9 SUMMER STYLING SOLUTIONS
Summer styling solutions.
So finally as if by magic the sun has arrived. Long time coming and after the winter we had we all deserve some golden rays! But did your wardrobe feel ready? My ‘high summer’ box was sat in the spare room, unwashed waiting for the rain to stop and then when I finally unravelled it I was a little disappointed. Sound familiar?
The thing is, most of is didn’t really get dressed last summer or go out or invest in any newness as our lives in lockdown didn’t require it. After a feral year of styling this month has come of a bit of shock. YES we want to go out and dress up but how do we dress cool when it’s hot?
If you are like me, your summer style may feel like it has to be adapted. With two teens wafting around the house in skimpy shorts I couldn’t get around my calves, I’m very aware those days are over (thank god!). But as a working mother, who loves clothes I want to feel good in the summer but also not over heat and completely cover up.
I’ve put together some summer style solutions that I apply to myself and my clients.
What’s your summer looking like?
So for me I’m working a lot at the moment. At home or with clients. So I need a smart casual polished working wardrobe but also practical and comfortable to be hectic mum in the country. I’m also only holidaying in the UK this year and oh yippee do, it is camping!
Look at your summer wardrobe. Put each garment into a piles. Be ruthless. If certain garments (like my glittery kaftan and sting tie bikini!) doesn’t fit into any of your life listings for this summer, then pack it away.
Workwear
Social Occasions
Holiday
Access your summer clothes.
It is important you have clothes to fit each area of your summer in your summer listings.
You may require some summer styles for meetings with clients (all your current tailored trousers feel too hot to wear) You may require an every day dress you can work from home in that you feel comfortable in. You may require a great pair of shorts that feel smart. Or you shoes may be letting your wardrobe down. Your t-shirts may be too tight or too thick or a bit cheap looking and not fitting with your old favourite skirts.
Once you’ve identified what your up to and what you CAN wear, you’ll be able to focus on what you need.
Here’s some summer style solutions to get you thinking..
The great work dress.
If you are back in the office a dress is the ultimate cool option. No faffing with tops and bottoms just good to go. A mid length cotton shirt dress with short sleeves is a great option. Pick a colour you suits your complexion or a dynamic print. Avoid fussy ruffles and ditzy florals and sticky annoying fabric or fabric that creases!
Make the shirt more formal by switching the tie belt with a leather belt and team with smart white pump.
The long short suit
If you feel too hot in your suit but need some tailoring, try a pair of long shorts. Choose a fuller leg style with a defined waist. Team with a simple linen t-shirt or sleeveless knit, matching waistcoat or blazer and you are good to go in the office. Avoid heels. Keep the shoe style sleek and simple, but I suggest cover the toes in the office and wouldn’t advise those gladiator sandals!!
Try a total look
This season it is all about the total tonal look. Matching top and bottoms. Whether it is a mini beach combo, or a loose linen two piece. Wearing two co-ordinated pieces will keep you cool and effortless stylish. Fearful of a total look? go for a soft neutral. Mangos linen collection is subtle, stylish and affordable.
Invest in t-shirts and structured summer knits
Switch your spaghetti strap vests and invest in good quality t-shirts, vests and summer knits. These will give better coverage (particularly under the arms and around and on the shoulders) and feel so much smarter when teamed with your old summer skirts. Recycle your cheaper t-shirts and invest in the good quality. Jigsaw, Mango, M&S all have great linen t-shirts. Go for a looser style in a wider cut that flatters your shape.
JIGSAW LINEN T-SHIRT £60
Weekend casual style? Try a structured t-shirt dress.
If you like the idea of a throw on t-shirt dress, pick a shape that suits your body. Cheaper styles will not hang so well and crease. Consider the length and colour and how you can wear it. HUSH do fantastic t-shirt dresses to suit all body shapes. They are a very casual style, but can be elevated with a belt and accessories. There are many versions to suit women you like certain areas of their body.
Linen shirts are your friend
Invest in a linen shirt to team with casual linen trousers or shorts. Style your linen shirt over a linen vest as a cool cover up (that replaces your cardigan or shaket). Keep the over all look tonal and you’ll feel cool, comfortable and smart.
Style blouses and shorts
Covering up is the new cool. So if you want to bare your arms, cover you legs, want to hide your legs, enhance your arms. Get the body balance right.
Too much skin showing can look scruffy and make you feel sweatier. Keep the outfit tonal, add discreet accessories to add finesse to your style.
Avoid tight elastic styles!
Slim fitted elastic bodice style dresses are very on trend but they are certainly not cool to wear. Too much elastic can feel exhausting and faffy to style. This dress is stunning on the model but felt, heavy tight and a bit theatrical to wear in the day.
Pick your prints carefully!
Remember in the summer we wear less makeup so choosing the right colour and print to suit you is SO important. Avoid beige shorts if you skin is brown, avoid pastel or pale coloured swimsuits if you are very pale. Stronger colours and prints with lift your look instantly.
Choose prints that aren’t too youthful and avoid dresses that prints resemble your grandmas nighty! Classic prints like spots, leopard, stripes, checks are safe options. If you go for a small floral make sure the colours are a strong tone.
Hope that helps! If you need guidance and style advise on your current summer wardrobe, I can help you with a REFINE MY STYLE consultation, a VIRTUAL STYLING power hour or VIRTUAL SHOPPING quick shopping fix.
Enjoy your summer style - you deserve to look fabulous!
xx