The desire to consume has never felt stronger than it does now, precisely at the moment I’ve placed myself on a temporary spending ban. Suddenly, the urge to hit “checkout” screams at me as I scroll through my favourite websites. I have to mentally pull myself away and practise restraint in an effort to stay true to my goals. Naturally, being unable to have something only makes you think about it more, which has led me to constantly ruminate on my style mood for the summer ahead.
Every summer, I’m reminded of the disadvantage that comes with favouring winter styling. My wardrobe is disproportionately weighted towards wool, cashmere, and thick cotton — pieces that would leave me sweltering in the London heat if I dared to wear them between June and August. Because of this, I’ve started curating my summer wardrobe a few months in advance, aiming to build a thoughtful, long-lasting collection rather than rushing into last-minute purchases that leave me with clothes that don’t feel fully aligned.
This summer, my vibe is rooted in curiosity and expansion. I’ve found myself following stylistic impulses that normally feel too foreign during the colder months, when comfort and functionality dominate my choices. With the arrival of warmer weather comes a sense of ease and wonder, giving me room to experiment more freely with both my styling and shopping habits.

Surprisingly, I’ve found myself reaching for skirts more often. I currently only own two — one of which I bought earlier this year — largely because I’ve always felt intimidated by styling them. I tend to like skirts only with very specific shoes or particular top and jacket silhouettes, and this limitation has meant I’ve mostly ignored them altogether. Recently, though, I’ve been thinking more intentionally about the role I want my bottoms to play in my wardrobe, and how that might translate into a skirt choice. As a lover of tailoring, I’ve found that straight silhouette skirts offer a kind of smart, grounded base that allows for playfulness elsewhere in the outfit. They strike the balance between polish and practicality, especially for city living — a midi length feels ideal when navigating public transport and avoiding the legacy of who sat there before me.

As for jewellery, I’m a die-hard gold lover. I’m not opposed to mixing metals, but gold has always felt like the most intuitive choice. Lately, however, I’ve been drawn to the bold yet understated appeal of sterling silver. There’s something quietly distinctive about it, especially in antique pieces, and I love the character they add. In the summer months, when we shed our layers of fabric, jewellery takes on the role of visual texture. A brooch on a T-shirt paired with some drop earrings can instantly elevate even the simplest look, transforming it into something far more considered.

White denim is a perennial summer staple, but I’ve recently found myself searching for a different silhouette. My wardrobe leans heavily towards wide-leg trousers, which started to feel repetitive throughout winter. I’ve been on the lookout for a more relaxed, straight-leg style of denim — something that feels a touch more structured and put-together while still being easy to wear.

Vintage T-shirts are my favourite way to inject personality and a bit of whimsy into summer outfits without much effort. I’ve been loving single-stitch tees in particular for their lighter weight and relaxed fit — perfect for warmer days. When it comes to vintage tees, colour and graphic are key. There’s something about the sunshine that banishes my chronic fear of colour, and I find myself gravitating towards brighter shades I would never touch in winter. Simplifying the number of pieces I’m wearing somehow makes it less intimidating to get colour wrong; with only one other item to pair it with, bolder choices suddenly feel more achievable. The graphic element, meanwhile, is where personality or humour gets to shine. I love a good dad joke or a pop culture reference — a playful reminder to never take your outfits too seriously.
As I continue to resist the temptation of impulse shopping and lean into a more thoughtful approach, I’m finding joy in rediscovering what already speaks to me. Whether it’s a well-fitting skirt, a perfectly worn-in tee, or a piece of silver jewellery with a bit of character, each item feels more meaningful. Summer styling, for me, is becoming less about chasing trends and more about paying attention to how I want to feel, what I want to express, and the little details that bring it all together. It’s a slow build, but one that feels much more aligned. And that, to me, is a wardrobe worth waiting for.
Hope you all have a lovely week and speak to you soon :)
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"The desire to consume has never felt stronger than it does now, precisely at the moment I’ve placed myself on a temporary spending ban. Suddenly, the urge to hit “checkout” screams at me as I scroll through my favourite websites. I have to mentally pull myself away and practise restraint in an effort to stay true to my goals. Naturally, being unable to have something only makes you think about it more, which has led me to constantly ruminate on my style mood for the summer ahead."
I feel your pain here, Morenike. I've never been good in artificially restraining myself. Diets - whether in the kitchen or my closet - simply do not work for me. Sustainable long-term choices is what I seem to lean into.
How long is your shopping break?
I completely understand what you mean about being a winter dresser and do find it hard to pivot to summer months. Great choices here, though I feel as if I can never wear white due to being a clumsy bish lol.