How I style a casual summer top

I bought this blue top from COS (US link) a few weeks ago and it has proved very useful. It has been part of my capsule travel wardrobe on two occasions. I like the way it can look casual or dressy due to the fact it is made of soft cotton jersey with a silk panel. It has an easy A-line style, great for preventing any clinging round the tummy area. It also has a longer hem at the back which I find flattering.

I was very excited when COS opened their first shop in London about ten years ago. I have always liked their pared-down aesthetic. I find their shapes modern and functional. Their styles do tend towards the voluminous and oversized; however I don’t think you necessarily need to be tall to wear their clothes. I have a friend who is petite and she is a great Cos fan. Whenever we go shopping together she nearly always finds something that suits her.

I have teamed my blue top with my navy foundation trousers from Hopefashionuk. I bought them last year and find them extremely comfortable. They are excellent for travelling as they roll into a ball and do not crease. I also find that they are cool in warmer climates. You can see how I combined them as part of my travel wardrobe last July.

It is good to have time to smell the roses. All photographs were taken by Laura Hines at Hampton Court Palace. Definitely worth a visit. Not far from central London and the gardens are superb.

My silver sandals are by Gabor from last year. Still available here.

I don’t think any post would be complete without me wearing one of my famous hats. I buy most of my hats in St.Tropez market.

COS currently have a sale (US link) so if you are contemplating stocking up on some timeless pieces now might be a good opportunity.

SHOP THE LOOK:

All photos were taken in the gardens of Hampton Court Palace by Laura Hines. Follow her on Instagram

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.

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View Comments

Mary says:

22nd June 2018 at 13:56

The top looks great on you, Josephine. Suspect it would be too loose on me but it would hide my tummy area. Don't think you have any problems there!
- Chicatanyage says:
  
  22nd June 2018 at 14:37
  
  HI Mary
  Well I don't look too good if I wear anything that clings round the tummy or hip area that is why I tend to choose trapeze shapes now.
Lisa B says:

22nd June 2018 at 14:24

That top is lovely. I'll be checking for a similar style. I'm vertically challenged at 5'2" so unless a top is in a petite size anything flowy looks like a tunic and dwarfs me. Finding less and less petite sizing lately.
- Chicatanyage says:
  
  22nd June 2018 at 14:39
  
  Hi Lisa B
  I have a friend who is petite and she buys from Cos. She usually wears their tops with capri style trousers.
Libby says:

22nd June 2018 at 15:07

Funny: I bought a very similar top at Cos in March in London. A very pretty green with 3/4 sleeves (which I always love) and the silk at the bottom. Very washable. Only problem with anything solid is the least little spot shows terribly and right away! But I do love Cos, and I am (almost) petite. Their website is a bit wonky: those stilted models don't really help sell the clothes, in my opinion!
Chicatanyage says:

22nd June 2018 at 15:11

I agree with you about the website however the products are good. I got I tiny splash on my blue top yesterday evening. I put talcum powder on immediately to absorb the oil so hope it will come out.
- edebock says:
  
  30th June 2018 at 21:19
  
  I use dish soap to take grease spots out.
  - Chicatanyage says:
    
    1st July 2018 at 09:39
    
    Good idea thans
Tatiana says:

22nd June 2018 at 16:59

I have never had anything from COS, but I saw that their sizes go only up to L. This might a problem if you're curvy (normally using XL) or with a full bust (the size table indicates 100 cm as bust size for L). What would you say from your experience?
- Chicatanyage says:
  
  23rd June 2018 at 14:15
  
  Hi Tatiana
  From my experiende COS cut very generously. My top is a small and in most brands I take a medium. If you choose one of their ovesized or swing styles I would say you will be OK with a large. I would avoid their jerseys or any clinging fabrics.
  - Mary says:
    
    23rd June 2018 at 16:21
    
    I am short, but I have been able to purchase some COS clothing (with the usual caveats about proportion). However, I would add that some of the upper sleeves on COS clothing are cut very meagerly. Even the salesgirl agreed it issue on some pieces when when I mentioned it. I've tried on things where the rest of the item would fit just fine, but the sleeves would have little to no give, so I had to pass on them.
    - Chicatanyage says:
      
      24th June 2018 at 10:07
      
      Hi Mary
      Thank you for joining in the conversation. I will check on the upper sleeves next time I am in COS. I have very narrow shoulders so may not affect me.
cindyt44 says:

23rd June 2018 at 01:38

I really like the top. It looks great on you!
Amanda says:

10th July 2018 at 06:33

Looking gorgeous! This top is so cute. I am so excited to try this. Thanks a lot for sharing the wonderful article.