Moving into spring is usually when we have that urge to look a little summery. Recently, I took a trip around a few retailers. I was hoping for some style inspiration from the new stock on display. I find a small “retail refresh” can help give my old wardrobe stock a new lease of life.
I was a little underwhelmed. There was much of the same, print and style-wise. Maybe, it’s too early in the season for those few showstopper items. I wondered if the retailers are playing it safe, staying with their popular, reliable best sellers. I’ll do another reeky in a few weeks to see if there are any stand-out pieces.
At this time of year, there is always the temptation to retrieve my open-toed sandals, only to be reminded of that ancient saying, “Ne’er cast a clout till May is out”. The reality for us Brits is, we don’t really need to pack away the woollens, especially if you live in the north.
Our summers in Blighty can be unpredictable – but how joyful it is when we experience that elusive heat wave, which is currently heading our way!
Lifestyle is the main player for what we wear, daily. My routine has changed to a more laid-back affair, being semi retired. And, whilst I could live in leggings and a comfy warm top, 24/7, I still enjoy putting an outfit together. As corny as it sounds, my pull on favourites are still my jeans, a great pair of trousers and a nice top or tee shirt – along with a stand out outerwear piece – which you will see in some of my choices, today.
In today’s lineup of outfit ideas, there are my old favourites, given a quick refresh by adding something new. In this case, it’s jeans, which are my weakness. I have gone for two new pairs – a high waist, wide leg and a high waist, straight leg style (both H&M).
They were so inexpensive. And, I managed to obtain a 15% members discount. They are very good quality, which was the deal breaker. They have a snippet of lycra in them, too, so super comfortable and flattering for my shape, which is a rectangle (no waist), size 12.
I didn’t mean to buy two pairs but the straight-leg jeans caught my eye when walking to the changing room. I loved the shade of blue denim and I was curious to see what they would look like. I find it’s worth trying quite a few pairs on, even in the same size. Because, sometimes, they can differ – especially with certain brands.
I am no fashion snob and I find that, if the item fits, correctly, is good material with a great style, it can look and feel expensive.
What are your thoughts on barrel-style trousers? In January, I bought a pair of cream tracksuit bottoms in this style, purely by mistake (Zara). When I was trying them on, I liked the tapered leg at the ankle thinking, at the time, they looked flattering. I thought they were a variation on the wide-leg style. I know quite a few people are not keen – let me know your thoughts?
Outerwear! Some Items Are Still Current From Last Year
Some tips for spring/summer dressing:
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Layers: to avoid changing temperatures, usually, going from outside to inside I tend to wear easily removable layers. This avoids a lot of uncomfortable moments.
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Versatile Items: Go for items which can be styled up, or down. For example, shirts, cardigans, dresses with coloured socks, or jeans – add a cool pair of boots or upscale to a kitten heel for that more dressy look.
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Choose Stylish: Practical Outerwear: a great trench, blazer, waxed jacket, waterproof jacket or warm, woollen coatigan….the list is endless for whatever the weather is doing.
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Breathable Fabrics: I like to wear natural fabrics such as linen, cotton and wool. I find them more comfortable in lots of ways as well as being more sustainable than synthetic materials.
Today, I’m sharing with you my top picks of outfits I have enjoyed wearing, recently. They are mostly practical items which were worth the money spent because they have lasted and kept their quality, allowing me to be creative with my style.
I’ve come to realise that I certainly have a tomboy element to my style. I was brought up with two brothers and I have two sons. So, relaxed dressing with a standout coat or jacket is my thing. I quite like dressing up in something glamorous and floaty, if the occasion calls for it.
Outfit One
I was unsure if I would suit wide-leg trousers. After much deliberation, along with a few try-on sessions, I bought these wide-leg trousers, last May (River Island). Since my purchase, I have added to my wide-leg collection as I find it flattering for my shape. There are lots of variations to choose from. High waist or regular, then there’s slightly wide to very wide leg – it’s really down to personal choice. I’m not keen on the extra wide look, preferring the width to fall effortlessly in a straight line to the ground, creating a sense of length in the leg which for my height, 5ft 6in, I find this the most flattering.
Outfit Two
We Brits tend to be a hardy lot when braving the chill. Is there a defiance in us to wear summer linens when the weather really isn’t playing ball? To the rescue is usually the summer knit, which can save the day. Here, I am wearing a very old pair of jeans (Zara). I have chopped and frayed the hem, recently – along with a thin, pink knit (Marks and Spencer), which is a few years old.
Outfit Three
One of the things I love about a Breton top is it goes with most things and it can make an outfit more interesting. This famous top can be worn at any time of year – but spring/summer is when the Breton comes into its own. It is a multi-tasker item and one of my favourites. The tapered grey trousers are from Zara which are around five years old. The grey wool coat is from Mint Velvet (around seven years old). The socks add that subtle pop of red to my tapered trousers – I’ve become a fan of socks, lately, wearing them with skirts and sandals.
Outfit Four
My fourth round of outfit ideas is the iconic American Ivy League “Preppy” style, which was first originated on campus at the East Coast universities in the 1960s. This style was described back then as casual, yet neat. The first time I noticed this style, and inspired by it, was in the film, “Love Story”, with Ali McGraw. I have dabbled, here and there, since then. Today, I’m showing you various ways I have mixed two items from this look – the cable knit jumper and striped shirt, adding jeans and a trench coat – then finishing the look with a tan leather belt – classic items that never go out of style.
Outfit Five
The thing I love about Cargo pants is they can be worn, casually, in a pared-down, glamorous way. The cargo trousers I’m wearing today are a few years old from French Connection and my cardigan is current from H & M. My boots are old from NEXT, although I have noticed these have been repeated, year after year.
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See you next time!!!
NB
Here in the states, there is this feeling that we need to buy what we can before the tariffs kick in. I try to stick to natural fibers, especially in the spring and summer. I love linen and wear it wrinkled because I like the look. I honestly don’t need anything to fill out my wardrobe, but I will probably pick up things throughout the summer as the fancy strikes me…unless the prices are too ridiculous. Who knows? I just bought a pair of barrel jeans. I didn’t think I would like them, but I tried them on in the store and was so surprised at how much I liked them. Jeans are definitely my Achilles heel!
I love all of these looks, especially the one with the Breton tee. That’s one thing I don’t have and keep thinking I should get. You do look glamorous in those cargo pants. My husband rarely says anything about fashion, but he really doesn’t like cargo pants. I don’t buy them because of that. But, it isn’t like I don’t have plenty of other clothing!
Have a wonderful week!
Author
I like the barrel shape, which were a happy accident for me they are flattering for my shape. I’m late to wearing linen and love the look and feel – it is such a quality cloth as well as keeping me cool when it’s hot. Have a great week, Marsha.