Seasonal dressing can often mean a lot of chop and change. From cold winters to warm summers, the unreliable British weather forces us into over-shopping and over-buying when it comes to our wardrobe, leading to hoarding and a build-up of panic purchases. Clearing out the unnecessary and creating instead a smaller wardrobe for each season is a great way to maximise space, reduce spending and make best use of your time when it comes to deciding what to wear. Choosing to buy less pieces, but pieces that are comfortable, versatile and timeless, is a sure way to fix your wardrobe worries.
With that in mind, we at David Charles have put together a helpful how-to guide for putting together that perfect summer wardrobe for your little girl or any young lady. It’s easy to get distracted when we are constantly being bombarded with information about all the different things we ‘need’, but the reality is that you only need a handful of staple items around which you can build countless outfits for any occasion. So without further ado, here are the best pieces you can get your hands on to create that super summer wardrobe…
DAY DRESSES
Day dresses are the perfect piece to build a summer outfit around; they guarantee to eliminate the fuss and time spent finding different matching tops, skirts and trousers but they can simultaneously also act as a statement in themselves. What’s great about a summer day dress is the vast range of options and styles they come in and their undeniable versatility.
A floral pattern in a simple cut is a classic way of executing this look. Flowers instantly evoke ideas of summer and this trend comes around almost every year, so it’s not to be missed. This white dress with a pink and orange floral print is one example, with its classic fit and flare shape and luxe ivory satin fabric which adds a touch of luxury and glamour. This type of dress works for all kinds of different occasions, from daytime garden parties, to lunches or dinners with family and friends.
But if florals aren’t your cup of tea, or you prefer something subtler, opt instead for something like this tweed number which comes in both pink and blue.
This piece is completely different to a floral dress, yet still just as fantastic. The tweed fabric gives off an air of maturity and sophistication, echoing the collections of high-end designers like Chanel, for whom tweed is an essential to their aesthetic of elegance and glamour. Again, this ticks the box when it comes to versatility; wear to a birthday party or formal event, or simply day to day.
EVENING/OCCASION DRESSES
Day dresses may have their uses but evening dresses are where you can really begin to experiment and have fun with summer fashion. Birthday parties, wedding parties, or any cause for celebration require the perfect outfit for the occasion. Party dresses allow you to show off your style and steal the show with extravagant looks with lots of detail. Having one or two of these in your collection of summer staples is not to be missed.
Neutral metallic tones, for example, are one popular option for evening gowns. Neutrality is always a good option as it lets you add in colours elsewhere in the look, like with accessories or shoes. This champagne pink gown is the perfect pick to turn heads at any event; the capped ruffle sleeves, rose gold details, gemstones and tulle layering all combine to create the ideal dreamy summer party dress. A slightly subtler take on this look is this cream and gold shift dress.
While a puffball skirt is certainly bolder, this modern version is great for those of you looking for a sleek alternative. With a relaxed drop waist silhouette reminiscent of the 1920s, and elegant, intricate gold embroidery, this piece will work perfectly for teens or slightly older girls for any event they may be attending which requires you to go all out.
SHOES
Shoes are one of those items that it’s easy to get carried away with. We are inundated with all kinds of different types and styles for all matter of occasions, and it’s easy to feel spoilt for choice. In your capsule summer wardrobe you should aim to have two pairs of shoes which are your ‘go-to’ pairs: one more casual and one more formal. On the casual side of things, a simple flat sandal or crisp white sneaker is perfect for day-to-day errands and activities, while in the evening you might want a more formal pair either in an interesting fabric or with some detail and decoration to elevate your ensemble.
If you’re looking for extra comfort, try something like these all-white leather sneakers with laces and an added Velcro strap for detail. The ‘sports luxe’ trend has been one of fashion’s favourites for a number of years now, made famous by the likes of designers such as Alexander Wang and Isabel Marant. A classic way to style this trend is by pairing typically juxtaposing pieces; for example, a day dress with sneakers combines masculine and feminine elements to create a head-to-toe look that is modern and chic. What’s also great about these sneakers is that the monochromatic scheme means you can wear them with almost any colour of item in your wardrobe, making them an absolute summer staple. Whether dressed up or down, this classic item is a must-have.
On the other hand, when it comes to formal footwear, opt for something relatively plain and simple so that you can mix and match with multiple outfits, but this doesn’t mean you need to compromise on style. Something like these champagne gold ballet pumps are the perfect mix of versatile and fun; in a gorgeous pale shimmery shade, the metallic leather is set off by a gold buckle at the sides. One of these neutral shades will go with any colour but the metallic finish ensures that plain is never boring. Wear with one of your evening dresses to balance your party outfit out, and if you’re feeling extra adventurous you can even add some accessories…
ACCESSORIES
Make no mistake: summer dressing isn’t just about filling your wardrobe with a multitude of different dresses. Accessories can be just as important and are crucial when it comes to completing a look. It’s incredibly useful to always have a small number on hand which you can mix and match into any outfit. Whether its hats, headpieces, jewellery, or bags, accessories can be both practical and an aesthetic addition. Having a few of these items in neutral colours is most practical for the majority of outfits, but it’s always fun to experiment in some bold and bright colours if you’re feeling daring, especially in the summer.
Headbands
Headbands have become an instant hit in the past year, dominating the runways at fashion weeks across the globe, and experts everywhere have forecast these as the accessories trend of the summer. Prada, Simone Rocha and Jennifer Behr are just a handful of the world’s top designers indulging in this fun and feminine trend, with their creations ranging from plain and simple, to embellished and exaggerated.
Your little girl can also implement this trend into her summer wardrobe. For example, this ivory headband is a beautiful, easy way of adding extra oomph into an outfit. The ivory shade is one which will match with a huge number of colours making it extremely versatile, while the pearl and bow detail oozes sophistication and class. Similarly, hair clips and barrettes have also taken off, as a more understated approach to the glitzy headgear trend. Try this DC ivory jewelled butterfly hair clip for a touch of instant glamour that is slightly less imposing.
Bags
If, however, headpieces aren’t for you, accessorise instead with a handbag; as much practical as it is fashionable, a summery bag is a must in any seasonal capsule wardrobe. Something like this pink clutch bag is the ideal shade to go with almost any outfit. The boxy shape is ultra-modern and the bumblebee embellishment is just the right amount of quirky and fun. Wear this piece casually with jeans and a blouse, or elevate an evening time look with a chic minidress and ballet flats.
That comprises then our guide on how to build the perfect, concise summer staple wardrobe. It’s as easy as that to choose a few key pieces around which you can build a number of stylish and versatile outfits that can take you from day to night in an instant. The colder months can often be dull and dreary, so summer is all about taking advantage of the good weather (when it does appear!) and implementing those bright and sunny colours into your wardrobe. With the rules of fashion becoming less and less defined, there really is no limit to the options you have at your fingertips.