It’s officially staying light outside till late, exam period is nigh and I don’t have to wear tights, so naturally I’m thinking about summer and wardrobe choices and potential graduate holidays (and not the potential graduate jobs) with summer projects. If the new year is the start of new things, then the transitional period into summer is when we remember what it’s like to be excited and actually enjoy things.

Or it is, at least, for me.

As a summer baby, and having a wardrobe mostly full of warmth-and-warmth-only-appropriate clothes, I feel that dressing for the middle months is something that comes quite easily to me. People get a little more adventurous with prints, cuts and styles and it’s really fun to see. And as much as maxi dresses swamp me I do like the option and not freezing. So for some early summer styling inspo I’ve put together a few outfits.

get the look: palm print maxi // lace up sandals // layered arm cuff  // classic arm cuff

nothing says summer more to me than cute beachy prints and floaty shapes, which definitely means that maxi’s and palm trees we’re going to feature. This palm print maxi dress – with a lace up back and column fit – will make you feel like an absolute tropical goddess. The high neckline is very much in keeping with that 90s look, and the colours of the print tread between casual and classy, so you can dress it up for dinners out or down for poolside lounging. I’d wear it with some flat sandals in a tan, a gold, or a white to keep the light, beachy feel going. Instead of going ‘classic’ – you know, that wooden accessories road – I’d opt for some gold arm cuffs to keep the warm vibes, and add a little edge.

get the look: heeled ankle boots // knee length denim dress // shell trim cowboy hat // stone detail drop necklace

summer also means city breaks, and I love a good city break. Sometimes it isn’t practical to exploring new countries capitals in open toed shoes, which is where your ankle boots come in. I’d be honestly lost without mine, they’re such a year round staple. Pair with a denim shift dress for an instantly on-trend but super relaxed daytime look, and if it’s really sunny, then a wide-brim sunhat is what you need. Jewellery-wise, I’d probably play around with a couple of layered pendants and some stacking rings to add a little bit of sparkle.

get the look: louis falcon ankle boots // sleeveless swing dress // printed elephant denim jacket // minimal detail rucksack

festivals are another super summertime thing. Fields and music, friends and camping. I’ve yet to officially go to one in the UK (sad times), but I certainly pull so many aspects of fab festival fashion for my summer wardrobe. Comfort is key, so shirt dresses and swing dresses are a summer holiday wardrobe staple. Easy to throw on, style up, and set off… and also super practical. I don’t know who invented the playsuit, but as fab as they are to gig in, going to the loo is hard. So instead I’d go for a sleeveless swing dress, especially one with a bold print so that I can toss my denim jacket over, and don’t really have to think about accessories other than a sturdy bag. Heels definitely aren’t a practical option when fields are involved, so some trusty Chelsea boots would be a fab idea. Then you can rock out without feeling uncomfortable at all.

So those are my summer dress styling tips! Three staple styles for all sorts of adventures. Let me know what you think, and if you’d style anything differently~

♥

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*this post is brought to you in collaboration with JD Williams. All thoughts, opinions, and stylistic advice are my own.