The Summer Style Report: What To Wear Now

Event dressing ideas, a long(er) pair of denim shorts, my favourite bag brand is back in stock and the paper-thin white tee...

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DRESSING FOR SUMMER EVENTS

Most comfortable fancy pants dress ever*

I don’t need to give you my occasionwear spiel again. But in case you’re new around here, here are my ground rules: no florals. That’s it. It’s simple. However, at my core, I’m a jeans and a T-shirt kinda gal. The sort of dress code that’s required for a summer wedding, or a fancy event, isn’t my natural outfit happy place. It takes some work. However, this Staud Pointelle-Knit Maxi Dress* is a GREAT option for us neutral lovers. The straps, semi-low back, and ruffles give it some flair, but it’s brown (my favourite colour!) and stretchy throughout, making it a truly comfortable choice. Need some other ideas? I’ve got you…

Doen Polka-Dot Mini Dress*, LESET Lana Maxi Dress*, Doen Leslie Gingham Midi Dress* & Doen Valeria Mini Dress*

THE SUMMER JEWELLERY EDIT

Let’s be real. This necklace is the standout from this whole post*. I can’t get over it.

During the cooler months, I strictly adhere to a jewellery uniform of my vintage watch and chunky gold earrings. I don’t deviate all that much. But in the summer, I push the boat out a little; perhaps a bangle here, a beaded necklace there. It’s a chance to personalise, as your outfits get smaller and your ability to layer lessens. Here are some new-to-me brands to check out…

• Lizzie Fortunato* - the beaded necklaces? Divine.

• AGMES* - handmade in New York, think sculptural, unique pieces.

• Dinosaur Designs* - made of resin, I’d recommend checking out their homeware selection too.

Two pieces to add to your summer jewellery wardrobe: the Agmes Wishbone Cord Necklace * & Dinosaur Designs Resin Bangles*

A LONGER PAIR OF DENIM SHORTS

Shorts*, bag* and the loafers I wear ALL the time*

Bermudas are having a moment, and that’s cool. But for the long-torsoed among us, a longer short silhouette can just read a little, well, long. I’ve given it a go, and shorts, skirts and dresses that lean more into the mini side of things work better with my proportions. But I get it, denim shorts in particular, can be a tricky one. I love the AGOLDE Parker style* and own them in two different washes, but what if you want something that is in between? Not exactly a bermuda, but not a short short either? I have the answer - the AGOLDE Dame Denim Shorts*. My advice would be to either go for your usual AGOLDE size in these (for me, that’s a 28), but I’d also like to give the size up a try. Denim shorts with a bit of room will give you slightly more ease, which is what you want, for both the look and the comfort.

Link to the cream pair here* if that’s more your vibe.

MY FAVOURITE BAG BRAND IS BACK IN STOCK

Dragon Diffusion Bamboo Triple Jumper Small Tote*, Nantucket Large Tote*, Rosanna Tote* & Santa Croce Big Tote*

I am very happy to report that there is an abundance of Dragon Diffusion available right now*, and that is BIG NEWS because these bags aren’t always the easiest to come by. During off off-season, they seem to disappear from the shelves completely, but this summer they are back and I’m very pleased to see my favourite styles back in stock too. If you’re a regular around these parts, then you would have seen many, many appearances of the ones that I own, but two in particular stand out:

• Dragon Diffusion Bamboo Triple Jump Small Tote* - This has been a real sleeper hit for me. In fact, Indyx says it’s the third most-worn bag in my wardrobe, and I get it. Don’t be fooled by the woven, raffia-like feel of these leather totes. I wear it all year round.

• Dragon Diffusion Santa Croce Big Tote* - The bag of last summer for me. For some reason, this one does read a little more season-specific, but the sheer amount I can fit in it is seriously impressive. And whilst we’re on the numbers, this is the sixth most-worn bag I own. I mean it when I say it’s my favourite bag brand.

Two bags that get A LOT of love in my wardrobe - the Bamboo Triple Jump Small Tote* and the Santa Croce Big Tote*

A SUMMER WHITE T-SHIRT

James Perse on the left* & LESET on the right*

I’ve been on the hunt for more ‘summer’ white T-shirts. Of course, every white tee can be worn in the summer, but some fabrics are better suited than others, and I was on the hunt for one that felt a little papery, with a slight transparency to it. The type that shows your bra a little, but more importantly, allows a bit more breathability than my usual jersey options. The James Perse Vintage Boy T-Shirt* had been one that I’d wanted to try for years. It’s definitely thinner than most I’ve given a go and has an eased-out feel to it (I bought it in a size 3 and am a U.K. size 12 for reference). But it was the LESET Laura Margo T-Shirt* that pipped it to the post. Can you see that slight sheerness? It was exactly what I was looking for. Their classic Margo shape (you know I love the original*), but in a more summer-appropriate fabrication.

THE SUMMER BLACK DRESS EDIT

LBDs will always hold a special place in my heart.

You know me. I wear black all summer long. But if you want something practical, a black dress, especially a mini style or a dress in a linen-heavy composition, is a good warm weather outfit starting point:

• For something sleek and simple… Posse Alice Linen Mini Dress*

• The grown-up party dress… GANNI Ruffled Organic Cotton-Poplin Mini Dress*

• The classic summer staple… MATTEAU Organic Cotton & Silk-Blend Maxi Dress*

• The mini dress/waistcoat mash-up… Posse Emma Linen Mini Dress*

• For something short and strappy… Deiji Studios Drawcurve Tie-Detail Mini Dress*

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