Your capsule wardrobe to see you through to summer...
The first rule? Everything needs at least two functions…
PS My video will appear next week for paid subscribers. With M&S low on stock, and not available online, I thought unfair to feature it heavily until all is back to normal
On the cusp of summer, it’s easy to panic buy when the weather changes suddenly, or an unexpected invite pops up. What I am listing here – and I take no payment from any brand for my recommendations – is a short, sharp shopping list that will hopefully see you through hot days, cold days, formal occasions, holidays, work, leisure and play.
First, here is a beautiful dress that is smart enough for a wedding, but also will work on holiday for dinner at a taverna. I’ve always poo poohed LK Bennett, but the brand really has upped its game. There are lots of dresses with sleeves that reach the elbow, great colours and prints. It is not the cheapest, but these two dresses will mean you look stunning again and again… Dress up with heels, or down with flats. I also love this little LKB bag: it is neat and special enough for a wedding, but wouldn’t look out of place on a beach. (Mango does a woven bucket bag, £45.99, but it’s not quite smart enough for a special occasion, but great for the beach or shopping.) The website is stuffed full of advice on protocol for formal occasions. Sizes go up to a 20
Braided clutch, £89
Polka dots aren’t as whimsical as a floral, and are very in right now, thanks to the Princess of Wales. I love the balloon sleeves. Navy is less wintry than black but still sophisticated
Tie neck midi, £299
Next, shoes. They really need to do day and night, be easy to walk in and comfy. These match the little bag
Braided canvals slingbacks, H&M, £44.99
A pareo or wrap can be super useful for chilly evenings, to cover up or sit on. Remember New Look? It’s still going! I like this black sarong
New Look sarong, £19.99
Next, a swimsuit. It really needs to double as a top with a skirt or trousers. I like this one as it has a square neckline, so no cleavage on display (or delicate skin to be burned)
Arket, £57
You will find you wear a half sleeve, smart T-shirt all the time. This one below is expensive, but you can style it up (with gold bangles or a cuff) or down. It is made in organic cotton, so is cool and washes really well. With Nothing Underneath has a great half-sleeve white T for £55, but I will track a doppelganger down at M&S next week.
NavyGrey, £75
Gold cuff, & Other Stories, £32
I love this easy blouse from Boden. Buy it a couple of sizes too big and it makes a great cover up
Boden, £70
You do need a sloppy fine knit for unpredictable weather. This is a great colour, and will see you into autumn. It can be pulled on over a T, and dressed up for a smart lunch or evening with a pencil skirt
NavyGrey weekend relaxed, £235
Finally, trousers! Denim can be too hot in summer, and simply not smart enough. I love these wide trousers: perfect for lounging by the pool, shopping in city streets or with a pretty top for dinner. They really suit most body types and roll up well in a suitcase without creasing
Zara, £29.99