I’ve dispensed with a theme for this week, as I couldn’t concentrate hard enough to come up with anything cohesive. It’s been a whirlwind of many things this week: football (Brentford v Southampton – a very wet but ultimately triumphant night on The Solent for ‘The Bees’) and the new series of ‘Ted Lasso’. Plus I’m still slightly traumatised after seeing James Norton in the play ‘A Little Life’. If you’ve read the book, you will already know it’s an almost relentless ordeal of misery and suffering. I’m not selling it, am I? But it’s a book (and now a play) that will stay with you for a long time, and he should win all the theatre awards going for playing the lead so well.
I’ve also been plagued by IT issues this week. That is one thing I miss about working in an office: you can just pick up the phone to the IT help desk and someone will (begrudgingly, after telling you to turn it off and on again first) come and fix your computer problems for you. Instead I took it upon myself to try to fix it without any help and basically made everything worse.
So, instead of a theme, we have six outfits I’d like to wear this week. I mean, I won’t, as I don’t have all these things, but I think we can all take some inspiration from a few of these looks and shop our own wardrobes. Saying that, I did buy this Levi’s denim skirt from Amazon this week as I couldn’t resist it. I’ve been looking for a good denim midi skirt for a while and this ticked all my boxes, so let’s start there…
THE DENIM MIDI SKIRT
It’s definitely a big trend for this spring and summer and one that’s very easy to wear. I might do a full denim skirt blog soon as there are lengths and styles out there for everyone this year. I love a short denim skirt in the summer, but for now the midi will work best. You need one with a split in the front or the back, or else you won’t be able to walk: a fact that some designers have forgotten to accommodate. If you’re tall, this one from Aligne would be a great midi length for you. If you’re under about 5’4”, this one from Mango could be a good option.
- Monki long sleeve soft stripe top
- Astrid & Miyu gold plated Zodiac charm necklace
- Zadig and Voltaire Rock Clutch gold chain leather bag
- Levi’s slit front denim midi skirt
- All Saints Balfern gold zip leather biker jacket
- Gola Badminton Court trainers
JEANS & A WHITE SHIRT
I’m not quite sure that we’ve reached ‘tank top weather’ just yet, but with only two weeks left in March, the lighter-weight knitwear should be ready for an airing soon. Pair yours with a classic white shirt, which should ideally be slightly oversized and worn either loose with a sweater (sleeveless or not) over the top, or go for a French tuck if you’re braving the shirt sans knitwear. I bought this Sézane handbag last month and I can confirm it’s lovely. I’d been hankering after an APC Grace bag for ages, but this one is actually nicer leather and almost half the price. You can also have it MONOGRAMMED. You know I can’t resist having my initials stamped on anything if it’s offered.
- Warehouse oversized white cotton shirt (use code KATE20 for extra 20% off at Warehouse)
- Sezane Milo classic tan leather bag
- Ganni cropped knitted vest
- Abercrombie & Fitch high rise 90s relaxed jeans
- Adidas Jeans cream and burgundy trainers
A LITTLE BIT OF BLUE
I’ve noticed that cobalt blue is having a bit of a moment this year. A simple top in this colour would be a great way to add a bit of boldness to an otherwise muted look. It’s also a bright colour that actually works well with black. Not all colours do, and we are not giving up our black clothes for anyone. I don’t care if people say wearing black past a certain age drains you. I’m drained 90% of the time anyway, so just let me wear my beloved black if I want to and be gone with your ageist ‘rules’.
- Monki cobalt blue long sleeve t shirt
- Mejuri chunky silver hoop earrings
- Isabel Marant Drogo wool jacket (use code KATE15 for 15% off at Coggles)
- Levis ribcage straight ankle jeans
- Rock and Ruby cobalt blue cotton socks
- Dr Martens smooth leather loafers
PRETTY BLOUSE & CARDIGAN
I’m a sucker for a pretty blouse and cardi combo, especially when worn with your favourite pair of jeans. My current favourite straight-leg jeans (in case you’re not on board the wide-leg train) are the Reformation ‘Cynthia’ cropped high-rise straight legs. No stretch in these but I’d still say true to size. These ‘Andie’ straight legs from Hush do have some stretch if you prefer a bit of ‘give’ to your denim.
- Boden fluffy ruffle cardigan (25% off with code L7N9)
- Maison M quilted balloon clutch bag
- Oasis pintuck ruffle yoke blouse
- Hush Andie straight leg jeans
- La Redoute wide fit suede ankle boots
THE DENIM DRESS
Always useful at this time of year if you’re a dress fan. Look for something of a decent weight, with sleeves, that you can wear with your boots and ‘secret leggings’. We’ve still got a good few weeks until we can even begin to attempt a fully bare leg. For now, self tanning and shaving is only necessary for the ankles.
- Aligne Gabriella denim midi dress
- Isabel Marant stone detail hoop earrings
- Cos oversized lightweight trench coat
- Arket curved black leather bag
- Iris and Ink Piper leather Chelsea boots
SORT OF SMART
For those days when you need to be a bit pulled together but you still want to wear your trainers. At these times, I feel like a good button-down shirt and a pair of chino-style trousers are an excellent starting point. You could add a navy or neutral blazer on top – I just didn’t have room to fit it on here, I was too taken with the Zadig T‑shirt.
- Albaray organic cotton blue stripe shirt
- New Look woven top handle bag
- Zadig and Voltaire cotton printed t shirt
- Loewe tan leather logo anagram belt
- Abercrombie & Fitch tailored trousers
- White Novesta canvas trainers
I hope this week fares well for you and that you are free of IT issues.
K x
