Five Summer ‘must haves’ I won’t be buying (or wearing)

A successful wardrobe is all about the edit. Creating a Summer wardrobe that works well for you is as much about what you leave out as what you put in it.

One lone garment will wreak havoc if it makes you feel less than your best, especially when it comes to holiday packing.

At this time of year, we are overloaded with information about the Summer’s ‘must have’ pieces. In truth there are no ‘must haves’ that suit everyone as we all have unique figures, tastes and lifestyles.

There are, however, a few garments that look great in an Instagram post but are not so wearable in real life. Here’s a list of five of them:-

Velvet ballet flats

Very nice to look at but really not that practical if you get caught in a shower. Velvet is a great fabric for occasion dressing but it doesn’t stand up to the wear and tear of everyday use. The other downside is that they don’t allow feet to breathe – not what you need in hot weather – ew!

Cut out dresses

It’s a big wobbly bellied ‘no’ to anything that shows off my midriff or surrounds. Even if I was lucky enough to have a flat stomach, I don’t want to sit on the tube with my tummy on show.

Cargos

I’m talking about the low cut style with fifty pockets, All Saints circa 1990. I loved them 20 years ago when I had my first pair but I can’t bring myself to wear them now. Maybe because my teenage daughter would not appreciate me twinning with her or maybe it’s because I’ve been there, seen it, done it and got the trousers already.

Kitten heels

They look oh so lovely and flattering in pictures. As soon as you step out on the street you are done for unless you are an expert at the game ‘don’t step on the pavement cracks’. If you intend to buy a pair, ensure you save up to get an Uber.

Handbags that have small handles

Call me old fashioned, but what is the point of a bag you can’t put over your shoulder? Who, apart from a Royal, doesn’t need their hands free to hold a coffee, travel pass, child or all of the above? It’s a Kate Middelton trend that’s best left to Kate, I think.

I’m not calling them ‘must haves’ but there are Summer styles around that are useful for the many. Wide leg trousers, linen coordinates, long skirts, shirts and broderie blouses are some of my favourites that work in real life. Take a look at my Instagram posts and style blogs for all the details.

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