Hannah MacLeodApril 16, 2026Comment

Buttery goodness

Hannah MacLeodApril 16, 2026Comment

Although mum and I don’t wear a lot of dresses and skirts, we love them for the warmer months. If you’re generally a person who wears trousers, there can be an inclination to see dresses and skirts as less practical when in fact, they are incredibly practical. A skirt is airy and cool which feels so good on a hot day. Mum and I also enjoy the traditionally feminine look of a skirt, in contrast - particularly for me - to the more androgynous looks we often veer towards.

I think that this would be a nice juncture to point out that we should never feel like we’re confined to a box. Just because we look a certain way most of the time, doesn’t mean that we can’t look different on other occasions. It’s nice to mix it up a bit - take yourself out of your comfort zone!

Having said that, a complete diversion from how you like to present yourself to the world can feel uncomfortable. It’s about finding those key touch points that brings the overall look back to ‘you’. For example, I have paired this very feminine floaty skirt with an oversized, more masculine style shirt. Tucking in a pretty blouse would also look lovely but I wouldn't feel like ‘me’. However, If tucking in a beautiful blouse is what would make you feel more like ‘you’, then that is what you should do. As I've said many times before, there are no real right or wrongs in fashion, it is about making yourself feel as good as possible.

N.B. Personally, I would always choose an ankle length skirt so I don’t need to worry about what state my legs are in!

We saw so many funnel neck shirts on the S/S26 catwalks so it is of no surprise that they have made their way to the high street. If you are someone that likes to cover your neck then they serve this purpose nicely too! I think that a small silk scarf nestled under the collar would look incredibly chic.

The jacket is a ‘workwear’ style from Toast. These jackets are very useful. The Toast styles are particularly lovely but you will find them available across the high street. This one from COS is fab, as is this one from H&M. A jacket like this serves to complete an otherwise simple outfit with little effort. Have it by the door and when you’re running out of the house in your t-shirt and jeans, throw on the jacket and you’ll immediately look more put together. It doesn’t need to be cream, it could be bright blue, traditional denim, army green or vibrant red… all would work well.

P.S. don’t forget the power of jewellery. Sometimes a fab necklace or a statement pair of earrings is enough to make an outfit. I was going to a party a couple of weeks ago that I really wanted to look good for. I had a simple cream top and a silky black skirt that I have had for many years but it just didn’t feel like ‘enough’. I went to my jewellery box and pulled out a statement gold necklace and then went to the bathroom and applied a bright red lip. The outfit was transformed. Sometimes we don’t need to over-egg the pudding!

The blouse that mum is wearing is beautiful. So elegantly designed. It has a pretty hefty price tag so it won’t be for everyone but if your budget does allow then I think that it would make a good investment. It looks stunning tucked in but could also be worn out over a slim leg pair of trousers. It is a top that speaks for itself. Very little effort required.

I believe that the trousers represent very good value. The colour, shape and texture of the fabric are so elegant. I think that you could wear them all year round. To look at, you would be forgiven for thinking that they were Maxmara or another designer brand.

Shawls are back! A wrap or shawl is such a chic way of adding some warmth on cooler summer evenings. This one by Rise & Fall is superfine cashmere but you can also find wool versions that would also do the trick. This style by TBCO are incredibly chic.

And I will leave you with one last thought. If you have an event to attend this summer but struggle to wear heels, choose a ballet flat but in a gorgeous vibrant colour…you’ll be comfortable all day and night but you’ll still look cool.