Is it late spring? Not really, it’s more mid spring I think, but the weather has been kind to us, or rather it’s been kind to those of us here in the UK. Watch it crash spectacularly back to winter now I’ve said that. I still haven’t done the big wardrobe switchover just yet, but by the same token I haven’t packed away the holiday dresses I wore in Jamaica last week either. That’s what I call hedging your bets.
I use a cupboard in the bathroom to store my big woolly jumpers (moths don’t tend to live in the bathroom; that might not be true but I’m sticking with that theory) and a vacuum-sealed bag under the bed for my dresses. These are the ones I use. I don’t know if they are the best but they do the job. I also have a steamer that I use to get the creases out of those items that come out of the bags. Honestly, the steamer is one of my most useful items. I never iron unless absolutely necessary as it takes about one minute to steam a dress using this thing.
But it’s definitely still that time of year when every time you go to leave the house you ask yourself ‘Do I need a jacket?’ and the answer is inevitably yes. Also best to take a brolly, some sunglasses, plus a hat and a scarf just to be on the safe side. So some of these outfits may require an additional thermal vest or a pair of secret leggings but they should see you through until summer.
TED LASSO STYLE
Word on the Richmond street is that the Ted Lasso crew are back in town filming some more scenes for the third and final series. If you’ve never seen it, do yourself a favour and watch it. It’s worth the Apple TV subscription alone and you definitely don’t need to like football to enjoy it. It’s life-affirming stuff. Pure joy. This first outfit doesn’t really have much to do with it, it’s just the addition of the whistle necklace and the fancy track top that made me think of Ted. This is basically my go-to outfit for every day. I’m forever in jeans and high tops. I might power up the electric bike and head over to Richmond Green this week to see if I can get in the background.
1. Isabel Marant Etoile Malti track jacket (use code KATE15 for 15% at Coggles)
2. Pearl & Queenie ‘Blow The Whistle’ necklaces
3. M&S boyfriend ankle grazer jeans
4. Uniqlo Keith Haring graphic T Shirt
5. D.A.T.E Sport high top leather trainers
THE NEW NEUTRALS
An off-white dress might be a little bit previous, but I’ve got a (small) tan to show off so I will be wearing light colours for the foreseeable before it all fades away to my regular pasty-faced pallor. I’m trying very hard with the tan upkeep though. My top recommended tanning products are from Vita Liberata. I find they are one of the only brands that I can apply myself and not leave a load of streaks. I like the Gradual Tanning Lotion as it really DOESN’T smell like biscuits at all. Also for an instant, wash-off tan on the legs, try the Body Blur: it works a treat. For the face I like the James Reed Glow20 Serum. You can choose how long or little you leave it on for and that determines the depth of tan.
1. Warehouse linen mix puff sleeve tiered dress
2. La Redoute cotton linen check blazer
3. Peepers tortoiseshell reading glasses
THE CLOSED TOE SANDALS
As I mentioned in my last post, I’m really keen on this trend for the fisherman’s shoes/caged sandals/closed-toe sandals/whatever you want to call them. And to answer the question I get asked a lot, yes, I would wear them with socks if it was chilly. I already have in fact, and I was indeed ridiculed by my son. His exact words were ‘That’s a very questionable look you’ve got on there’, but wouldn’t life be dull if we didn’t try something that others question? Also, this comes from a boy who only wears vintage football shirts and Crocs, which I never question. I actually have to wear closed-toe sandals for the foreseeable as one of my big toenails is in danger of falling off. I’m currently holding it together with layers of nail polish, but I can see it’s not going to last much longer. (TMI?)
1. ANYDAY by John Lewis boxy cardigan
2. White Stuff quilted denim jacket
3. AND/OR canvas leopard print tote bag
4. H&M high waist twill trousers
5. Hudson Arabella closed toe leather sandals
A JAZZY JACKET
I mean, who doesn’t love a reversible jacket? Two for the price of one – I’m always drawn to them for that reason. You can keep the rest of your outfit simple when wearing the colourful side and go for more patterns if you switch to the plain side. Or you could be brave and mix up your look with a print clash. I find that hard to master though and it can sometimes look like you’ve got dressed in the dark. Maybe start with stripes and florals, that’s an easy entry point. I’ve tried REALLY hard not to include stripes this week. But don’t panic, I’m sure they will be back next week!
1. Albaray patchwork print organic cotton jacket
2. ME +EM mixed media v front frill sleeve top
3. Uniqlo peg top tapered leg jeans
4. Isabel Marant large canvas tote bag (use code KATE15 for 15% off Coggles)
5. Anthropologie double strap sandals
THE PICNIC DRESS
Or, as far as I’m concerned, the ‘pub garden dress’, as I’m not a picnic fan per se. Why wrap up some crappy sandwiches and warm cans when you could just go to the pub for hot food and a cold pint? You also have to lug blankets around and it all seems too much effort for little reward. See also camping. But that’s just me. I do still very much enjoy a checked picnic dress, which I would match with my trusty checkerboard Vans. I’ve been buying these for at least 25 years and I don’t see myself stopping anytime soon – they’re my all-time top pair of summer shoes.
1. Anthropologie round sunglasses
2. Matalan black gingham midi shirt dress
3. Baukjen organic cotton khaki jacket
4. Anya Hindmarch Picnic household tote bag
5. Vans slip on checkerboard trainers
A DIFFERENT DENIM JACKET
Everyone needs a good denim jacket in their wardrobe when it comes to spring/summer dressing, and I will do a full post on them in the coming months, but you could expand your remit from the traditional western-style jacket and look for one a little smarter. My top pick is this one from IRIS. I love the sort of vintage workwear feel to it. Iris own label is fast becoming one of my favourite brands. Wear with your khaki trousers and a good blouse.
1. Iris Fashion Flynn denim jacket
2. Free People Leslie leather tote bag
3. AND/OR stripe frill front shirt
5. Grenson Queenie leather sandals
Next week I will be doing jumpsuits. Hope to have something for everyone, don’t be scared of an all-in-one…
Kate x
