I’d like to start today by talking about sunglasses. Sunglasses, like spectacles, are something that you should get more and more daring with as you get older. I encourage you today to find the coolest pair of sunglasses that you can find and buy them, wear them with pride. Sunglasses, like glasses, have the ability to transform an outfit. My parents were on holiday in Seville recently and mum sent me a picture of all these amazing sunglasses that she had seen. Soon after, a lovely family run boutique called Maze got in contact and lo and behold, they were stocking the exact same sunglasses, Having never heard of the brand Mr Boho before, there they were on Maze’s website and here they are on mum’s face!

Sunglasses aren’t always cheap, they can often be an investment piece (particularly if you need prescription ones) so most of us can’t be buying a pair for every outfit! However, this does not mean that you have to go for the super ‘safe’ and dare I say it - boring - pair. You’d be surprised how well even the most outlandish glasses will go with most things.

Brands that I particularly like are (in no particular order) Pala Eyewear (read their story-it’s great), Monokel Eyewear, Cubitts, Jimmy Fairly, Izipizi, Black Eyewear and Ollie Quinn.

Mum’s trousers are by a brand called Meadows and my dress is by LF Markey - both of which were founded by the same designer, Louise Markey. The two brands are completely different but equally great. Meadows is more traditionally feminine and whimsical whilst LF Markey is quite utilitarian in its approach. Often pieces from each brand go really well together though.

What makes mum’s simple outfit interesting, is the matching olive green sunglasses to the olive green trousers. It is a striking look, but one which is relaxed and uncomplicated. The simple gingham top is as easy to wear as a plain white blouse but more interesting. The main objective for dressing, in my book, is to look as good as possible with as little effort as possible. I’m always on the hunt for interesting pieces that will slot into my wardrobe with ease. For me, mum’s top and trousers represent such items. The gingham of the blouse and the olive green of the trousers are a nod to something a bit different but are as straightforward to wear as black trousers and a white shirt.

An item of clothing that is extremely easy to wear is a summer dress. During the winter I don’t wear many dresses - I can’t be dealing with the tights and shoes - but during the summer, they are my go-to wardrobe staple. All you need is a versatile pair of sandals and you’re set. They’re also extremely cool to wear on warm days. I am always looking for 3/4 or ankle length dresses so that I don’t have to worry about what state my legs are in! There are so many options out there, and at all price points. My current favourite summer dress is a cotton shirt dress from Aligne. For affordable options Zara, M&S, Albaray, COS and Arket are good places to start.

I can’t finish this post without mentioning the socks, dress and clogs situation……! Not for everyone I am sure, and not suitable for a hot day, but on the cooler mornings, I love this look - it’s fun, so why not?!

NB for great socks, most of mine come from Arket but in-store, sadly their online offering is pretty rubbish. Cos also have some great ones but again, in-store. If you have larger feet - size 40 and above (although size 39 would probably work too) then men’s Uniqlo have a fab selection! Annoyingly though, the greatest selection is in their shops (there’s a pattern emerging here). Otherwise, I always just keep my eye’s peeled! I have found great pairs in Zara kids for example (and I am a size 39). I hope that this helps revitalise your sock drawer!

PHOTOGRAPHY BT ALEX MOONEY

Sue wears…

Shirt, £155, Nadinoo

Trousers, £135, Meadows at Maze

Shoes, £195, Steve Mono

Sunglasses, £70, Mr Boho at Maze

Earrings, mum’s own

Necklace, £109, Arket

Link bracelet, £69, Nodo

Pearl ring, £350, Deborah Blyth

Hannah wears…

Dress, £180, L.F. Markey

Cardigan, £245, Charl Knitwear

Denim jacket, Hannah’s own

Sunglasses, £125, Pala Eyewear

Rings, a selection by Nodo

Socks, Arket (in-store)

Clogs, £115, Birkenstock

-STYLE EDIT-