5 Ways to Freshen Your Look This Summer
...and not go bankrupt in the process.
Some people are going to resent this, and to them I say - fair enough. But there are some items, ladies, that you are harbouring in your wardrobes that are dating you. How do I know this? because, dear reader, you are a human woman of a certain age. We all do.
These are clothes that don’t get us excited to don. The ones that we land on after trying on our new clothes that we bought in a boutique, with the owner breathing down our necks, as we promised to them and ourselves that we will definitely wear that! and thanks for their help!
And look, if the clothes that I’m about to suggest that you retire from your wardrobe do still bring you joy - by all means ignore me.
However, if you, as styling clients often are, not loving how you feel about your clothes or style, and the contents of your wardrobe aren’t making you feel great - keep reading for some options to make you feel updated, fresh - and hopefully not broke.
Reconsider: Veja trainers - the sun has set on these trainers’ day in the sun. They aren’t the cheapest, and no one one wants to be throwing money around at current times. But if it is a pair of errand running trainers that you need, you have other options.
Instead: Keep them in reserve for wearing under wide leg trouser or looser denim. DO NOT wear them with your summer frocks but DO wear them under wide leg trousers - more on that below.
Reconsider: Smock dresses - Unstructured dresses with expanses of excess fabric, and specifically worn with a denim jacket.
Instead: Reach for a knit. Not the denim overlay, but a red sweater over the shoulders, a grey knit, even a sweatshirt - these H&M sweatshirts are affordable, wash easily, and bring a little of knowing nonchalance to the situation - will look and feel more modern.
OR replace entirely with: Ideally for dresses look towards more streamlined, structured shapes. Even heavier fabrics, which are more likely to retain shape, or a drop waist skirt, will feel updated. I’m doing a full summer dress edit in the coming weeks, so keep eyes peeled for that.
Reconsider: Birkenstocks - Don’t get rid of these, as they often come in useful in life, but they are not as cool as they were when you bought them, that is for sure. And while we are here, are they really that comfortable? I bought a pair and sold them recently on Vinted as I realised that they consistently make my feet bleed. If your feet are more agreeable than mine, and you bought them for function over fashion, firstly, what the hell are you doing here? (though it is lovely to have you, please stay, thank you, please) and secondly - there are now better, equally practical options.
Instead: Black thong sandals. I picked up this pair from ASOS for £6, but obviously you can pick up the leather ones which are more expensive and probably will stand to tougher challenge. Other than that, revert back to my deep dive on summer footwear for in that I published here a few weeks ago, that includes sturdier sandal options.
Reconsider: Jewellery; Specifically neck adornments. It is not new information that accessories can enhance or detract from the overall look, so choose these carefully. What was once a statement necklace may now be a bit tired.
Instead: Stick with a fine coloured beaded necklace, or black medium sized beads that will go with most things. Or finer chains layered up, as demonstrated by Pearls of The Orient styles. Or avoid neck adornment altogether, and go for a big earring - this often looks more fresh, especially for a night time look.
Reconsider: Tight fitting denim. Once upon a time it was a case of the tighter the denim, the closer to heaven. Those days are no more. Your crotch should be breathing a sigh of relief.
Instead:If you love the skinny jeans, and they aren’t showing sign of wear (a saggy bottom is and it is time to go) consider - controversial one coming - cutting them up to capri pant, or pedal pushers, or shorts. They aren’t for everyone, but if it isn’t this year that you are persuaded, you will be soon. Trust me on this.
OR replace entirely with: Now we want soft loose denim, usually wide leg, but at the very least straight. In particaular, these Arket cloud jeans are excellent. Or, as I am loving the very this season horseshoe shapes that are around - check out Free People for dupes for the expensive Citizens of Humanity ones. Alternatively, I featured some silky pyjama-esque trousers last week (read here) that are worth a look at too.
That’s us for this week. Nothing groundbreaking, just a few things to think about as we edge closer to high summer.
I’ll be back on Sunday with (yet another) mini rant, and then next Wednesday I think it is time for another lifestyle post - taking a look at facial aesthetics, and trying to make sense of that world a bit.
Advance opinions welcome, as ever.
Also as ever, thanks for being here, and thanks for reading.
Big love
Una
x
I love the idea of a knit sweater or cardigan over a dress. I don’t have many of those and need to do a summer shop. I’m guilty of always taking the denim jacket. I mean it worked for Kim K at the Met Gala 🙄 😂