Summer clothes to buy now - for home and away

I’ve been very organised with planning my holiday packing this year but there are just a couple of spaces that I need to fill. Plus the weather forecasters are saying that we have another heatwave on the way so I’ve been scouting around for summer clothes to buy now – by which I mean ranges that are not in the sale. This is what I’ve found.

Good for changeable weather

Baukjen released a small new collection this month and I’ve been wearing their Lily everyday top a lot recently. It’s a lovely shade of candy pink which is perfect for mid-summer and will continue to be a strong in the Autumn colour palette.

Everyday top

There is another version in the same stripe for people who like drop shoulders which often work well with a full bust.

Relaxed top

Here’s a quick shot of it on me, there’s something about it that makes it feel really fresh to wear.

Everyday top; Jeans; Espadrilles

Boden have a lot of new stock. As you know, chinos are back and if you’ve been looking for a khaki pair that are less slouchy than most of the styles that are around, it would be worth trying these – they’d look great with the Baukjen top above.

Relaxed chinos

There are some stunning new shoes. Obviously I’m not suggesting that you wear them with the outfit above but remember, a statement shoe means you can get away with an otherwise plain outfit. I find that ponyskin is also remarkably weather resistant so it’s one of my top choices. There is a mid-heel version as well as a high heel.

Mid heel courts

The ongoing trend for ballerinas is for a butter soft, unstructured style – almost like a real ballet shoe. They’re incredibly comfortable to wear and these have a lower vamp so are more flattering to the foot than the ultra-high fashion high vamp. There are lots of other colours available.

Ballerinas

It’s also really good to see Boden moving into the midi length which, with the new trend for modest dressing, is now really gaining strength. I think it’s incredibly elegant.

Ponte dress

From what I’ve seen, it looks as though Warehouse are going to have a really strong Autumn season (although their AW prices seem to be rising faster than their success in repositioning themselves as a brand at the upper end of the high street). They’re an interesting brand to keep an eye on. These are new in (but still priced at the current Warehouse level) and will take you through summer and will then be great for Autumn worn with a jumper and sock boots.

Wide cropped trousers

There are new arrivals at The White Company. This flute sleeved top is one that won’t get trapped in the dishwasher. It will look as good worn with cropped trousers for work as it will with jeans.

Striped flute sleeved top

Last minute holiday packing

Beach cover ups

Given that we spend most of our daylight hours by water when we’re on holiday, my quest has been to find a few pieces that will work as cover ups. I wanted something that was a bit smarter than a sarong for the days when we go to a chic beach club. Pure Collection have a good range of this kind of thing and I ordered some of their pieces to try on.

Now this appears to be dip dyed but it isn’t – it’s just the way the sun’s rays have caught it. However it’s a great piece for popping over your bikini for lunch. It’s very lightweight linen and, should you need to get changed on the beach, the slits up the side and the drawstring will spare your blushes.

Laundered linen maxi dress

Now this was a first for me – coming home from work and changing into a bikini – not something we do often in the North! However I wanted to show you this lightweight linen tunic as I would wear it – obviously you need to use your imagination to add a sun tan.

Linen tunic

I also added this simple linen jersey Bardot top to my order at Pure Collection. I probably wouldn’t wear it with white jeans – I just happened to have them on when I was trying it. The ruching is good because it means that the shoulders don’t spring up all the time. It’s a bit loose though so, unusually for Pure Collection, you need to size down on this one.

Linen jersey Bardot top

If you’re still looking for a maxi skirt, this simple grey one is new in and it’s made from tencel so it will be good in the heat.

Maxi skirt

And really there isn’t much more left in the shops if you’re looking for holiday clothes. Don’t forget that Hush released a small new range for Summer last week. I was going to recommend the Giselle dress because I’ve bought it and kept it but it’s already sold out. It really is lovely though so it might be worth keeping an eye open for returns.

Midlife lately

It’s been a funny sort of week. We’ve been busy preparing for the eldest to depart for his year as an intern in London. He went yesterday so I’m feeling a bit flat. I’ll tell you more about it all next week.

The middle son has been away in Scotland for an outward bound week. We were warned that there was no phone signal where they were staying so I haven’t a clue about how he’s got on – I’ll find out when I collect him from the coach at 4pm today! This was not a good week to start trialling a new healthy eating plan that involves no sugar, no alcohol and no caffeine. I’m feeling virtuous but it isn’t very joyful.

On the upside, the youngest breaks up from school today and so our long summer break from routines and schedules begins. I’m really looking forward to that because I confess that I feel like I’m flagging, I’m ready for some sunshine and a holiday. Not long now. Have a great weekend everyone – I suspect I’ll be spending mine with a book, scowling with the effort of not thinking about cake…