Style inspiration

Styling a cool cotton summer top

The weather here in London continues to be as hot as it was in Grimaud when these photos were taken, When the temperatures are high I like to wear linen and cotton. I don’t like the feel of tight restricting clothes in hot weather. I find that anything clinging feels claustrophobic.

Just before I went to France I was wandering around John Lewis and discovered their Kin Brand. It has a streamlined clean aesthetic with a slight Scandinavian feel. The look is not that different from Cos, however, I found the styles slightly less voluminous.

I could not resist this long sleeve cotton top. It is 100% cotton and I like the way the back is longer, great for covering the bum.  It seems to have sold out. So I have selected several tops by Kin that you might like.

How I style my cool cotton Summer top with my navy foundation trousers from Hopefashionuk (you can see how I wore them with Cos tee here) and a pair of silver sandals M&S (a few years old) similar here and here

Selection of blue shirts:

My earrings are new. I bought them the day before from my favourite stall in the market. You can take a look at her site here. She makes all the jewellery herself.

Grimaud is known as “Le village des chats”. This guy wanted to join in the photoshoot. Perhaps he wants to become an Instagram star.

Photos by Dee. They were shot in the village of Grimaud.

PS. The Nordstrom Anniversary sale is now open to everybody. You can check the bands I favour here. The Beauty sale is always good value for stocking up on basics like brushes and equipment and skincare as well as trying out new make-up. 

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

  • Gorgeous cat! You look lovely in that blue, as always. Did you add the link for the jewellery? Wouldn't work for me. I really enjoy your blog. Thanks!

    • Hi Wendy

      Sorry about the jewellery link. I did check it but it seemed to have disappeared. I have re-installed it so it should work now.

  • Blouse looks great on you. I would need a collar, left open in a V neck to feel comfortable. Cotton plus a little poly seems to keep me cool and needs no ironing!

  • You look fab as always! I too prefer to wear cotton and linen on hot days. The style and colour of your Kin shirt is exactly what I like. I shall look out for Kin. Thanks for another brilliant tip!

  • Oh no! Kin was a secret of mine - now everyone will be after it!!!
    Unusual good quality tops and dresses, but I would recommend taking a size down, too voluminous otherwise. Excellent bargains at sale times too.

    • Hi Jan
      I agree that Kin size very generously. I could not decide between an 8 and a 10 (I am normally between a 10 and 12). In the end, I chose the 10.

  • Really stylish and comfortable looking. I live in south Texas... San Antonio... where it's usually hot. This weekend and Monday may reach 110 degrees F. Absolutely... Nothing tight. Brenda

  • I love your summer tops--the best formula for looking good in the oppressive summer heat in the Houston area.

  • Linen is cooler than cotton. Some linens do get soft enough to skip ironing, most need to be pressed. But I find it worthwhile because of the comfort factor.

    The blue top is a beautiful color. It would look great with white pants or jeans.

    • I agree Rita when the temperatures are really very hot I wear linen. Never skipped the ironing process but I only iron before I wear the garment and the forget about any wrinkles.

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