070: A Summer Wardrobe in Progress
Musings on my recent purchases
My shopping ban was lifted and Armageddon was let loose. Okay, I’m being dramatic — but my Amex has seen a lot of action lately, and with that comes a wave of new items to play with this summer.
Every summer, I realise the care and consideration I put into bundling myself up in winter — in a way that’s both stylish and functional — hasn’t quite made its way into my summer wardrobe. I’m often left with the underpinnings of my winter looks, which make me feel bare, like I’m wearing something incomplete. These are usually pieces that live underneath fun knits or stylish coats. This year, I’ve challenged myself to build a summer wardrobe that excites me — one that pushes me past my defaults into more playful styling territory. Think: Carrie Bradshaw belting over the waist type of expansion. (Maybe too much, but you get the point.)
So, here are a few new additions to my summer rotation, and how I plan to style them:
These Coucou shorts are, quite literally, perfect. I’m not into super-mini lengths, so this Bermuda-style silhouette feels ideal — relaxed enough to combat the heat, while still offering coverage. The 100% cotton fabric keeps them breathable, and the lace trim adds a feminine edge.
I love pairing them with an oversized T-shirt and kitten heels, which works well with the slightly loose silhouette while still playing into the softness of the lace detail. For the outfit below, I styled them with a vintage Gucci tank featuring a draped, low neckline and added a skinny leather belt for shape. The hat throws off the balance just enough so it doesn’t lean too smart — I always need a relaxed element in most outfits.
The Massimo Dutti Top
Tops do a lot of heavy lifting in the summer, when so many outfits consist simply of a top, a bottom, and shoes. That’s why I’ve been gravitating towards longline pieces as a way to layer and add visual interest. This halter neck from Massimo Dutti hit the brief perfectly — an elegant, easy way to expand my summer styling remit.
The outfit below was born from a lack of options. I was staying with a friend and hadn’t gotten around to shopping, so I decided to pair what I had. The top and skirt together felt a little straight and shapeless, so I added a studded brown leather belt to define the waist. The result was an outfit that felt both functional and cool. The belt added structure, but also acted as a standout feature — it introduced a silhouette I wouldn’t normally go for. It’s become one of my favourite looks this year, and I can’t wait to wear it again and again.
The look below shows the power of a top that can stand alone and still create dynamic shape. Its longer length balances out the slightly cropped jeans, resulting in a proportional outfit that still feels unexpected. I’m excited to find new ways to style this piece.
The Havaianas Upgrade
Wearing regular Havaianas around London didn’t sit right with me — the idea of exposing my feet to whatever fluid concoctions line the pavements? No, thank you. I went in search of something that offered the barely-there comfort of a flip-flop but felt a little more mentally secure.
Enter the Havaianas Luna Point.
Yes, you could argue they don’t offer much more protection than the originals, but the sandal structure and ankle strap trick my brain into feeling more protected — and sometimes that’s all that matters. I love the buttery yellow colour, which adds contrast without being jarring, and the black sole gives them more dimension.
They’re easy to throw on with shorts and a tank but feel more elevated than a traditional flip-flop. For the outfit below, I paired them with a more glamorous gown — the contrast between the delicate sandals and the smarter dress creates a balance I love. It makes the dress feel wearable for everyday life and stretches your wardrobe even further.
The Everyday Stack
In every outfit above, I’m wearing my new everyday bracelet stack, courtesy of Jenny Bird.
I was lucky enough to be invited to their Liberty launch last week and got the chance to build my dream bracelet stack from their beautiful selection. I love how each wrist tells a different story — one is textured and eclectic, the other smooth and uniform with just a few subtle shifts in size and tone.
Since then, these bracelets have become compliment magnets. I love how they add a touch of glamour to even the simplest of outfits. They’ve now become as essential to getting dressed as my underwear.
I’m excited to keep finding excuses to expand my summer wardrobe — all in the name of experimentation and creative play. It’s been such a rewarding way to strengthen my styling muscle, and you really can’t put a price on that... right? (My Amex statement might disagree, but whatevs.)
Stay curious, stay stylish,
Morenike
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Less "make do," more "make it yours." I love how you're treating every piece like a styling opportunity, not just a seasonal necessity. The bracelet stack, the belted halter, the psychological flip-flop upgrade. All of it is joyful wardrobe energy. Here's to flexing the styling muscle and keeping it playful.
You're so good at putting together in looks!! I'm in awe