Breezy and Basic
My Simplistic Summer Outfit Formula
Whether your summer is defined by sun-bleached hay bales or an endless vista of flawless beaches, flanked by gentle lapping waves, by now, I hope you’re getting comfortable with discarding most of your cooler weather clothing and dressing a bit lighter. Or am I being a tad optimistic here?
When we get into Summer, particularly if the weather is fairly stable, or at least a stable temperature, I find dressing gets a lot easier. That’s because, for me, I have a really simple uniform for summer that is based around loose fit trousers – usually linen, white shirts and tee shirts. Add to this a layering top.
Basically, cool, breathable fabrics that look effortless but still hold lots of style. For versatility, I stick mainly with neutrals.
The Simplistic Summer Look
So, here’s a quick hack for a timeless classic ‘spring to summer’ look. It’s made up of a few elements that I have chosen, based on the style formula described, with relaxed days and/or travel days at its heart, plus the requirement for some elevated looks too.
Because I’m embracing a minimalist approach, the look is more ‘classic’ or ‘natural’ in style personality.
My Focus Points: Natural fabrics and luxurious layers, textural interest, neutral tailoring, minimalist accessories, effortless footwear, a statement item (this could be an accessory like sunglasses or a scarf)
A Style Video
Linen
Ever since I can remember, I’ve always made a beeline for linen in the summer months. Other good options, however, include cotton and tencel, all of which are great fabrics to wear in warmer climates given they feel nice against the skin.
Linen comes in all guises, from shirts, trousers to floaty dresses, tailored suits, shorts and effortless knits. While there’s an element of inevitable creasing, alternatively you could opt for a linen blend fabric, as I have done here with my Rohan ‘travel linen’ shirt. Go slightly oversized with shirts, this way they will present a more effortless feel and can be worn open as an over garment also.
Tesco’s Florence & Fred (F&F) are currently doing a fantastic range of good quality and well-fitting linen - F&F always offer great quality and style for the price point, while Poetry Fashion have endless choices of linen - many styles and colours, for those that don’t mind spending a bit more.
Textural Interest
Adding in some textural interest to the outfit can break things up a bit, especially if like me, you’ve kept the basics neutral. I love my linen V-neck cable knit, and my crotchet top, all of which offer up interesting textures and patterns. They look good worn over a shirt or, draped around the shoulders to add in some extra layering. A raffia or jute type bag is always good for adding to a summer feel and offers up interesting texture also.
Luxury Layers
Another go to of mine has to be layering and for a classy approach I particularly like a cashmere layer. A layering cashmere, such as those by The White Company, are designed to be fine enough to layer over shirts or long sleeve tees. Not only does this seal in warmth if it gets a bit cooler of an evening, it also adds interest to the look.
White Tee Shirts
As far as white tee-shirts go, it’s hard to go wrong. I find they’re a great staple, look and feel fresh, are very versatile, cool, and come in varying styles, weights and fabrics, and with the right accessories, can look super stylish. Dress up or dress them down. Try to find different necklines, short sleeve, long sleeve etc to add true flexibility to your wardrobe.
Neutral Tailoring
If you want something more dressy or structured, then light and fresh shades in your outfits will work well to maintain the effortless laidback feel, in keeping with the ‘lightness’ of summer, while still being elevated when you need them to be.
In terms of practicality, the lighter colours will keep the heat of the sun out of the material (as opposed to black). I’ve added in a wool blend neutral waistcoat which when worn with a fitted shirt and silk scarf and paired with the high waisted linen trousers, creates a nice tailored look. You could add in some statement sandals if you wish.
I’ve also pictured a look with the linen/cotton mix trousers and blue merino tank top - paired with a statement Chanel scarf for a slight variation.
Comfort
As ever, it’s helpful if we dress for our lifestyle. This saves lots of stress and is half the battle. If you’re going to be doing a bit of touristy stuff this summer, for example, there’s no point in wearing shoes that you absolutely cannot walk in for any length of time (although you might persevere if you’re in your twenties!) – you’ll never be comfortable.
The sample looks pictured here are fairly casual while still being stylish (I hope!). I’ve opted for some neutral sneakers by Ecco for most of these looks - a useful option for me if I’m going to be on my feet for any length of time. The pure linen trousers (pictures 1 & 2) have an elasticated back which can be a real game changer in the comfort stakes! Smarten up with some dressier sandals for an evening look.
Charity Shop & Tabletop Sale Buys
As ever, I’m utilising charity shop buys. The 100% silk scarf pictured below was just 50p! It’s a beautiful heavyweight silk too, not unlike my Hermes. The jewellery is lovely and really works with many of my outfits and is quite unusual. The blue merino tank top was another charity shop buy at just £10, while the fitted shirt was £12. Within the paragraph above on ‘layers’, I’ve featured a beautiful British made vintage handbag (circa 1940’s/50’s) that I picked up at a local tabletop sale at my village hall!
For those who are interested, you can read more about the featured waistcoat here:
I hope you enjoyed and found some inspiration in this summer themed blog. As ever, if you do like my content, please do subscribe! It means a lot! Thank you x
I totally agree with the "slow fashion" approach to the over-all wardrobe for all seasons.
New purchases are made on the basis of price per wear. Unless I have an existing wardrobe to compliment the new item, then I cannot justify the expenditure.
I do not understand the "need" to purchase every single item in a new colour.
One can only wear a certain amount of clothing in a season.
I was taught at early age that the display of more three items from a brand overstepped the line from elegance to vulgarity.
Hence the importance of a well thought out wardrobe for all seasons.
Whilst many might disagree, I agree with you that there are gems waiting to be found in the high street to compliment the more expensive items which are already part of our own collections.
The same applies to the Vintage items which are sitting in charity shops and even local table top events.
Pre-loved and pre-worn have a place in a sustainable wardrobe.
Whilst clicking on a purchase is easy, the satisfaction of finding a gem in a place which many feel is below them, is worth both the time and effort.