How to dress for summer when you hate summer clothes
If it gives you the ick, read on...
Disclaimer: I wrote this when we had our flurry of warm weather. Lol. But now, it’s so mixed but I'm still hoping that sunshine returns!
Don't get me wrong—I love summer and holidays—the long, gorgeous sunny days, rosé all day, and not having to trek around with a jacket. But I used to find myself in a creative rut when it came to hot-weather dressing—the absence of layers and complexity in outfits left me feeling less stylish. Couple that with not having the gra for strappy, backless, off-the-shoulder, or anything that appears complicated bra-wise and shows too much skin.
I'm much more comfortable with winter dressing—I feel so much put together and smarter. I love a sleeve, and it's much more acceptable to be fully covered in winter. Give me an oversized coat, knit, and boots any day.
When the temps started rising, I used to panic. But now, I've realised I can put my twist on summer dressing and still get away with sleeves. I've learnt my summer-style triggers and how beating the heating doesn't mean I must flash the flesh.
Many of us change our style when there's a hint of sunshine. Maybe you're more of a minimalist dresser in the chiller months, but as soon as it's slightly warm, you feel the urge to deck yourself out in the brightest hues and jazziest prints. That's fine if that's what you love for summer, but you can still regain a little minimalism and even darker shades for the warmer months, too. A black sundress is so chic and, if in the proper fabrication, is too acceptable for the summer months. Think wafty silhouettes, linen, seersucker, or cotton to nail the black in summer vibes.
Celebrate and show what parts of your body you love or are happy to reveal. For instance, I never really show my arms, but I'm entirely okay with getting my pins out, so a longline denim short or a shirt and short combo is my holiday go-to.
Whether you go for separates or dresses, fabrics are crucial to nailing summer dressing and keeping cool. Summer-friendly silks, cotton, and linens will be your friends. Think a linen co-ord of wafty wide-leg trousers and a matching shirt or a crisp cotton dress, tiered for extra ventilation.
I've just bought a pair of stripped PJ-style linen trousers, and I know I'll live in them for summer when I want that extra coverage or still need to do my tan. The same goes for the white cotton midi skirt I recently bought, which is lightweight and wafty but gives coverage and can be styled with a t-shirt or linen waistcoat.
You don't have to stop wearing your denim jeans come summer. There will be days when you can wear a breezy top, jeans, and sandals. Denim is a versatile fabric that can be adapted to any season, including summer. I love opting for a wide-leg or wide-leg crop for summer in a light wash or white to feel more summer-appropriate. Or go for longline denim shorts or denim midi for a bit of wafty-ness.
One thing about summer dressing I like is the accessories - I love sunglasses, chunky sandals, beachy necklaces or a basket bag, and these all help to add interest and fun to a simple midi dress ensemble.
Shop my I summer-isn’t-my-favourite- season-edit below:
From left to right: printed multi-coloured shirt, black linen shirt, sailor collar shirt, black denim shorts, striped denim jeans
Printed dress, blue jumper and shorts, black puff sleeve dress, stripe t-shirt and wide leg trousers, orange midi dress
Cream linen shirt, black lace dress, butter yellow resort shirt and skirt, white kaftan, stripe shirt and shorts
From left to right: rectangle straw bag, black chunky sandals, cream and raffia bag
Black thong sandal, raffia large cross body bag, brown strappy sandals, mini raffia bag
Raffia shoulder bag, black leather slides, brown strappy straw bag
Pearl raffia bag, ballet flats, black top handle straw bag, flat black sandals, gold sculptural heel mules
**Please note that some of the links on this site may result in a small commission for me if you purchase after clicking on them.