Weather permitting, this should be a summer of picnics and pub gardens. If you are reading this and you’re in St Andrews then it isn’t long until outdoor dining reopens and the town can once again visit pubs and bars, with proper safety measures of course.
If you are ready for boozy brunches, cocktail hour or you simply enjoy a meal al fresco then you will of course require some outfit inspiration. With months of lockdown, it may be difficult to know where to start but this guide should help you find some statement pieces that you will be able to wear for summers to come.
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T O P S
Whilst this guide will inevitably include current trends, it is important to remember to consider factors such as longevity when buying trends. If you truly like a piece then by all means buy it but think about what you have already that could work or if you could thrift it first. To begin with, especially for those pictures with the cocktails, a great summer top is a must! An elegant and trendy choice is milkmaid sleeves as they can really dress up an outfit whilst remaining a classic staple. They often come in light materials as well so if it’s an afternoon of outdoor sunning then you can remain to look dressed up but not getting too hot!
Another timeless colour palette for tops that is actually on trend this summer is pastels. One piece can be used multiple times and pastel colours go so well together, especially pink and green. These colours evoke serenity and are classic summer colours. Of course, this is still a British summer so knitwear is also something to consider! Matching knit sets can be so cute and provide the right amount of warmth for outdoor dining.
B O T T O M S
A staple that is perfect for outdoor dining is the perfect pair of jeans. We have all heard of jeans and a nice top but you can truly have a lot of fun with this combination. In the spring/summer, even if it isn’t your first choice, mom jeans ensure you don’t get too hot in the sun and can really be dressed up. Light colours for jeans work best in the spring/summer, or even experiment with different colours such as pink and yellow! If you’re opting for a picnic and want to feel comfortable, wide-leg trousers look chic but are so comfortable. They also come in a multitude of colours and can often be thrifted. On a really hot day (hoping for these this summer), skirts are a cute choice. When wearing midi or maxi skirts, a more fitted top ensures the perfect balance for body proportions. Mini skirts can also be dressed up with balloon sleeved tops, milkmaid corsets, or even sweatshirts.
J A C K E T S
I used to think that jackets were so inconvenient because they ruin an otherwise lovely outfit, but when you find the right one, it can actually add so much to the outfit and look so effortlessly chic as well. A staple piece with jeans or trousers is an oversized white shirt. They make an outfit look summery and put together and provide the perfect level of warmth. If you’ve chosen a perfect outfit and don’t want it to be upstaged by a jacket, then a cropped cardigan or denim jacket is really effective and is perfect for outdoor drinks as they are light enough to be carried around as well. Another trend that is perfect for more casual drinks or pairing with a dressy outfit is a schacket. These are a combination of a jacket and shirt and can even be worn in autumn as well so are an item that can be worn again in multiple seasons!
A C C E S S O R I E S
After I started wearing a gold necklace I received for my birthday, every subsequent outfit I wear without one feels so bare! Gold is very on-trend at the moment, but silver and even pearls can really dress up an outfit. If it is a particularly sunny day and only shorts and a top can be worn, then a necklace, mini hoops, or rings can make a difference for those summer evenings.
These items are also so timeless so you may find you already have them in your wardrobe, or they won’t be too difficult to thrift either. How you actually feel in the outfit is what matters most so you don’t need to wear every trend to look good, wear what makes you feel great!
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