August is a tricky month style-wise. The weather is still hot and the summer sales are virtually finished. Shops are beginning to display their new season’s stock, however, I don’t feel in the mood for shopping for Autumn clothes just yet.
I have decided to take a look at how we can jazz up our existing summer pieces and prepare for the new season. Take an outfit and imagine how it could be adapted when the evenings begin to get a bit cooler. A good trick is to add layers to your current wardrobe. Consider investing in a good quality lightweight classic jacket. Alternatively, a sleeveless coat/jacket can work well. I have several in my wardrobe and find them excellent additions for in between seasons.
Accessories are another good way to liven up a summer outfit. A new bag, a statement necklace or earrings provide good opportunities to try out some of the new season’s colours. Choose tones that will enhance your current colour scheme. Quite a few of the colours in the new Autumn palette are warm toned browns, beiges, mustards and yellows. Although there are also some lilacs, blues and soft pinks
Above: Stripe cotton dress Baukjen // red statement earrings // navy blazer // mustard tote bag // navy shoes // red lipstick LFF // red & black necklace
I ordered the stripe cotton dress I have featured above in a size 12. but unfortunately, although the skirt fitted well the top half was too big so I had to return it. I often have this problem as I take a size 10 top and size 12 bottom. If I had a larger bust it would have been ideal. The fabric is a soft cotton and it was very comfortable and cool.
Ideas for Summer layering:-
Love the Hobbs necklace, I now have this in three different colours! Fortunately, two were sale items – even better. I also recommend Sahara for great statement necklaces; not so keen on the clothes as they don’t seem to suit me despite generally liking slightly quirky designs. Any ideas for that (apart from the ever excellent Cos) gratefully received.
Totally agree about the August dilemma, especially as we have an early September holiday in gorgeous Suffolk booked and although I should be old enough and sensible enough not to think I have to buy something for a holiday, I find it hard to resist!
Hi Sara
Thank you for reminding me of Zahara. I used to wear quite a few of their clothes. I had forgotten about them. You are right they do have some nice necklaces. Have you tried Kin at John Lewis they have some nice styles.
I enjoy your blog and love most of the items you feature. However, why is so much sourced at Nordstrom? With the dollar currently so strong against sterling, the prices are a bit steep and do we not have alternatives in the UK?
Hi Kristine
A good question and one that I have been asked several times before. About 50% of my readers are global mostly from the USA. I think this is probably because my blog has been going for about 10 years now and initially blogs were more popular in the US. I try to keep a fairly even balance of items that I show on the blog between the UK and US. Currencies do fluctuate and there were times when the £ was quite strong and some Brands such as Eileen Fisher were cheaper to buy from Nordstrom than here.
I often use Brands such as Boden, Uniqlo that are available in both countries.
I am always looking for new UK brands that are suitable for our age group so if you know of any do let me know.
Thank you for sharing, I really like these items, they are perfect for this fall
The details give us the personality of an outfit, or in our case home’s decor. We could design an entire room off your board today!