Summery outfits

At the moment, I have been trying to tell myself that summer is here. Still, the infamously inconsistent British weather always leaves me struggling with transitional temperatures and what to wear. I get lured outside with the promise of sun on my weather app, then get caught off guard by a strong breeze or stray cloud. So, what should you wear when you want to dress for summer, but the day is going to be hot and cold at the same time? I’m going to give you top-to-bottom advice on what you can wear to feel summery just before the sun comes out.

Clothes feel so much more special when you have invested a part of yourself into it

In spring, layers are your lifeline. One of my favourite layers is light knitwear. Knitwear and crochet pieces are great to bring over from your winter wardrobe to save money and the planet. These thinner jumpers and cardigans offer comfort from the wind without taking away from your outfit. They can easily be styled to look lightweight and summery while keeping you warm. Cardigans are great to pair with that dress you’ve been waiting months to wear. Thinner knitted jumpers can be slung over your shoulders for a unisex preppy look if you get too warm.

If you’re feeling crafty, you can make your own crochet or knitwear; clothes feel so much more special when you have invested a part of yourself into it. Crochet, especially, cannot be made on a machine, so you should consider where you are buying it from. In recent years, we’ve seen a huge resurgence of crochet, and the personalised whimsical designs are great for the summer look in the spring weather as you can make pieces as warm or cool as you want.

Similar to crochet and knit, textured bags always reappear for the summer. A good handbag is a friend for life, and no one wants to be uncomfortable around a friend. When it is finally warm enough to get a shoulder out, the last thing you want is a suffocating leather strap that will cling to your skin. This is why the textured bags never fail. They add colour and texture as a summer staple you can wear anytime to look ready for the sunny season.

My final advice for getting summer ready is always to consider where your clothes are coming from. It can save you money and, even on a minor scale, contribute to making the planet a better place

For bottoms, a looser silhouette is in vogue. Wide-leg cotton trousers were everywhere last summer, and I hope you held onto them because this summer is going to be no different. Lighter colours on your trousers create a chic sun-ready look while keeping you warm in the shade and cool in the sun. They’re also easy to style with baggy knits or fitted tops to give you the best of both worlds.

This silhouette isn’t limited to trousers. Maxi and midi skirts are summer staples and are always versatile. You can live your boho summer dream without getting cold. For the cooler days, I’ve been putting fun tights under my midi-skirt for a flash of colour on my scandalous ankle. This way, it won’t make me overheat or feel like I’m at a strict boarding school.

Finally, if you’re like me and unwilling to get your toes out, you don’t need to look further than your wardrobe. Light and breathable trainers are easy to style, and you probably already have them. You can dig them out and clean them. Now you know they won’t get too muddy. Or, if you’re like me and don’t own a lot of trainers because you’re unathletic, thin-soled or fitted shoes are the go-to summer style shoes. Consider shoes like pumps, gazelles, ballet styles, sambas, and loafers. These shoes can be worn in cooler weather while still providing the foot coverage you want and need.

I hope my tips have been helpful. My final advice for getting summer ready is always to consider where your clothes are coming from. It can save you money and, even on a minor scale, contribute to making the planet a better place.