3 (ACHIEVABLE) WAYS TO TRANSFORM YOUR LOOK FOR SUMMER
As the forecast is predicting warmer weather just around the corner, are you looking for a little inspiration to achieve your dreams of becoming effortlessly ‘cool’ (as in… temperature and style) around the clock? And if you are sick of all the styles you already own, it’s time to find an alternative way to survive the heat. The solution? It is linen - and not just the linen pieces you bought last season - it’s about a new take on linen. New colours, new shapes and most importantly, it’s about a new way to style it.
When it comes to summer styling, no other fabric springs to mind quite like linen! Yet, so many people are afraid of wearing linen because they either don’t know how to or they simply don’t like the creasing. Now, I really want to bust a myth - the creases in linen are not flaws in the fabric – they are what gives linen its personality and character and I happen to think, they are what makes linen particularly beautiful.
What I love about the UNIQLO linen collection is the versatility of the range. Made from premium quality linen, making each piece look and feel great to wear - yet the price points make it really accessible (even to stock up on more than one colour in your favourite shape). Available in classic and wearable shapes, in essential colours and the seasons ‘must own’ additions.
Here is how you can update your look this summer, in achievable and affordable ways. Also something to remember is just because it’s a new season, doesn’t mean your current wardrobe becomes redundant. You may just need a few elements to add in to freshen it up.
This is your check list -
1. Colour combination
2. Season of the pant
3. New shapes
1.Colour combinations
There is something very classic and beautiful about a linen shirt, but as most of us probably already own one in white or natural - with all the stunning new colour pallets available, now is the time to add some personality into your outfits. It’s all about wearing colour in a new way and styling colour combinations you wouldn’t normally put together, such as brights with muted tones.
This UNIQLO ‘premium linen long sleeve shirt’ comes in 11 colours! Yes the classics are essential, but why not introduce a hint of bright with pink, yellow or blue into your looks. These colours look amazing worn back with shades of neutrals (think tobacco or beige) or even back with khaki or denim. OR if you aren’t brave enough to wear these brighter shades, muted tones of green or olive look just as beautiful back with beige, navy or soft blues.
STYLING TIPS
I am wearing the ‘pink’ colour way here - from day to night you can style your shirt for any occasion. Layer with tones of pink, a hint of neon (if you are wanting something really new) or even with white. Try styling brights with khaki, camel tones and darker shades of tobacco. These colour mixes will really update your look.
Wearing gold jewellery looks very chic with these rich tones. Layers of gold necklaces looks wonderful peaking through your open shirt.
Try the shirt wrap! I get asked about this all the time - and it’s very easy to achieve. You just maybe need to go up a size, so you have more fabric to work with. It is just about crossing over the shirt at the front and firmly tucking in.
SHOP MY LOOK
OUTFIT 1 LINEN SHIRT / KHAKI PANT / NEON TEE ~ OUTFIT 2 LINEN SHIRT / PINK TEE / LINEN SHORT ~ OUTFIT 3 LINEN SHIRT / TOBACCO PANT
2.SEASON OF THE PANT
Finding the perfect summer pant can sometimes be a challenge – but when you discover a style you love, that fits perfectly and the ideal shape - they can totally change how you get dressed. This UNIQLO belted linen wide leg pant is so versatile – mainly as you can wear them on the weekend, to work or even for dressier occasions. The wide leg is very flattering and also looks great with a sneaker or heel. This pant comes in 5 colours, so if you love the shape as much as I do, it might be worth getting a few colour options.
I am a big fan of a white pant in summer, and this season it is actually one of the ‘must wear’ pieces. Colour blocking head-to-toe white (even footwear) is something you need to be doing - you may have noticed girls around the globe styling all white looks. And wearing white back with neutrals such as beige, tan, or camel is also such a modern stylish look.
Striped tees are always a necessity, and back with a wide leg pant are the perfect nod to ‘yeah its summer’. This nautical look never goes out of style, and really looks good on everyone.
STYLING TIPS
White footwear is really important this season - you just need a plain white sneaker and strappy sandal (either with a small heel or flat). White footwear looks great with these white pants, especially if you are going for the head-to-toe white look.
Something I really like about these pants, is they have a natural coloured lining, so they aren’t see through like most white pants. These make them much easy to wear without worrying about them being too sheer.
These pants are very versatile for day into night. I actually bought 2 sizes of these so I can wear them differently. A bigger size for a more slouchy, wide leg look for day. And a smaller size for a slimmer leg look, that sit higher on my waist for a structured look for night.
SHOP MY LOOK
OUTFIT 1 LINEN PANT / STRIPED TEE ~ OUTFIT 2 LINEN PANT / WHITE SHIRT ~ OUTFIT 3 LINEN PANT / BLOUSE
3.New Shapes
Linen is loved for being really comfortable to wear during summer, so it’s wonderful this fabric is now available in lots of new shapes and silhouettes. If you already own the classic pieces like shirting or dresses, why not try new shapes like a jumpsuit. This style is really easy to wear, as it is meant to be a relaxed style. However if you want to style it differently, try it back with coloured basics layered underneath, or wrap a shirt over the top. Also looks great with a longer line shirt over the top and belted. Available in stripes and plain colours, this style you will love wearing!
STYLING TIPS
I think jumpsuits look great oversized, so maybe consider going up a size. They are meant to be comfortable, and you can always add a belt to give you a waisted look.
If you want to layer with a shirt over the top in a modern way, I have just tied this shirt at the front, while leaving it off the shoulder. You can do this with colours, white or event the stripe I am wearing.
If you are looking for a belt in a hurry, the white belt I have used here is the tie from my white linen pants! These fabric belts come in really handy and no one will even know.
SHOP MY LOOK
OUTFIT 1 LINEN JUMPSUIT / STRIPED SHIRT (available in store) ~ OUTFIT 2 LINEN JUMPSUIT/ BELT ~ OUTFIT 3 LINEN JUMPSUIT / LONG SHIRT
Imagery by Ryan Conduit
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This article is copyright and may not be used without the express written permission of Where Did Your Style Go. This article is sponsored by UNIQLO, however the advise is honest based on my own shopping experience.