Friday 11 August 2017

How To Dress For The UK Summer

How To Dress For The UK Summer - 1

How To Dress For The UK Summer - 2

Summer fashion is so much fun, isn't it? Pretty, feminine prints, delicate fabrics and the chance to show off a little (fake) tanned skin... but if you're anything like me, things can start to feel decidedly chilly when the UK weather disappoints. Which is often.

When you live in a country where you just can't guarantee warm weather in the summer, you have to get a little bit creative, because no one wants to a.) freeze to death or b.) cover up our pretty summer clothes with last winter's ratty old cardigan. So, if I want to wear a flimsy summer dress and the weather isn't cooperating, I'll opt for a midi or maxi length. Just having that little bit of extra fabric between my bare legs and the elements can make a big difference, and when you add a jacket into the mix, you should be well protected against all but the most miserable of British summer days. I've always loved the contrast of a biker jacket over a feminine dress, but if I really want to stick with the summery vibes, I'll go for a bleached denim one. In fact, even when I'm on holiday somewhere hot, I'll still throw a denim jacket over a floral maxi if a breeze picks up after the sun goes down. I have one a lot like this which has served me well over many years. I nearly always opt for a cropped style because I'm petite and I like that it shows my waist, but the oversized ones are pretty cool too.

How To Dress For The UK Summer - 3

How To Dress For The UK Summer - 4

Another staple you can always fall back on no matter what the time of year is a good old pair of jeans, and the ones you wear in summer don't have to be the same as your favourite winter pairs. White denim will always look summery and fresh, but this season I've really been enjoying this mid blue pair from H&M. Turned up at the ankle, they're perfect for showing off pretty summer sandals and shoes - I've opted for espadrilles again here - I'm obsessed! As well as being an absolute steal at £19.99, they're also made of really soft, comfortable denim and aren't too thick, so you won't suddenly start boiling to death if the sun does decide to make an appearance. Jeans go with everything like nothing else, so they're brilliant for pairing with just about every style of summer top you can think of. And, because you're covered up on your bottom half, you're not going to freeze. Pairing this lovely Shein blouse with jeans made me feel more comfortable in it even when the weather wasn't so great. (It looks bright in these pictures, but there was a cool breeze blowing that day!) By adding the red clutch to accentuate the detail on the blouse, as well as my new gold-toned sunglasses, I still felt summer appropriate.

How To Dress For The UK Summer - 5

Blouse* - Shein, Jeans, Espadrilles, Sunglasses - H&M, Bag - Zara

Conversely, if it's a pretty skirt you're desperate to show off, you can easily flip things around by adding some extra warmth on your top half. A-line skirts with beautiful prints or detail can look stunning teamed with a plain blouse and tailored blazer. I personally love white blazers in the summer, and have one a lot like this which I will wear over just about everything from evening dresses to jeans and a t-shirt. It's a great way to look smart and keep warm without looking as though you're ready for Christmas.

How do you like to cover up on chilly summer days? 

Kate x

*Gifted item. All opinions, as always, are my own.
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32 comments

  1. Great tips! Love denim all year round especially to keep the chill off my legs.

    www.majeang.com

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  2. That blouse is super cute and definitely something I would wear

    Candice | Beauty Candy Loves

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    Replies
    1. It's so easy to wear as well which is always a bonus! x

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  3. I love your blouse and shoes! When I cover up, I like to wear layers of sweaters and boots, and when it's REALLY cold, I wear a thick coat!

    Hannah
    Floraful

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    Replies
    1. Haha, there have been times this summer when a thick coat has seemed like a good idea! x

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  4. German weather is a little more predictable than the UK version, but I still like to have a denim or faux leather jacket at hand. Or a blanket scarf from a thin material in a bold color.
    And if everything else fails, denim with summery shoes works fair enough as long as you are indoors.

    W

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  5. I've been finding it so hard to know what to wear in the british weather this year! I have so many nice summer things that I want to wear but its a little to chilly or its raining :( I definitely do think that adding a jacket definitely makes it more weather appropriate as you said :)
    LizLiving

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    Replies
    1. It really has been difficult this year, such a waste of pretty summer clothes! x

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  6. Looking gorgeous Kate, those espadrilles are such a dream and the blouse and jeans look all the divine on you :) I love your tips for dressing for a UK summer, I feel the cold so much and it's so frustrating not being able to wear what you want without shivering and reaching for a coat! I agree white blazers are lovely for the summer <3

    Sophie | soinspo xo

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    Replies
    1. I feel the cold to such extremes it's not even funny! Thanks so much Sophie. x

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  7. Here on my side of Canada it has been extremely hot, always in the 30s and I've been pretty much living in shorts and singlet. Anything more is just too much.

    Shireen⎜Reflection of Sanity

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    Replies
    1. I'm going to try not to be too jealous Shireen! x

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  8. Great tips! We're moving towards fall and we have some warm and some cooler days. i love the top you're wearing. http://www.mrsqbeauty.com

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  9. Dressing for summer in Ireland is tricky too! I just have to make sure I always have an umbrella in my bag!

    This outfit is so pretty! xx

    Beautylymin

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  10. Love love love this outfit! So cute and summery. :) Such a pretty blouse.
    I'm a jeans all year round kinda lady.

    Caroline.x
    www.carolineelgeywhite.com

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  11. I really struggle with dressing for this weather as I'm rubbish at fashion. I definitely need to find a good denim jacket or biker jacket. I did order a black denim jacket but the fit just didn't look right, maybe I should go for a cropped one too. I love your outfit, and the blouse is so cute! x

    Velvet Blush

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  12. I've got an oversized denim jacket and a timberland zipper denim jacket and I love both, but my wardrobe is definitely missing a cropped one!
    Aleeha xXx
    http://www.halesaaw.co.uk/

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  13. Very pretty outfit. The top and the shoes are gorgeous and they are perfect with the beautiful jeans. Perfect for those cooler summer days in England. I loved it. Have a great weekend xoxo Cris

    http://photosbycris.blogspot.com.au/2017/06/my-visit-to-farmers-market.html

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  14. It is so difficult dressing in this weather, my biggest pet peeve is deciding on shoes and a coat! x

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  15. I love your fashion posts, this top is perfect for our unpredictable summer x

    franklyflawless.com

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  16. Love your pictures and the jeans look really great on you! x

    Sam Hodgett || Beauty, Food & Lifestyle

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  17. The weather really has been all over the place, right!? This blouse looks SO pretty on you; it's the perfect print/length and goes really well with the denim.

    Gabrielle | A Glass Of Ice x

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  18. Beautiful outfit! Summer fashion is my favorite because you don't have to layer as much as the winter time.

    Kim
    Simply Lovebirds

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  19. Such a pretty outfit!! I love the glasses and the detailing to the peplum top x

    Jenny | Krystel Couture X

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  20. Your outfit is so cute! You look lovely :) xx

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