The 9 investment buys you need to see you through this very British summer, from £60
I don’t need to tell you that British weather can be unpredictable. Even in the height of summer, we’re forced to ask ourselves whether we need an umbrella, sunglasses, an extra layer or all of the above before leaving the house.
It is also at times like this that the gaps in our wardrobes are most apparent. Why do none of your knits layer well with any of your dresses? Why are all of your outer layers either too wintery or too summery? Why do you not have any flat shoes apart from the white trainers you’re bored to death of wearing? Cue: standing in front of an overstuffed wardrobe wondering why you have nothing to wear.
There are a handful of key ingredients in a really useful summer capsule wardrobe, some elements of which probably exist in your wardrobe already – it’s just knowing how to style them that makes the difference.
This is less about trends and more about versatility. I’ve chosen items here that are contemporary twists on classic pieces, so you’ll be able to hold your own, style-wise, whatever the British summer weather throws at us – this year, and for the next few summers beyond, too.
A summer dress
Not just any summer dress, though. Think about how you’ll wear it, not just on its own, but with a blazer, or a knitted tank (see below). Will you wear it to work? To the farmer’s market? Picnics in the park? I’d go for a cotton poplin, cotton voile or seersucker for maximum versatility, in a block colour or an understated, classic print, like gingham. Then there are more personal criteria to consider, like sleeves, necklines and length.
Aligne is emerging as one of the best affordable dress brands on the high street, and this Harlin dress comes in several colours, as does Jigsaw’s button sleeve dress (£225), which I’ve found to be a really flattering fit.
Harlin dress, £99, Aligne
A cropped trench
Because it rains/feels a bit nippy in the evenings, you can never be sure what the weather will hold on any given day. A full-length trench coat can look a bit OTT in July and August, even if the weather does warrant it, but a cropped trench? Perfectly acceptable. The A-line shape looks great with dresses and trousers alike, and the military-inspired epaulettes and cuffs always look polished.
If you need further evidence that they’re a wardrobe workhorse, note that some of the best ones around (at M&S and Zara) are sold out in most sizes – but this one below is a winner – and still in stock at the time of writing.
Cropped trench, £149, Massimo Dutti
An oversized shirt
Not just for wearing to work when you feel like you need to inject a bit of understated polish, but with jeans at the weekend, with a silk slip skirt for an evening out, or even a swimwear cover-up on the beach. If in doubt, reach for a big white shirt. WNU and Boden currently have the best around.
Cotton poplin Boyfriend shirt, £95, WNU
A summer linen suit with shorts and trousers
I’m cheating here, because it encompasses three items, not one, but the new three-piece suit deserves a place in your summer wardrobe regardless. Comprising a jacket, shorts and trousers, there are so many ways to wear them: the jacket with the trousers or the shorts; the shorts with a tee; the jacket over a dress… The possibilities are endless. Marks & Spencer’s beige linen version (which also comes with a waistcoat – the four-piece Holy Grail) keeps selling out, but it looks like it’s being restocked regularly.
Cos does a great oversized version (from £79 for the shorts, cos.com), while Reiss’s comes in a range of colours, as well as a petite fit (from £148 for the shorts, reiss.com). My favourite though? Jigsaw’s white pinstripe, below.
Italian pinstripe jacket, £310, Jigsaw
Trousers, £180; and shorts, £135, Jigsaw
A knitted tank
Great for air-conditioned offices and chilly evenings; wear it over a dress or shirt, or as a top on its own. A cotton knit is more lightweight than wool or cashmere; I like Cefinn’s version, which is slightly shorter at the front, making it feel more current and flattering.
Julie cotton sleeveless jumper, £120, Cefinn
White jeans
A summer weather classic that looks a bit smarter and fresher than blue denim. The most stylish white jeans this summer are straight or wide-legged, in non-stretch denim so that they’re not too clingy (which, with the greatest respect, can look a bit Liz Hurley). This means you’ll have to size up, but don’t be fazed by the number on the label. Cropped styles are great because the hem won’t get wet when it inevitably rains – and of course you can show off your shoes. On that topic…
The 90s Cheeky Jean, £105, Everlane
Everyday flat shoes
You can pick your everyday flats tribe this summer: there’s the ballet flat brigade (go for a high vamp and a squared-off toe), the Birkenstock loyalists and new for 2023, the fisherman sandal set. All work equally well with dresses and trousers alike – just make sure that the pair you choose are not uncomfortable, because blisters are never a good look.
Tavira leather sandals, £139, Air & Grace
Basket or canvas bag
Channel your inner Jane Birkin with a woven basket tote, a quintessential summer look, and much more affordable than a trophy bag from Gucci or Loewe, lovely as they are. Don’t economise too much, though. The last thing you need is a bag that sheds flakes of straw onto your clothes, car seat, friends’ furniture (delete as applicable).
If you prefer something a little more polished, or a crossbody, a canvas bag with leather trim is a good middle ground – it’s still a Proper Bag, but unquestionably summery.
Handmade raffia basket, £98, Brora
Sunglasses
Yes, you probably have an existing pair of sunglasses, but if funds allow, it’s the kind of small wardrobe update that can really put a spring in your step when the sun is out. Some brilliant mid-priced brands have emerged over the past few years, giving the designer brands a run for their money. Taylor Morris, Finlay and Co, LeSpecs and Jimmy Fairly all have the cool factor without hitting the £200 ceiling.
Air Heart sunglasses, £60, Le Specs
