Two things have contributed to this post, firstly the weather this past week – need I say anymore?! From Pick Your Own outings, to reading in the garden, beach trips and ice creams galore, Britain has officially seen Summer, in all her glory, these past few days! And secondly, I feel I gave this season what, in all fairness, was perhaps a bit of a drizzly name in my last post (apologies, Summer, going by this week, you have proved me oh so wrong)! Whilst, admittedly, Autumn will always have my wardrobe, I’ve been looking through the SS16 trends, and picked out a few of my favs to share with you…after all, we all know that the best thing about having four seasons is the continual rejig of what’s in!

 Midi skirts

Now, whilst I don’t like to tempt fate, I hate to say that the British Summer may last no longer than a week…in which case, us Brits need something that can work as a Summer wardrobe essential, without landing us with pneumonia! The midi skirt is perfect for just that “je ne sais quoi” when it comes to the unpredictability of the powers that be: the weather. This wardrobe essential, can be just that: practical. The midi-skirt makes the perfect transition not only from Spring to Summer, but also from day to night. Wear it to the office with wedges for a summery affair, or pair with a floral-floaty top for a burst of inspiration, bound to brighten up even the dullest of desk jobs. 

Maxi dresses

Leading on from my love of midi skirts, I introduce the midis older, but just as glamorous and versatile, sister: the maxi. Possessing many of the same assets, the maxi is perfect for every occasion, from a last minute BBQ with friends, because Mr Weatherman is in your favour, right through to that wedding you’ve known about for months, but really haven’t had the slightest desire to drag yourself dress shopping…I mean, who wants to find the perfect dress, only to realize there’s a 99% chance you’ll be blue by midnight – Cinderella-esque way to leave the party! Let the maxi step up to the champagne table. Choose a bright explosion of colour, such as orange or cyan blue for a summer inspired choice that will take you from the beach to the summer-house in no time. Or go pastel for the perfect wedding attire – with matching nails and white heals, you can’t go wrong! Or, invest in an elegant classic that you’ll reach for time and time again, red, navy or black are always a good shout. And, of course, prints are most definitely in! Floral patterns just scream holiday season, and even if the tan isn’t on side (or on body), who can resist an eye-catching print?

 Espadrilles

5 years ago I spent some of my Summer with a lovely friend of mine who has the work wardrobe I dream of! I also hope that I will learn to handle what has the potential to become a fully-fledged-fashion-faux pas half as well as she did; walking through a quaint French village, soaking up the culture and sipping wine, a broken sandal is not in keeping with the postcard level of perfection! Silver, bejeweled and only a month old, these flip flops were a sorry investment…but, every cloud: their collapse became the espadrille’s uprising. When few shops are to hand, shoe shopping is not a luxury; for being such a lifesaver, the espadrille deserves a lot more recognition!! Don’t judge until you’ve worn, and definitely don’t dismiss until you’ve been saved. Plus, as my KG mouseys prove, espadrilles don’t have to be your granny’s gardening attire!

 Festival Vibes

Let’s face it: the festival industry is massive. From Coachella to Glastonbury, Big Weekend to Reading and everything in between, festivals dominate the summer months. And with them, in all their glam, glory, mud and muck, so does festival inspired clothing. Gone are the days where “flowers in my hair” figured as an accessory reserved for the punk-rocker elite; cut off shorts are now widely available – although chopping up your dad’s old Levi’s are often a cheaper option than UO… We love glitter and we <3 French plaits (in the tent or not, we all have days where only dry shampoo will do)! Bum bags have never been this cool, and bright macs are 100% necessary. We might be Glastonbury wannabes, but that’s no reason for not perfecting our festival look – it’s all preparation/an investment for when we CAN afford tickets and actually manage to get them!

So, these 4 staples have Summer covered...from day to night, wedding to festival, Alexa proves the mud doesn't have to mean no white and KG show that espadrilles need not be dull and boring! That said, abroad in 34 degree heat, I'm already searching AW16's gems (and wishing my bank account was more understanding!).