I have been wearing dresses most days this summer. They are not only very on trend this season but have been the ideal garment to wear during this hot and humid weather.

However sometimes it is good to ring the changes. In these photos, I have chosen a classic look and have kept my outfit simple yet smart. I have teamed a pair of black linen classic trousers (I found this pair in a charity shop about two years ago). They are by Max Mara. My bargain hunting certainly paid off that day as they fit perfectly and the thick linen hangs well.

I have teamed them with a classic white shirt and added a pop of colour with my Coach crossbody bag bought in the sale last year similar.

I feel this classic summer look would look smart enough for work. Who wears a jacket when the weather is this hot? You could swap the sandals for a pair of flats or low heeled pumps. The addition of a briefcase would elevate the outfit to more formal if you were attending a business meeting.

The photos were taken at Ham House by Laura Hines. Follow her Instagram

It was such a glorious day that I could not resist taking a break, sitting in the beautiful gardens at Ham House South West London and enjoying the view. I have used this location on several occasions and you can see more of the gardens here and here.

A good selection of white shirts at Nordstrom.

Chicatanyage

I write a fashion and beauty blog for women over 50 with the aim of inspiring mature women to continue to enjoy and have fun with their fashion choices. I have spent most of my working life in some way connected to fashion. I started my career in Fashion PR and then trained as an Image Consultant when my children were young. I subsequently worked in the corporate world running seminars, doing private coaching and speaking at conferences. I started my blog in 2009 as I wanted to share my years of experience working in the world of fashion. I truly believe we can continue to have confidence in the way we present ourselves. Our style may evolve with time and changing lifestyles, yet with a little knowledge and inspiration, we can all continue to have fun with fashion. As women of a certain age we are a growing demographic let us prove that we can also be a chic one.

View Comments

  • You look cool and fresh in your ensemble! We were just at Petersham Gardens which looks to be near Ham House earlier this month--visiting our son and his family. I must say it was quite warm and we are from Florida!

    • Hi Kay
      Yes, it has been very hot this Summer. I love Petersham Gardens and often visit it. They have a great cafe with delicious cakes. Yes, it is near Ham House.

  • This look is one of your most faboulous look (and I follow you since a moment) !
    So smart, "simple", AND confortable (often difficult to obtain all that) !
    And it gives a great feeling of light...
    Congratulations !

  • An absolutely wonderful classic look. The shirt is beautiful. I seem to have trouble with shirts, if they fit at the bust, the sleeves are miles too long !

  • Hi Eleni
    I have the opposite as I have a small bust and longish arms. Rolling up your sleeves can look very chic. I often do.

  • I love a turned up collar but cant pull it off. I end up just looking untidy. You look "chic".

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