Is it me, or didsummer surreptitiously pass us by? I had big plans for this summer (namely, drinking Fanta Lemon in a bikini and shirt), but it's turned out to be a little more of a wash-out than a heatwave. Yes, therewere a couple of weeks of sunshine and killer hayfever at beginning of June, but I hadn't factored a grey July into myplans, and after putting all of my cold-weather clothes into storage I find myself with only two options.
One: stubbornlywearing mysummer clothes in the wind (and likely, rain), or two: wearing leather jackets and jeans and invariably sweating my way through a sunny afternoon. So, what exactly does one wear in the middle of an unseasonablycold summer? I'm happy to say that I've done the research and come up with some very handy ideas for us all.
(Image credit: @anoukvye)
The trick here is inclever layeringand balancing the right fabrics. When it's a sunny morning there's nothing wrong with reaching for a prettysummer dress, just be sure to grab a cosy cardigan or heavy-duty jacket that you can carry should you need it. Don't fancy shouldering the extra weight? Swap cotton tops for slightly thicker knits so you can confidently forgo your jacket without having to freeze. It really is that simple.
So, if you're looking for summer outfit ideas that toe the line between cute and cosy, keep scrolling. Here are 10cold summer outfit ideas that'll have you covered, whatever the weather.
1. KNIT TOP + LINEN TROUSERS + SANDALS
(Image credit: @emswells)
Style Notes: Don't pack away your linen trousers quite yet—I'm optimisticallymanifestinga warm August. Until then,wear them witha sleeveless knit that keeps you warm and lets your skin breathe.
SHOP THE LOOK:
Reformation
Jace Cashmere Cropped Sweater
This also comes in a cute lilac shade.
Zara
Striped Linen Blend Trousers
For yourlaid-backweekend uniform.
Ancient Greek Sandals
Celia Ankle-Tie Leather Sandals
Barely-there sandals never go out of style.
2. OVERSIZED SHIRT + JEANS + SANDALS
(Image credit: @cortnebonilla)
Style Notes: It was difficult enough facing the prospect of shelving our jeans for an entire season, but thankfully, now we don't have to! Keep them cool with sandals and an airy shirt and you won't have to worry about overheating on your commute.
SHOP THE LOOK:
Arket
Relaxed Poplin Shirt
A true wardrobe staple.
Slvrlake
London Straight-Leg Jeans
Denim trends may come and go, but straight-leg jeans are forever.
The Row
Ginza Leather and Suede Sandals
They're a cult classic for a reason.
3. BLAZER + T-SHIRT + MINI SKIRT
(Image credit: @jacquefalc)
Style Notes: Layering up top? Keep it cool on the bottom. And what could be cooler than the bare-leg hero, the mini skirt? You can always takeyour jacket off should you need to, but the extra layer is handy ifthose grey skies roll in.
SHOP THE LOOK:
H&M
Double-Breasted Blazer
Yes, this really is under £40.
COS
The Clean Cut T-Shirt
COS is our editors' go-to for quality basics.
COS
Asymmetric Mini Wrap Skirt
Wear now with bare legs and with tights in autumn.
4. ALL BLACK + CAMELKNIT
(Image credit: @theannaedit)
Style Notes: Perhaps it's psychological, but there's something about an all-black outfit that feels instantly warmer. Whilst we don't want to go into hibernation mode quite yet, some light layers can bemade ready for anythingwith a shoulder-robed camel knit, and it helps that it looks impossibly chic, too.
SHOP THE LOOK:
M&S Collection
Supersoft Crew Neck Jumper
Supersoft by name, super soft by nature.
& Other Stories
Relaxed T-Shirt
The white tee is a favourite, but black is just as versatile.
Zara
Flowing Wide-Leg Trousers
Far comfier than jeans.
5. BLAZER + TANK TOP + LINEN SKIRT
(Image credit: @styleidealist)
Style Notes: You shouldn't be surprised to see the blazer make a second appearance on this list—it is, after all, the ultimate transitional wardrobe wonder. In this case, I'm taking notes from Karina (pictured above) and wearing mine with light linen and open-toe sandals. As soon as it gets a little cooler, I'll just swap out the tank for a long-sleeved top.
SHOP THE LOOK:
Mango
Pinstripe Suit Blazer
The full three-piece suit is a 10/10 but you can easily rewear each piece on its own.
Me+Em
Ultimate Crew Neck Vest
This vest is such a good shape.
You'll want to wear this with everything.
6.CASUAL TOP + TAILORED TROUSERS + RAFFIA BAG + SANDALS
(Image credit: @_livmadeline)
Style Notes: The Breton knits we wore throughoutautumn havehad a summer makeoverandgone sleeveless for the season, and they just so happen to look especially good with wide-leg trousers and heels in the office.
SHOP THE LOOK:
M&S Collection
Cotton Rich Striped Ribbed Knitted Top
I predict a best seller.
H&M
High Waist Wide Leg Trousers
Team Who What Wear UK agrees—H&M's wide-leg trousers are some of the best on the high street.
Saint Laurent
Panier YSL-Plaque Leather-Trim Raffia Basket Bag
A raffia bag you'll use every summer.
7. LINEN SHIRT +WHITETEE + MAXI SKIRT
(Image credit: @anoukvye)
Style Notes: There's no chance of overheating in linen layers, and should the day get a little bit breezier, a maxi skirt provides enough coverage that you needn't worry about getting too chilly.
SHOP THE LOOK:
Massimo Dutti
100% Linen Shirt
Proof that linen isn't just white trousers.
Boden
Cotton Crew Neck T-Shirt in White
Boden's perfect tee comes in no less than six different colours.
Topshop
Co-ord Linen Maxi Skirt
Bravo, Topshop. I want to wear this on repeat.
8. T-SHIRT + WAISTCOAT + TROUSERS + LOAFERS
(Image credit: @dianekari)
Style Notes: That waistcoat you bought in springto wearwith jeans is still proving its cost per wear, especially when worn overanother top. At the moment,a t-shirt is the perfect short-sleeved option, and I love Diane Kari's playful take on tailoring(pictured above), especially with some sensible loafers.
SHOP THE LOOK:
Zara
Linen Blend Waistcoat
Such a good colour.
Ganni
Logo-Print Cotton T-Shirt
Summer in a t-shirt.
Grenson
Epsom Loafer
We've all got a pair of black loafers, but these yellow ones are so good for warm weather.
9. SUMMER DRESS + CARDIGAN
(Image credit: @bubblyaquarius)
Style Notes: Easy, simple, reliable. All it takes is the addition of a fluffy knit to make your favourite summer dress feel a little more practical.
SHOP THE LOOK:
SIR.
Lace-Trimmed Silk Slip Dress
Wear for evening with strappy heels and a cardigan and ballet pumps for daytime.
Amazon
The Drop Brigitte Chunky Button Front Pocket Ribbed Cardigan
No one will believe where you managed to find such a cute knit.
L.K.Bennett
Kara Leather Ballerina Pumps
Get the designer look without spending four figures.
10. QUILTED JACKET + WHITE DENIM
(Image credit: @chiarasatelier)
Style Notes: This could quite possibly be the ultimate transitional outfit. The white denim says "summer" whilst the quilted jacket has one foot in autumn, and depending on the weatheron any givenday, you could keep the jacket on reserve until the evening when you're going to be glad you have a comfy layer to cover bare arms.
SHOP THE LOOK:
Per Una
Pure Cotton Printed Quilted Jacket
This is already selling like hot cakes, so act fast.
Me+Em
Twisted Seam Jean
A shape for every body.
Toast
Fracap Ola Sandals
Forgotten your umbrella? You can wear these with socks.
Next Up:This "Boring" Dress Is Set to Be the Season's #1 Buy
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