eight late summer looks from three wardrobe staples…
that will see you into early autumn
AD INFORMATION | This post contains a GIFT as denoted & product links that are AFFILIATE LINKS.
I say late summer but I’m also thinking these would work for early autumn too depending on the weather… but that’s why we’re all manifesting a hefty dose of September sunshine right? The eight outfits are based around three favourite staples, and whilst getting changed multiple times to film and photograph the looks, it felt like there were endless permutations using these pieces in conjunction with what’s in the wardrobe… just one of the many benefits of a mostly neutral wardrobe! Later on whilst writing this, I even thought of a few more combos but am glad I stopped at eight once I saw the amount of footage I had to edit. As it is, I have a three minute video linked at the end of this post but you could have just as easily been sat there with popcorn for two hours whilst I added and peeled off layers on repeat. Which, let’s face it, we’ll all be doing that anyway if this mixed bag of weather continues!
Beige Cotton Shirt (old) H&M - similar here | Tan Leather Tote ARKET - Suede version available | Vest ARKET | Jeans (old) New Look - similar here | Arizona Sandals BIRKENSTOCK | Black Leather Crossbody Bag COS | Black Leather Slides [Gift] FITFLOP
the BEIGE COTTON SHIRT
Having lived in linen all summer (come rain or shine), it feels weirdly refreshing to be back in cotton again. I bought this shirt from H&M a couple of years ago and due to the fit and (semi) structure, it works in so many ways. In summer it’s versatile worn on its own or layered open something else and come winter, it’s great for wearing buttoned up all the way under a cosy knit. The exact shirt isn’t available at the moment but I’ve linked some similar look-a-likes below…
SHOP SHIRTS
Blazer THE FRANKIE SHOP | Jute Tote (old) H&M - similar here | Belt (old) HUSH - similar here | Everything else linked above.
the WHITE JEANS
I’ve never believed in packing away the cream and white denim come the end of summer – it stays out the whole year round - although there is a need to exercise caution when it comes to rainy days, puddles and passing car splashback. Says the voice of experience. The pair I’m wearing here are about four years old and from New Look of all places but the cut is great and the denim a really heavy quality so there’s none of the pants-showing-through thing going on! I’ve found some similar alternatives here but as the key factors are is width of the leg and the right amount of crop, if all else fails, do what I sometimes do and buy the longer pair and get them hemmed to a length you love. You’ll wear them forever.
shop jeans
Short Sleeve Textured Knit MARKS & SPENCER | Linen shorts ARKET | Everything else linked above.
the TEXTURED KNIT
I mentioned a love of texture here and when put to good use it’s much more than just a passing trend. The knit that I’m wearing is the perfect, semi-cosy transitional piece - I think I mentioned it in the last summer style email but if it wasn’t for Angie Smith and her ability to track down the best buys from the High Street, I would have overlooked it completely. The look above with the linen shorts was exactly what I saw in my head as I added it to basket! As we go into autumn, I’m thinking about other texture options for a top - perhaps a knit with longer sleeves or a crochet tank layered beneath a blazer.
shop textured knits
THE ACCESSORIES
The sandals for these looks are dry day dependent (she says looking out at the rain) but there’s plenty of other footwear that would work as well: trainers – I think something like these – tan sandals, Birkenstock Boston’s or even soft slouchy loafers. And if you’re in search of the Birkenstock Boston’s but can’t get your hands on a pair (they sell out SO quick), these Catalina mules at Hush are an amazing shoe-a-like and a less pricy option too. For a variation on bags, you could include woven in a dark brown hue, curved (this one sells out every time it’s restocked), quilted & oversized (basically a portable pillow) or something smaller with a more structured feel to add in a polished element.
shop accessories
Head over to the Instagram video here to see the outfits in motion, a very cool styling trick with a hair bungee and way to many outfit changes for my first attempt at this kind of Reel. In fact it was so long it was classed as a post and not a Reel!
shop the post
