The No-Jeans Summer Edit

Sometimes I find it a bit ironic how, even though I don't consider myself a 'fashion blogger', I do post a fair bit about clothes, when a lot of what I wear day-to-day is creased tees and slightly-stained jeans. And usually it's the same pair of jeans, like, four days in a row (ASOS mom jeans, I'm talking to you). However, it might just be the sunny and happy vibes of summer, but during the warmer seasons I like to step out of my comfort zone a little more when it comes to clothes - ditch the jeans more frequently, and wear *gasps* some colour. So here's some insight into what I like to use to spruce up my wardrobe in summertime, with items that are always readily available at this time of year no matter your budget. 

JUMPSUITS AND PLAYSUITS

I love playsuits. They are the easiest thing to just throw on in the summer. So effortless and so pretty, for just casual daytime wear or for something a little more glam. I've had quite a few over the years, but one that I bring out every summer is this beautiful one from Miss Selfridge. The jersey material makes it a fairly relaxed everyday piece, but it can always be dressed up with some wedges to make it that bit fancier. The neckline on this is also really nice, and I love the shade of cornflower blue against the monochrome flowers. I've also found a new appreciation for jumpsuits this year, and picked up this plisse culotte-style one in the New Look sale a couple of months back. This might be a bit harder to casualise, but I can't wait to wear it loads this summer, especially on holiday. I adore the wrap detail, and the tie belt is also super flattering. 

DAY DRESSES

It's pretty rare that you'll catch me in a dress, but if there's any time I tend to get them out, it's summer. And it's pretty hard not to when there's so many gorgeous ones on offer that are perfect to wear all the time. The one I wear most often is this grey jersey one from Boohoo; incredibly affordable and the easiest dress to accessorise! I love how this looks with white Converse (if you can even call mine white anymore), and a denim jacket. Another cheap-as-chips option is this red bodycon from Primark (probably still in store but not available on the website). I think this is actually in the England World Cup range they have going on at the moment, and buying this dress is probably the most involved I'll get in the World Cup. Again, it can be dressed up or down, and the black stripes down the side accentuate your shape nicely. I love styling this with my Converse and my hair in plaits for everyday wear - so cute :) Lastly, we have this black t-shirt dress from ASOS. I don't usually get on with baggier clothes, especially dresses - being quite teeny, I find they tend to drown me. This dress was pretty irresistible, though. Serious in the front, party in the back. I'm obsessed with roses, so this lovely detail made my purchase a bit of a no-brainer (I would say definitely size down in this dress though; this is a size 4, and I usually opt for a between a 6 and a 10). This looks really cute with fishnet tights and Doc Martens - because, let's be real, I'm probably still going to be wearing my Docs through summer too. 

DENIM SKIRTS

Even though I'm eliminating jeans, I've got to get my denim fix somewhere. And I think denim skirts are the prettiest way to do that. My favourite of the moment is this red one from Topshop. I've seen so many people wearing this and they all look incredible. It has a great a-line fit, and is short without being too short, if you get me. I love styling it with simple t-shirts, as you can see here, but also looks amazing with a black bandeau for a very summery, dressier option. One of my favourite purchases from last year was my denim skirt from Zara, purely because of the roses. I like the raw hem on both of these skirts, but I think on this one it makes it look a little more worn and vintage-y, which I enjoy. I think I'd have a harder time dressing this one up, so I stick to tees and crop tops here. My final denim skirt is a recycled piece I've rediscovered recently that I bought ages ago from New Look. I think I must've had it in my early secondary school years? Wow, I'm old. Anyway, I think it's the sweetest little skater skirt to put with crop tops and bralets - you might recognise this one from my night out post, which you can read here if you haven't already. 

PATTERNED SHORTS

Lastly we come to patterned shorts; one of the easiest ways to get a pop of colour and brightness in your summer wardrobe (although mine are still based in black and navy lol). If you've learned anything from this post, it's that I like a good floral print. The black floral pair (furthest left) I bought for my 18th birthday party last year from Missguided. I love love love the almost-tropical floral print of these, with the mix of greens and pinks. They are more of a billowy short, which I wasn't expecting, so not the most flattering in the world but super cute all the same. The next pair of floral shorts come courtesy of one of my best friends; she gave them to me as a birthday present a couple of years ago. They're from New Look and they're the lightest, comfiest pair of shorts ever. Ideal for holiday. Because of the elasticated waistband, I do prefer wearing crop tops with these to save me having to tuck anything in and make it look like I'm wearing my jammies, but white crop top + these shorts + trainers = a very simple go-to outfit. Finally, I have these ones from Ted Baker aka one of my most expensive finds but also one I'm extremely proud of. I did buy these with a gift voucher I received last year for my birthday, and as much as I would've felt like I needed them, I would't have bought them otherwise. They're nicely tailored and fit fairly well, but the unique print is what really stands out here. They've got pencils on them. Pencils. And for a writer, that's pretty darn perfect. My obsession with these shorts is probably borderline dangerous. 

It's really simple to break out of a jeans and t-shirt rut in summertime, and if you wanna escape your comfort zone a little bit more fashion-wise, I hope this post has given you a few ideas. I should probably go and put my jeans in the wash now. 

From, 

Eleanor