What to wear this summer - warm weather essentials
Soft Square Vest in Indigo | Athena Skirt in Pink Magenta | Lara Waist Belt in White
Your wardrobe should always make you smile, and the warm weather means a whole new opportunity to inject some fresh vibrancy into your outfits, with colours that make you feel as amazing as you look! But summer time can bring with it a whole set of new style challenges, from covering up in the sun, to body insecurities tied in with having a little more skin on show, and wearing your most flattering colour combinations without overheating in layers of scarves and knits!
Which is why we’ve put together a guide to our favourite summer styles; who they’ll suit, what they can be useful for, and when to wear them. We’ve even dropped in a few tips about styling your colours for summer so you can feel your best whatever the temperature!
Lydia Linen Tee in Acid Yellow | Vivienne Skirt in Lobelia & White | Cashmere Gauze Stole in Fuchsia
Remember, even though we’ve illustrated outfits using the Spring palette below, each of these looks can be translated into your colour palette – simply look for the seasonal coding on the product pages to find your version! (Not sure which seasonal palette belongs to you? Head over to our Colour Quiz to find out).
Style notes: The Gabriella Tee is a bestselling summer favourite, and with good reason! The lightweight cotton slub fabric is ideal for warmer temperatures, while the relaxed fit, low-stretch fabric, and cap sleeves are perfect for showing off the collarbones and slim arms of apple and column body shapes without feeling tight fitting over the stomach.
Colour tip: Don’t forget to add colour on your bottom half! This is especially helpful if you usually rely on scarves and warm layers to add colours in to your looks.
Style notes: The fitted Steffi polo is perfect for bringing a little extra smartness to everything from lunch dates to the golf course. A neat, classic shape, the Steffi suits Minimalist personal styles, especially those with neat hourglass or column shapes, and can also add structure and neatness for pear shapes.
Colour tip: All hail white denim! Whether you’re a warm season and need cream, a Winter who goes for bright White, or a Summer seeking chalkier shades, white denim is the perfect way to add summertime brightness and contrast to even the simplest colour combination.
Style notes: Another relaxed fit style, the pretty details and shorter length of the Flora Top make it ideal for petite body types of almost every shape. Neat cap sleeves cover the shoulders without feeling bulky or hot.
Colour tip: Use print as a way to bring in extra colours – even a simple two colour print like the Flora Top can add contrast and brightness, looking finished even when worn with classic denim.
Style notes: Need a fitted style that’s smart enough for the office without sacrificing summer comfort? Look no further than the Soft Square Vest! The unique double front is smoothing and supportive for all body shapes, while the square neckline is one of the most universally flattering.
Colour tip: Looking smart doesn’t need to mean sacrificing colour! Smarter styles like the Chelsea Blazer and Soft Square Vest in bold colours add colour in a work-ready way.
Style notes: Love linen but hate the creases? Out clever 100% linen jersey is the low-crease, lightweight and colourful cousin of your favourite fabric! Added to a clever fabric is a clever cut, which suits body shapes from the soft and curvy apple and hourglass (the v neck opens out to create a more romantic shape) to the angular inverted triangle (where the deep v sits sharp and statement). Size down for a more classic fit, or stick to your usual size for a loose summer fit.
Colour tip: Want to let one colour be the star of the show? Pair a single bright with neutrals from your palette for a low key summer look that still lets colour do some talking!
What’s your summer favourite? Join us in our friendly and welcoming Facebook group, the Kettlewell Colour Club, to share your favourites, and pick up styling tips and ideas for summer and beyond!
Helen on Jun 08, 2023 2:51 PM
I love the Soft Square Vest in summer and have several to match my Jersey Maxis. It creates an instant dress, ready for sandals, a KW belt and a bit of gauzy cashmere!