5 Summer Style Essentials

There are days when we want to be playful and experimental with our outfits, and there are others when we want to simply throw on something easy but?chic. The latter will become a lot easier if you build your summer wardrobe around these five mix-and-match pieces.

A sleeveless coat

Layering is the key to navigating the unpredictable Irish weather. Sleeveless coats help with this, but more importantly they create a body-skimming and lengthening silhouette. On warmer days, wear with a simple white T-shirt. On chillier mornings, pair with a thin knit instead. For autumn, a sleeveless jacket looks great worn over a neat leather jacket or a chunky knit, so if you invest now, you can wear right through the year.

A pinafore dress

A little bit utilitarian, but feminine with it, a pinafore can be dressed up with a lace blouse (think Princess Diana in the 80s) but it’s the epitome of laid-back chic?when worn with a cotton T-shirt. Midi is the length fashion lovers adore right now.

A great T-shirt

T-shirts are your summer style saviour.?They’ll add a bit of dressed-down chic to smart trousers and can be layered easily under dresses for a more urban look. Finery London is my go-to for T-shirts. They have a great selection of plain and print.

Denim culottes

A pair of denims is most women’s sartorial fallback, but skinnies can be irritating?when the weather hots up. Denim culottes are the perfect compromise. Utilitarian and easy to dress up or down, but breathable and comfortable?to wear.

Espadrilles

The classic summer shoe has been given a stylish update by ethical brand Toms. Perfect worn with frayed denim, but equally chic with a summer dress, espadrilles are a great multitasking shoe. I love this tribal-inspired pair.