For a lot of people black wouldn’t be a typical Spring / Summer colour choice, but for me, neutrals make up a massive part of my wardrobe, and it wouldn’t be complete without a hint of black. I find that the best way to make black work for the warmer seasons is to find pieces in the right shapes and styles, classics but with a little something extra, and then to pair it with whites, beiges and gold accessories – making for the perfect Spring / Summer look.
Amber x
Look 1. The Floaty Puff-sleeve dress
This H&M cotton dress is perfect for Summer days, worn casually with some sandals, it is lightweight enough to keep you looking chic without being restricting when you’re feeling the heat! It’s ruffle details and puff-sleeves also make it the ideal style to dress up for a Summer evening on the Italian coast, indulging in as much seafood spaghetti as you desire OR for burgers on the barbeque in the back garden because you know, lockdown.
Look 2. The Statement shoulder t-shirt
One of my absolute go-to looks is jeans and a t-shirt, it’s unarguable, you can’t beat it. But to keep this look far from being boring, go for a t-shirt with an interesting design feature. This year, it’s all about the statement shoulder, a more boyish muscle fit style t-shirt which adds that extra boss-babe feel to any outfit! A perfect style for those of us with a smaller bust and boxy frame as it gives more dimension to your figure and the illusion of a smaller waist… which let’s be honest, we all want. Pair this with your favourite style of denim, I’ve gone for a pair of straight leg white jeans to add some freshness to the look and a pair of Dior sandals just to add a hint of glam to an otherwise simple, but stylish look.
Look 3. The Designer-esk dress
Now I love a designer purchase now and then, but if I can get my hands on an item that looks pretty similar to something with a price tag 10 x the amount, then I’m onto a winner! This Vero Moda dress gives me all of the Isabel Marant vibes with its high neckline, power shoulders and ruffles upon ruffles! Its literally a dream. To give this black number a bit more of a Spring/Summer vibe I’d recommend pairing it with a straw bag and a pair of wedge heel espadrilles. Play it safe like me and opt for a neutral combination of cream or black, or you can go for a more bold option and introduce some colour into this look such as a coral, double up with matching accessories to really make it pop!
Look 4. The triple S (Satin slip skirt)
The perfect transitional item has to be the slip skirt, easily worn in the Winter months with boots but equally, if not more, chic in the Summer! Not much of a dress wearer, but still want that simple yet chic dressed up vibe? Then this is the item you need in your wardrobe! It can be worn countless ways, but I’d go full tonal, black on black, paired with that Zara bodysuit that everyone has, a gold chain waist belt to add some glam and a pair of barely-there sandals. The fitted top half sits under the skirt seamlessly, almost giving the illusion that you’re wearing a dress! But, if you’re looking for a slightly more edgy style, I’d recommend adding a graphic Tee, rolled up (tucked under your bra works a trick, we’ve all seen the style hack Tiktok videos, right?) or tied in a knot to the side or front and worn with some trainers, although the barely-there sandals would definitely work with this look too!
Look 5. The wide leg trousers
My fellow members of the ‘no thigh gap' community I’m sure will agree, that finding a well fitted pair of tailored trousers can be a struggle! There is however, one style that will now forever have my heart… the good old, wide leg! Full-length, cropped or culottes, wide leg trousers wave goodbye to any ill-fitting trouser struggles, not to mention the added bonus that a lot of them are either pull on, or have elasticated waistbands – I mean, come on, does it get any better?! These Zara culottes are great for Spring/Summer days or nights, they can be worn casually with flat sandals and trainers, or styled up with a pair of heels. As with many Zara styles, they seem to be designed for the longer legged, Amazonian model-like humans amongst us, of which unfortunately so many of us are not… self-included… So where these might be more cropped on some, these sit right at my ankles, just the right length to show off my shoes. Again, styling these with a tonal bodysuit and belt can create an all in one outfit look and adding a lighter beige coloured chunky cardigan adds some texture to the outfit, as well as warmth for those chiller UK Summer nights.
