It’s starting to warm up here in the UK, so lightweight layers are key to a sartorially successful day…! Chinos that can be worn with socks or not, shirts worn under summer jackets or unbuttoned on their own. T-shirts and jumpers -socks and sandals- we are a nation of dressers that have learnt to be ready for anything.

I know, however, that many of you here in our Graham St community don’t come from the UK and are dwelling in much sunnier climes. I have messages from Texas saying that although it’s lovely to see multiple fabrics layered into one outfit, it’s not very relevant to living in a 30 degree climate - hahaha! So hopefully over the next few months we can be of more help….here’s hoping that the weather plays ball….

So, the chinos that I am wearing are made from a lightweight cotton meaning that they feel super light and airy on. I have paired them here with a very over-sized white shirt as my raison d’être is being swathed in lots of fabric, but if you prefer a more fitted look then a simple white t-shirt and fitted cardigan, perhaps in a bright red or green, would look great and create a really lovely silhouette.

It’s worth noting that the taller you are, the less dramatic a voluminous trouser shape will look. A case in point are the trousers that mum is wearing. These are the YMC ones that I wore in this post. The barrel shape is less exaggerated on mum as she is two inches taller than me. Wearing navy blue socks that blend into the hem also creates a more subtle look. Wearing dark shoes, instead of contrasting ones, would reduce it further. Through little tweaks, the styling of any outfit can significantly change the overall look. By doing this, it goes to show that you can take part in all sorts of trends and fashions, bending them to suit your own style and personality. The styling can also be altered over time to help give the garment longevity.

I adore this lightweight jacket by Folk, I love the versatility that its simplicity brings, but that it is interesting in its subtle design. The hand stitched patchwork is so chic. It could obviously be paired with dark trousers and jeans but the cream stitching and pale buttons means that it also looks good with cream and white bottoms too. If you are going to invest in a piece, you want to know that it can be worn in many different ways, and ideally dressed up and down too. I have thought since shooting this outfit, that a red cardigan poking out from under the jacket would have looked wicked. Another time !