Volatile weather style
Oh English weather… it lulls you into a false sense of security and just as you think you have your summer, BAM it changes again. When the seasons and pesky weather change it can play havoc with our style and make it impossible to have an outfit that caters to all conditions. How do you keep cool when the suns beaming but then avoids shivering when the showers start? What can you invest in and know it’s worth your hard-earned money?
My answer is the ‘One stop look’ What’s that you ask? It’s one beautiful item of clothing that you can simply throw on and that you can play with layering, so you know you’ve covered all bases. Drum roll… The dresses and the jumpsuits. This week I have scoured the internet for the five items that can carry you through our unpredictable Summers and into dare I say it, both Autumn and winter.
Look 1 – The midi slip dress
The slip dress oozes femininity and is damn sexy. It is also pretty practical for when the wind blows – no one wants a Marilyn Monroe moment however fabulous our bottoms are. There are endless options for the slip at the moment. The satin, the printed, the lacy, the short, the halter neck… the list goes on. If you are nervous about satin, I tend to advise to size up and cinch in with your favorite waist belt. If you have the slender body shape, you can let it flow. For hot day’s this dress is divine. You simply need your sunnies and sandals and you can sashay away in it all day.
If its cooler simply wear a T underneath for warmth and carry a denim or suede jacket for the breeze. In terms of Ts you could choose your fave slogan or even go for a printed version – there are no limits here! Wear with trainers or ankle boots and if its winter, pop on a turtleneck or layer over a cosy knit and/or leather jacket. Finish with your knee or ankle boots and opaque tights.
Look 2 – The denim play-suit
Denim rules. It’s the most versatile fabric out there that just gets better the more you wear it. There’s nothing scary about denim either so if a playsuit is new for you, denims the perfect option to start your love affair with them. I particularly love this HM playsuit because of the waist belt that gives it a more sophisticated feel. The wider short style is perfect for the hot days as it wont stick to you like a pair of jeans would. The zip gives you options for necklines too, leave it as low as you dare if you a busty for a flattering neckline or go all the way up for a trendier feel.
For sunny days, it just needs a headband and metallic flats. For cooler days, pop a cami on underneath and layer with an embroidered or fringed jacket. Converse high tops will look insane with this playsuit or a printed pair of trainers if you don’t want them to cut off your leg. For winter, pop on some dark tights, grab some cowboy boots and wear a fine knit under the suit.
Look 3 – The printed mini
The printed mini is my latest fave thing to wear. I feel flirty and playful and younger in them! Nothings celebrates summer more than a mini. If you are one for a picnic in the park, they can be slightly trickier to sit in but just adopt the legs out approach and you’re good to go! I have worn mine to reunite with my girls (social distancing of course) They are perfect for a heat wave – less fabric to get sweaty in and prints can help hide anything you may be feeling conscious of. If a mini isn’t for you opt for a midi and complete your look with espadrilles and some hoops. For cooler days, a cowboy or metallic boot and oversized denim or white jacket will set the look nicely. When it comes to winter pair with black tights, biker boots and a classic trench coat.
Look 4 – The cotton jumpsuit
Jumpsuits make women nervous and can be hard to adjust to if they aren’t something you are used to. BUT I promise you, if you just let yourself try one that suits your body-shape (if you don’t know your shape check out my body-shape blog here) and you will easily be converted. Lots of women shy away from them because lets face it, they are a slight pain when you nip to the loo but its only an added 20 seconds to your trip, so worth the slight dance in the bathroom. AVOID in parks and at festivals though.
This dreamy one is cotton, so much cooler to wear when it’s hot because it is a natural and breathable fiber. Slip on a pair of Birkenstocks and don’t forget to accessorise with a bracelet and headband and you’re sorted. Unbutton as low as you can for an extra breeze. You can even fold this one up to a culotte length. For chillier days, grab your trainers and a printed turtle-neck and pop on a denim or vintage jacket for a bit of edge.
Look 5 – The denim dress
Ok, so Id avoid this example when its 30 degrees, but I just could not resist showing you this little number. These sleeves are SO IN and perfect if your shoulders are narrow or slope slightly because they put your body back into proportion. Shorter and lighter colour versions are of course out there too. But this dress is the definition of versatile. A colourful mule or sandal and hair up with statement earrings in the summer. I would even change the belt to a metallic one to give it a summer vibe. Safe for walks, BBQs, and adventures. For cooler times, this dress has endless options (as would shorter versions) Some white cowboy boots, metallic ankle boots or Doc martens would set this dress on fire. You can wear warm printed tights and undo the buttons and have a printed pussy bow blouse underneath to add a pop of colour.
Clothing is more versatile than we think. Pull out some items in your wardrobe and have a think about how you can style them with other items in your wardrobe. Think outside the box and have fun shopping your own wardrobe. Having clothing that you can wear all year saves you money and is far more sustainable for the planet, it a win win!
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to get in touch, Id love to hear what combinations you can find that you have never thought of before! Id also love to offer you a complimentary style session, no obligations after!
Stylish wishes,
Sian x