How to build a summer wardrobe
The surprising stalwarts that will change everything
What makes the perfect holiday wardrobe, you may ask. Something practical? Sure. Glamorous? A bonus, definitely. Light to pack and ideally can all be fitted into one single carry-on? You bet. Pieces that hit all the summer trends but can also be wheeled out year after year? I mean, that’s the Holy Grail of a holiday wardrobe, right?
To this end I have compiled a round-up of pieces that I both own, pull out year after year, can bed down into one single carry-on piece of luggage and feel sufficiently glamorous when worn together.
These by the way are not the regular piece touted to you by magazines. There are no dramatic sun hats for a start. Neither are there strappy sandals to wear out for dinner (and absolutely nowhere else), or long white dresses that need dry-cleaning after one wear.
These are the pieces that will have your back year after year….
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The Bum Bag
Despite being the most unappealingly named accessory of all time, the bum bag (or, worse, fanny pack to our US friends) is a summer stalwart. Light, versatile- this one by Clare V can also be worn cross body, and security conscious (also a deeply unsexy consideration, but important) what’s not to love? I have an old Clare V one in leopard that i have had for over a decade and still use- and you will too.
A striped red shirt
Stripes are to summer what cashmere is to winter, and this oversized, vintage-washed shirt from Free People is perfection. I wear a lot of blue striped shirts but for summer you want something a bit ‘fresher’. I can also recommend a ‘minty’ green stripe if red is not your thing. Toteme do a good but pricey version.
A little leopard
I actually believe leopard has a place all year round (my Celine leopard mac is one of the hardest working pieces in my wardrobe) but for summer it feels especially relevant. I love these two pieces from Zarah Home of all places. (I have no idea why they are in the home section but they are) which will drop in the next week or so. You can bookmark the page here to make sure you don’t miss out.
A metallic ‘something’
Metallics were a super spring/summer trend on the catwalk, which is unsurprising since nothing looks better on slightly toasted skin than silver or gold. This very reasonably priced skirt from M&S (£45, in case you’re wondering) hits two trends in one: the denim skirt and the metallic trend. I especially like the styling too with an oversized T-shirt (see below for some ideas) and a chunky granddad sandal. Marks and Spencers metallic jean skirt.