7 Chic & Simple Outfits to Wear This May

I didn’t intend this post to be on neutral tones, but as I started thinking about what I’d like to wear this May while going through some outfit photos from last year, I could see a theme emerging so I’m running with it this week.

My job these days involves taking photos of what I’m wearing, I know, weird, but I advocate that you do the same yourself sometimes.

No, really. Let me explain.

You obviously don’t have to put your photos on the internet for everyone to see and comment on (if you have a thin skin, I wouldn’t recommend it anyway, only this week I was told most of my outfits are ‘questionable’), but having a folder on your phone of outfits you’ve enjoyed wearing is a really useful tool when the seasons change. Otherwise, you completely forget what you wore this time last year and get in a panic about what to wear. A simple mirror selfie will suffice, and it will remind you of what you already own, curbing the desire (somewhat) to buy new things.

I mean, of course, you will want to buy new things, because adding a fresh piece to your wardrobe makes you feel good, but you don’t have to go mad. Here are seven simple and chic looks I’d like to recreate this month.

THE LACE TOP

A cream or white lace or embroidered top with jeans is – and has been for at least the last six years – an absolute spring go-to for me. It doesn’t work so well in winter, as you’ll always have a jumper on covering your nice blouse. But now that the air is lighter and the days are longer, we can break out our lace for all to see.

THE WHITE MIDI SKIRT

Did you invest in a white midi skirt last year? If so, well done, as I can see from the sunny streets of London over the past week or so that they’re proving to be just as stylish this spring and summer. I’m going to dig mine out from its winter home (in the eaves of the loft, in a vacuum-sealed zip-lock bag) and wear it with my Sézane khaki jacket and Teva sandals very soon. Incidentally, I plan to do a post on sandals and summer shoes that are actually comfortable to wear for long periods without socks. These will be among them.

THE CHINO TROUSERS

When I did the khaki trousers post a couple of weeks back, I got a few messages from confused American readers who don’t equate khaki with the colour green. Apparently, what we’d consider beige chino-style trousers here in the UK are what they call ‘khaki pants’. Which is obviously all kinds of wrong, but much of the US these days is a complicated and confusing place, so probably the less said, the better.

ALL WHITE ON THE NIGHT

Or more likely, all white in the day, just perhaps not if you’re going to a wedding. For any other event, though, a cream or white ensemble makes a nice change from a floral dress and trainers. I shall be attending the Chelsea Flower Show again this month (as I do every year, despite still not really knowing my dahlias from my dianthus), and I plan on wearing one of these outfits. I have this dress from M&S, and it’s lovely. Feels and looks more like a COS piece. It will be great with a statement necklace and flats or sandals this summer. You can see more of my current M&S picks on this post.

THE LONG SHORTS

Can long shorts ever be chic? I think they can. If you pair them with a blazer and closed-toe sandals, you could even get away with them at the office. Or is that taking it a step too far? I bought these Bermuda-style shorts from Uniqlo last month. As yet, they have only been worn once, but that’s not bad going for this time of year, really. I expect them to get many more airings this summer.

OK, SO THESE ARE NEW

I’m becoming increasingly aware that I prefaced this post by saying you don’t need to buy lots of new things just because it’s a new season – and then went on to tell you about all the things I’ve actually bought. But please remember that this is my job and, as such, I have more clothes than one person really requires, so you absolutely do not need to be like me. Plus, I’m lucky enough to get things sent to me for free from some brands (I know – living the actual dream).

I bought these Albaray suede trousers last week. I’d been thinking about them since I saw them at their press day back in March, and as they were on a 20% off deal, I decided to bite the bullet. Yes, a very impractical fabric, I know, but oh so soft, and the shape is just lovely (I sized up one size). I also ordered this M&S jacket for some work I’m doing with them, and it’s even better than I had hoped. The pleating detail is chef’s kiss.

THE WHITE JEANS

I’m very happy it’s finally white jeans season. I’m still thinking of doing a full post on how to wear yours, but in the meantime, go for a simple preppy look with a stripe top and a navy linen blazer. It will take you anywhere.

I have had lot of questions about dresses recently too, so I will do a full post on them soon too.

K x

WearsMyMoney

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