Dressing For The Long Hot UK Summer

Well, this isn't a blog post title I ever thought I'd be writing! UK summers can be many things, but  long and hot? Honestly, sustained periods of properly hot, sunny weather just don't happen here. At least not since 1976, so I'm reliably informed, but I wasn't born then so it doesn't count!

So far, the summer of 2018 has been incredible, and I've been loving getting out and about and enjoying it. For someone like me, who feels cold at the faintest suggestion of a breeze in the air, it's been really refreshing to not have to think about taking some sort of cover up with me everywhere I go over these past few weeks. Dressing has felt so effortless, just like being on holiday!

That said, what I've been wearing at home is slightly different to what I would wear on holiday, even if, for once, the temperature is pretty much the same. While I might feel perfectly comfortable in denim shorts and a vest top in a beach resort, it's not something I would dream of wearing around a UK city. Perhaps it's just me, but at home, I feel much more comfortable in something a little more covered up and a little more polished.

Finding multi-tasking clothes - those that suit both a beachy holiday vibe and my usual environment - is always a bonus, and I've been lucky enough this summer to snap up a few pieces like that, such as this button down dress from Topshop and this lovely Zara Midi Dress too. However, I've also been enjoying putting together outfits for this unusual UK heat that I probably wouldn't wear on holiday. Like this one, for example.

The Top

What can I say? It has oversized tortoiseshell buttons! I have made no secret of my love for this trend and having seen this gorgeous Topshop blouse all over Instagram I just had to have it. The asymmetric fastening adds a touch of interest to an otherwise simple piece, the relaxed fit is perfect for the warm weather and it looks just as pretty worn loose over jeans as it does tucked into a high waisted skirt. Not only that, but it washes like a dream and doesn't need ironing, which just makes me love it all the more!

The Skirt

I've had this H&M denim skirt for a while now, and it has been so incredibly useful. Just like a trusty pair of jeans, a denim skirt works with pretty much anything and they have long been a staple in my wardrobe. I still enjoy a classic denim mini on occasion, but I love the longer length of this one, which makes it that little bit more wearable on a day to day basis for me, especially here in the UK. H&M currently have this very similar skirt in stock if you fancy checking it out.

The Finishing Touches

First of all, I just have to mention this beautiful, delicate necklace* which I was very kindly sent a few weeks ago by Daisy London. I adore dainty jewellery, and this tiny rose quartz pendant on a pretty bobble chain is the perfect piece to complete any outfit and to wear every day.

Hand crafted in sterling silver, it is part of Daisy London's Healing Stones range, and, as well as looking beautiful, it carries a deeper meaning too. Rose quartz is a symbol of unconditional love, and has long been believed to promote the strengthening of bonds within relationships. How lovely is that?

Daisy London has a mouth-watering selection of Semi Precious Gemstone Jewellery to choose from, and each piece has its own particular meaning and its own positive energy to impart to the wearer. Definitely worth a look if you're in the market for new jewellery, or have a gift to buy.

In addition to the necklace, I'm wearing my Olivia Burton watch - a piece I'm still loving and which adds a touch of luxe to any look, my cream circle bag from Topshop (now sold out) - which I am sure you are all sick of seeing by now, and my H&M espadrille wedges. Again, these are old, but the same design is available in a different colour.

This outfit has had a ton of wear over the past few weeks, and I for one am hoping I'm not back in jeans and jumpers any time soon!

What have your favourite outfits been lately?

Kate x

*Gifted item. Some links may be affiliate links. This poses no extra cost to you, the customer. All opinions, as always, are my own.