Dreamy dresses, quintessential gingham and snake-print sandals… read along for summer outfit inspiraiton, whatever the occasion
Whether it’s boozy barbeques, alfresco lunches, or beer garden gatherings, it’s time to get excited about summer.
From day-to-night dresses that will give an instant lift (and swish) as soon as you put them on to pretty sandals and summer prints, getting dressed to go out has never felt – or looked – so good.
The fact that dresses are perfect for the summer is hardly a newsflash, but this year we really are spoiled for choice with some gorgeous styles. Perhaps it harks back to that feeling you’d get as a little girl putting on your ‘best dress’ for a friend’s birthday party, but nothing quite beats the transformative power of a dress. Think of it as your one-stop outfit for instant and effortless glamour.
Fluid smock, wrap and shirt dress styles always work really well. Look out too for modern takes on the tea dress featuring deep V necklines and flattering elbow-length sleeves.
Give your summer party look the Darling Buds of May treatment with lashings of gingham and pretty florals. Nothing says picnic quite like the mini check print – available in sweet pastels and classic bright green – and if the dress has bucolic tiered layers then all the better!
When it comes to flower motifs, this season favours smaller ditsy patterns and Monet-inspired expressionist treatments. The colour palette? Think sunset after a hot summer’s day – pinks, reds, oranges and blues.
We’ve said it before but the blouse is your indispensable spring/summer item. It’s likely we all have a pair (or five) of jeans already so just add a statement shirt – try a fancy collar or bold colour – for an instant update. It’s such a versatile look too – dressy enough for a dinner date but not too formal for outdoor gatherings.
Pair a silky number with smart denim and you’re good to go all night. The other bonus with jeans is the very real fact of British weather – no cold-legs syndrome come sun down.
It’s time to rejoice in the joy that is summer sandals. Yes, there’s the small matter of getting a pedicure but once that’s done so many outfits just look better with open footwear styles – hello dresses, jeans and shorts.
This season, our money’s on pretty-yet-comfortable ankle-tie flats (if there’s snake print involved then all the better), the always-appropriate Birkenstocks, and French-chic espadrilles or pumps for when you’re in need of toe coverage.
From a fancy puff sleeve or Peter Pan collar to just the right amount of delicate gold jewellery, the added detail to your outfit can make all the difference and elevate your look from everyday to special. Plus there’s the added bonus of the ritual involved with getting ready and layering on your personal finishing touches after a year of neglect.
With this season’s pretty printed dresses, a subtle pendant necklace with fine gold chain is the perfect bohemian-style partner. Shorter length sleeves are the perfect opportunity to try a bold bangle or bracelet - ready to show off as you help yourself to more food! Why not complete your look with an optimistically bold shade for your lips. Bring on the brights!
Not really a dress person? Then yes, of course dungarees or jumpsuits are just the thing. You still have the instant outfit, with an inherently more low-key vibe.
The great thing about one-pieces is that you can cover your legs if it’s chilly. Also, the layering opportunities make them really versatile. Maybe you’ll layer under a simple white T-shirt, or opt for nothing underneath and throw on a shirt or jacket over the top. It’s all about options.
