Thursday 22 March 2012

on summer dressing

Let me just put this out there: I prefer Winter to Summer. I like layers and fur (faux) and boots. I like hot chocolate and duvets. I like tea and biscuits. The reason I don't like Summer so much? Summer is too hot for all these things.

This might come as a bit of a shock after my post from last week, but let me explain: at this point almost every year I get nostalgic for the activities of summers past, and think about all wonderful outfits I'm going to wear. This carries on until the hot weather actually arrives (although usually only for a few days in Britain) and I panic and curse myself for not having anything to wear, and then panic shop and buy a black maxi dress.

So today, while thinking about what to blog about, I realised; my inability to dress for summer is through a lack of preparation. Or put in simpler terms, the fact that I never plan for a summer wardrobe.  Well not one that I feel comfortable wearing (lets face it, I'm never going to look like Alexa Chung in denim cut offs).When the summer months start looming I carry on buying items that work for me in the cooler weather (sequins, leather, layers etcetc) because I'm stupid it's all I know. Consequently, I overheat and complain.

This isn't going to happen this year! This year I am going to be prepared, and find a way to make my wardrobe summer appropriate! So, without further adieu, here is the start of my 'Summer Wardrobe Conversion Therapy':

Outfit One


Cropped Tee: Alice and Olivia // Clutch: Lulu Guinness // Printed Maxi Skirt:Zimmerman @ Matches // Necklace: Kate Spade //  Belt: Paul Smith @ ASOS // Sandals: Topshop

The Idea: Re-using what I've already got.
The Reality: I already have similar items to this in my wardrobe (though I can't tell you what I wouldn't do for the skirt. Seriously.), so this is just a case of reworking the maxi skirt with less layers and summer accessories. Also a good example of how to rework winter (read: black/darker) accessories into summer. Because I do love my black.

Outfit Two


T-shirt: Rag and Bone // Shorts: Levis // Kimono: H&M // Sunglasses: Linda Farrow 
Bag: Marc Jacobs // Platform Brogues: Topshop

The Idea: Making getting my legs out less scary.
The Reality: Realistically, I don't think my denim cutoff dreams are ever going to cease, so this is all about finding a thin layer to wear over the cutoffs to conceal anything I'm not quite ready to bare, which due to the aforementionedtea and biscuits is pretty much everything at the moment. Note to self: running is your friend.

That's all for now; a step in  the right direction. After all, isn't life so much more appealing when you're dressed for the occassion?

17 comments:

Elodie said...

"Summer dressing had me a blast, summer dressing happened so fast."

Joking aside, let me tell you something : you clearly know how to dress for summer. And that's coming from a girl who grew up wearing cut-off shorts!

We need to catch up over an ice cold jug of Pimm's soon. Deal?

-Elodie x
http://www.elle-yeah.com

Unknown said...

omg I adore this kimono! I think i'll be picking one up xx

http://missluxurylifestyle.blogspot.co.uk/

Anonymous said...

i definitely prefer winter to summer!! layers are the best! and tightsssss. so much mroe fun to be had in winter.
I love the sunglasses though!!!

xxx

Justanothermagpie.blogspot.com

Nicole Nally said...

One word for you lovey. Black leggings. They tend to be cool and you feel covered up still.

Plus they're very slimming ;)

Anonymous said...

I miss winter so much during summer! And I love that kimono from H&M x

CoryB said...

i love this idea! i should be doing the same thing for my wardrobe.

xx
Cory
http://corybscorner.blogspot.de/

danielle p. said...

love outfit 2!!

Cristina de la Concha said...

love it!
xx cris
squaremode.blogspot.com

Ellie said...

Outfit 2 - I am on it. Literally about to by that Kimono NOW! Love this post xxx

Unknown said...

Thank you for your comment on my blog :) I am now following you and I would love you to follow mine?

www.thesequincinderella.com

Sarah said...

all of these pieces are lovely :)

500daysoffashion.blogspot.com
x

Inés said...

I love the second outfit, that kimono is stunning!
Thanks for stopping by and commenting, Polly
Have the best weekend!

Big hugs!
Inés

SimplyClassyMe.blogspot.com

Morgan Brooks said...

These are the greatest picks. Wow your style is so perfect. I am dying you are too cute.

http://thesocialboutique.blogspot.com/

Laura Paige said...

I love these outfits!! You have much talent lady!! :)
Lovely blog, now following. :D
<3 Laura x

Tone-Lise said...

This is a great post, I love it! Love the outfits as well!
I love your blog so I'm now following it=)
Hugs<3

Jo said...

LOVE the kimono. I want I want! Do you want to follow each other? Swing by my style blog xx

http://fiftysixfreckles.blogspot.com

Giovanna said...

Super fun picks! Loving the sandals in the first look and the kimono in the second!

xx
Giovanna
www.oliveandanarrow.com