Granted these last two weeks haven’t felt much like Summer with the end of the world weather we seem to be experiencing – torrential downpours anyone?! However in the spirit of Optimism we’ve decided to focus on those fashion staples that are seeing us through the current season be it rain or shine. After all we’ve got to be prepared for all eventualities now haven’t we….at least that’s what I’m telling Ste.

Come and see what we’ve been wearing this Summer so far…

Lisa

I’m afraid that due to the good old British weather, most of my ‘summer’ staples can actually be worn all year round! Ah well, lower cost per wear…

I blame Lolly for introducing me to the pinafore dress. I now have them in FOUR different colours. This denim one from Topshop is perfect for the summer as it looks ace with bare legs and flip flops or trainers, and would probably look good just thrown over a bikini.

I recently made my first ever La Redoute purchase…this Breton tee. It’s so practical yet stylish that I have just ordered it in red too. However because of the boat neck it doesn’t look great under aforementioned pinafore dress (yep I should really have read the description as well as looked at the pretty pictures). So I would love to know where our readers would go to buy a failsafe, lightweight, ¾ sleeve Breton top.

By far the most useful piece that I have invested in this summer has been my Zara rucksack. Since becoming a mum I have discovered that rucksacks are an essential. They are roomy enough to shove in nappies, snacks, toys, and all the other kid paraphernalia, and whilst wearing it your hands are free. Plus, when there are pretty rucksacks like this available, you can still look vaguely stylish.

My favourite summer staple is this slouchy pocket top from Topshop. It is super flattering and goes with everything in my wardrobe, and I love the cross-over detail on the back. I echo the thoughts of the reviewers on the Topshop website…Topshop, PLEASE make one in black too!

Lolly

If you read my summer shoes post not so long back then you’ll already know that I waxed lyrical about these Zara flats which have actually gone into the sale as of last week. There are still a few sizes left as I type but it’s worth purchasing before they all disappear. I’ve pretty much lived in mine since I bought them last month and they’ve seen me through Chelsea Flower Show to drinks with the girls. Definitely worth every penny.

I’ve also been feeling a bit 80s this season since spotting an old photo of myself avec hairband and actually quite liked it. Having purchased this set of two Alice Bands courtesy of ASOS I’ve been feeling a bit like Cher from Clueless and I won’t lie about the practicality of having my hair off my face on the hotter days either. A bargain at £3!

It’s not all steamy days and balmy nights however…actually I’ve had the heating on a couple of days in the last week (it’s June and utterly ridiculous I know!) so I’ve been turning to this cotton v-neck from Jigsaw which I have in blue but which is also available in Khaki. It’s long-sleeved but light enough to stop you roasting away uncomfortably and sits low on the hips thus preventing the inevitable flash of knickers as I crawl around after Hector.

My sister treated me to this beautiful blush trench coat earlier this year for my birthday and it’s been an absolute godsend especially with these daily downpours.

T-shirt wise I always stock up on these silk vests from COS which come in both black and an off-white and which are perfect for layering with sheer tops and revealing dresses. They wash well and I’ve only just replaced some that I purchased three years ago so the cost per wear is fantastic. Charlotte also convinced me that I needed these t-shirts in my life and she wasn’t wrong. According to Ste I look a little bit like a rock star when I wear them. I laughed but I felt a wee bit smug…

Lauren

My perennial summer outfit is a plain maxi dress. I often wear when I’m working from home but also find they can be dressed up if I’m heading out for lunch or for a casual day out. This year I bought H&M’s offering in both grey and black; on some taller ladies this length would be a midi but for me it’s a maxi.

One of my favourite summer combos is denim cutoffs paired with an easy breezy knit. I’m not hugely confident about donning short shorts so like a longer length variety like these ones from H&M.

I like to buy a couple of pairs of flats each summer which I wear to death before discarding at the end of the season. I haven’t had chance to buy any yet but I’m currently eyeing up these Asos espadrilles, gold and tan strap sandals or the Boden metallic flats.

Have any of you lovelies got some Summer staples recommendations that we really need to hear about? Perhaps it’s a really delicious pair of sandals or perhaps a floaty dress. Or it could even be an old faithful that you return to every year. Why not share your seasonal bargains in the comments box below…