First up, this post has got nothing to do with Tennis, so switch over now if you’re after a commentary on this years Wimbledon. It was just ‘inspired’ by the colour of the game. Summer Whites. I’m not much of a fan either to be honest. When it comes to sport I’m more football than tennis. I think it’s the tribal atmosphere and the swearing that I like the most,
But summer equals tennis and cricket. A much more genteel way to spend an afternoon. Plus, at those sporting events, they serve my kind of booze and snacks, Champagne and cakes. You definitely don’t get those at half-time down Brentford FC. You either have to queue for 30 minutes for a crap hotdog and a Bovril or bring your own half-time treats. We do the latter.
But, we’re not talking about sports and snacks, we’re talking about WHITE clothes. White can be a tricky colour to go for, especially if you are a clumsy oaf like me, or have kids with sticky fingers close by you at most times. So I’m not advocating a pure white linen suit or such like, just a few ideas and some key white pieces to have in your wardrobe.
WHITE DRESS
A good white dress will see you through many a summer. It’s a holiday essential. Something to be worn whilst wafting along moonlit beaches, exploring little cobbled streets, or even just perusing the middle aisle of Lidl. Plus, if you are lucky enough to get a tan it will look even better. I think I’ve finally given up trying for a real tan. I’m factor 50 all the way these days. The era of dropping down to oiling up with zero protection Hawaiian Tropic for the last 3 days on the beach are long gone. Pair your white midi dress with a comfortable sandal. Sandals should always be comfortable.
1. Next White Cotton Broderie Puff Sleeve Dress
2. New Look White Linen Blend Milkmaid Dress
3. Birkenstock Arizona 2 Strap Sandals
4. Saltwater Tan Leather Sandals
WHITE JEANS
I did a whole post last year on the joy of white jeans and how to wear them. So check that out for more ideas, but for right now I’d like to pair mine with a cute boho style blouse, basket bag and sturdy sandals. I’m totally into the sturdy sandals trend. It’s just perfect for me as I love to ‘butch up’ anything that’s a bit too girly. As for the style of White jeans to go for, I would always lean towards a boyfriend or straight leg style. Nothing too tight. Tight and White is not a combo I favour, it won’t hide any flaws for you. These Topshop Hayden Jeans tick my boxes.
1. Hush Floral Folk Daisy Print Top
2. Alexis Amor Rae Caramel Stripe Sunglasses
3. Say What You C Personalised Raffia Bag
4. Top Shop Hayden White Straight Leg Jeans
5. River Island Black Leather Sandals
WHITE PATTERN DRESS
If you are shying away from an all-white dress then look for something with a bit of pattern, something that may just about hide a mark if you get a spillage. I bought both of these dresses over the past few weeks. Only went in to Oliver Bonas to buy a card but came out with the star print dress instead. I quite like an impulse purchase like that (and to be honest I’d never looked in Oliver Bonas for clothes before). It’s a great alternative to ‘that’ Zara dress if you didn’t want what everyone else has already got. It’s also nice and floaty for holiday temperatures. This one from Zadig and Voltaire I had eye-up at full price, so when I saw it was now 50% off in Selfridges I had to buy it. It’s VERY long and oversized though. I’m 5’7 and had to get 5 inches taken off the bottom.
1. Oliver Bonas Star Spot Tiered Maxi Dress
2. Zadig & Voltaire Resist Killim Maxi Dress
3. Adidas Continental Off White Pride Trainers
4. Puma Pastel Parchment Storm Trainer
WHITE DENIM JACKET
How about a white denim jacket? To be honest I’ve only ever bought my denim jackets in the traditional blue, but then you can’t wear them with your blue jeans. Well, you could, but it still reminds me too much of B*witched so I just can’t do it. A white denim jacket would work well as a summer cover-up when it’s not quite a ‘Phil Collins’ day*. I still stand by Mango as being the best high street store to buy denim jackets from. You really don’t need to spend lots of money on denim. Save your pennies for good shoes and bags. I love this Zadig bag, plus it’s on sale (I only ever buy from there in the sale as their sales are great!) and yes, I would match up with other lemon coloured items because that’s how I roll.
* No Jacket Required
1. Mango White Pocketed Denim Jacket
2. Zadig & Voltaire Lolitia Leather Bag
3. Ganni Floral Crepe Wrap Blouse
4. Cos Curved Leg Denim Trousers
5. Nike Air Force 1 White and Lemon Yellow Trainers
WHITE SHIRT
I have a white linen shirt from M&S that I’ve had for 7 years now, and I take it on every hot holiday I’ve been on since. It’s the perfect lightweight shirt for the beach, the bar and the sightseeing. Plus you don’t have to care about the creases as that’s what linen is supposed to look like. Plus, who irons on holiday? Linen shirts can also be smartened up with a good pair of chinos, nice sandals and a structured handbag. Add a khaki jacket for evenings.
1. H&M Premium Quality Linen Shirt
2. APC Half Moon Leather Cross Body Bag
3. Arket Lightweight Cotton Chinos
4. Warehouse Khaki Soft Boxy Jacket
5. Aldo Leather Espadrille Sandals
Just as a recommendation if you’re planning on doing a lot of walking on your holidays, and I know these are not for everyone, but honestly I have never had a pair of sandals as comfortable as Teva. Probably because they are specifically made for that purpose. If you missed out on the Arizona Love wrapped sandals, then I found a seller on Etsy that makes very similar ones for half the price. Or you could just make your own with a hanky and pair of Tevas. I’m going to try that with my white ones as they are already so dirty!
K x
