Summer is fast approaching, and it’s all suns out, shades on, best side forward from here on in. We’re a generation that thrives off likes, comments and shares, and as such, we’ll likely be living our favourite moments of the season through Instagram ad finitum, time and time again. It’s pretty important, then, to be looking our best once the sunshine illuminates our best bits and brings unwanted attention to those we’re less proud of.
The summer social schedule is a packed and diverse affair, and with this in mind, we’ve teamed up with Dimensions, who offer a tailored workwear service, to bring you the IDEAL style guide for summer events.
POOL PARTIES
Whether you’re ultra-confident or prefer a more reserved style when attending a pool party, there are plenty of options available. One of the biggest bikini trends of this year is the high-waisted bikini; flattering and with a retro appeal, these are perfect if you want to cover your midriff. When it comes to swimsuits, pastel colours are very much in this season and it’s important to remember that the lighter you go, the more heat repellent you become. This can ultimately make you feel more comfortable when spending long spells in the sun. Don’t be afraid to pair your swimsuit with a silky-cover up that can be easily put on and taken off when you please, offering a little protection against the more assertive moments of sunshine.
GARDEN PARTY / SUMMER BARBEQUE
Both garden parties and summer barbeques are tricky to dress for. It’s all too easy to arrive overdressed or way too casual, and that’s before we even consider the temperamental, ever changing nature of the Great British summer. The answer is to strike a happy medium with a day dress. Easy to wear, flattering hem lengths and flowing materials are all characteristics of the perfect day dress; the more wistful, whimsical and evocative of frolics in the long grass, the better. These are a simple style you can take all the way through the summer, and their versatility means you have a ready-made outfit for any occasion. Oh, and remember your flat shoes; ideal for navigating grass, gravel and the more uncertain terrains of alfresco amusement.
SUMMER FESTIVALS
This is where your creative fashion freedom is unleashed — when dressing for a festival, there is nothing that you can’t mix and match with. Maybe give the cultural-appropriating fancy dress a miss though.
Dressing for a festival all comes down to personal preference. There are, however, a few ground rules that ought to be considered. Every festival goer should think about carrying a light bumbag; they’re a festival failsafe when wanting to keep your personal item, such as smartphone, charger, purse and keys, both safe and dry. Any garment or accessory that has a boho hippie chic edge is ideal for the spirit of free livin’. Think fringed jackets, cut-off denim shorts and crocheted tops. We also think that flower garland crowns are a great way to add a bohemian vibe to your festival outfit.
In terms of what not to wear, you don’t want to be in a long maxi dress at a festival, as this could potentially be trampled, so instead opt for cottoned shorts that are spacious enough to let you dance the day and night away, as well as a light vest top that allows your body to breathe. While playsuits are cute, they are best avoided as they’re are a nightmare when you need to use the those festival portaloos. For your shoes, go for something flat like converse or buckled sandals so your feet don’t get too tired!
ROMANTIC BEACH WALKS
When you set out on a romantic beach walk, you don’t want to be giving up half way through, out of breath and exhausted by uncomfortable, prohibiting clothes. The last thing you want to feel is the struggling of making it to the other end, so to combat this, you need to wear lighter materials which allow you to drift across the soft white sands with grace and elegance. We recommend wearing a beach dress that is made up of viscose materials and to go for something that is predominantly dark but has flushes of bright; bold and beautiful colours are in. Pair these with loose-fitted sandals that can be easily removed when you’re venturing out into the water for the perfect, effortless look.
