Outfits Worn this Long Hot Summer

And Tuesday Twirl

Dear friends. We've all been living in shorts and vests/tanks this abnormally summer. That was the conclusion from a weekend meetup with stylish pals.

The simplicity of this style of dressing appeals to me on a hot day when I'm not doing very much, but it's annoying when I'm going to an event or other activity and yearn for at least one layer. A jacket! A cardigan. But no, the only solution is to add some jewellery and maybe a pair of fancier sandals.

We had a couple of weeks though when it wasn't blisteringly hot. I've been taking a few ad hoc outfit pics all summer and here's what I've been wearing.

Above: I found these yellow shorts in Next (sized down to an 8). They're the perfect length for me and I like the shape. Some shorts are too short, or too thigh hugging, or too too wide. These are lovely in every way, and the button and clip fastening makes them suitable for more formal events.

The top is an old favourite from Kettlewell, the Sunshine blouse. It has pink polka dots on a yellow background. I like to wear it tied at the waist. It makes me feel very summer-y.

The sandals are last year's but still available in some sizes and colours (Dune). I meant to reorder them in camel but they're sold out so I'm getting a pair in ecru. They're very comfortable but don't look old lady-ish or boaty.

A close-up of the blouse to see the print. As a gamine, I look best in small-scale patterns. I love small polka dots and abstract prints, with the occasional floral provided the pattern is small.

I wore this outfit at the weekend on the annual trip to Whitstable with Kettlewell colour club friends. We had a wonderful time.

Next up is the coral dress I wore to Lewes to meet up with the lovely Penny from Conversations with an Older Woman. Now here's a useful trick. I bought this knee-length tunic dress preloved on Vinted but hadn't worn it until now. I have a poochy belly which sticks out in certain styles, but wearing a waist belt (the Lara, by Kettlewell, in Stone) neatly covers the bump.

I know some of the ladies rolled their eyes when I mentioned my poochy belly, but it's definitely there even though I find ways to hide it. Here's the proof!

It's a trick I employ with another dress, the Isla from Kettlewell. Again, it's a Lara belt, this time in bluebell.

I Even Wore Jeans

Early in July, I did a study course in Exeter for a few days. It was in a non-heatwave window so I was able to wear jeans. What a novelty.

These are Eva black boot cut jeans from M&S. They're in my normal size and length short. They're more like straight legs but I like this style. The trainers are also from M&S, a retro style and very comfortable.

On the subject of M&S jeans, I'm thrilled with these high waisted kickflare cropped jeans, below, but boy did it take me a while to get the right size and length! My normal size, 10, was too big but an 8 is just right. I mistakenly ordered Regular length, but as they're a cropped style, this was too short. I'm not keen on cropped jeans. On a petite frame they make you look even shorter.

I then tried long length, which hits the shoe, and this is my preferred length. I just hope they don't shrink!

Mine are in bitter chocolate but they're available in other colours too. Worn with Jasmine top (Kettlewell) and Gola trainers.

More Shorts that Tick the Box

I have another pair of shorts which are just right for me, below. They're by Lipsy at Next. The crew neck tee in buttercup is from Kettlewell, cream jacket, old, from Kettlewell, necklace from Next.

One of my trademark summer looks is usually a Boden skirt with a top. But this year I haven't been wearing them. Sometimes you look at something you've liked for years and think it looks dated or old hat. I won't get rid of my skirts though, I may reach for them next year.

I made an exception for the pre-loved Boden skirt below, although it's perhaps in favour because it's not a floral. Wearing it with the Kettlewell Jasmine top in pink fizz.

This plain skirt, below, (the Devon skirt by Kettlewell) is a firm summer favourite. It's knee length and it doesn't crease. Wearing it to the James McNeill Whistler exhibition at Tate Britain, pictured with Jayne and Leni.

The Jumper over the Shoulder Trend-in-Waiting

It's quite trendy to wear a cabled jumper over your shoulders but it's been too hot for that so far. I'm ready when it cools down. This cute yellow jumper from Next has a faux sweater attached to it. A bit daft but at least I won't lose the faux "jumper".

Finally, a picture of me from LEJOG, on our rest day in Peebles when it was chilly enough to justify wearing my much loved supersoft hoody and lime tee (Kettlewell). You can see I embraced the yellow trend. In fact that hoody is about 4 years old so I was ahead of the curve!

Have you spent summer in shorts and a tee? Are you looking forward to autumn's cooler weather and the chance to add a jacket or cardi? Do tell in the comments.

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