this year.
