Many women (myself included), do not suit pretty, floaty dresses. I love them on other women, but they just don’t suit me at all. The reason is, I don’t have any ‘girly’ in my clothing style mix.
If you take a quick look at many high street shops at this time of year, you could easily have the mistaken belief that all there is available for us to wear in the summertime is floral midi dresses, tiered skirts and frilly details.
Happily, I’m here to tell you that this isn’t the case. If, like me, you are not a ‘pretty’ summer dress person, there are LOTS of fabulous options. You just need to know what you are looking for.
Today I’m sharing my fail-safe ways of dressing when the temperature rises. Maybe some of these ideas will work for you too!
My 4 favourite non-girly outfit formulas.
- Shorts and a shirt
I love the ‘legs out arms covered’ look and for me that means shorts and a long sleeved shirt (usually linen but I also love the cheesecloth options that seem to be all over at the moment). I’ll wear the shirt buttoned up to my bust, then the collar open and the sleeves folded back for a relaxed look. Another good styling option is to wear the shirt open like a jacket and have a more fitted top underneath.
- A simple dress
Dresses are still an option for non-girlies but you are looking for a simpler design. From a midi length striped shirt dress to a cocoon shaped shorter one, if you search, you’ll find. Whistles do a version of this dress every year and I’ve got many of them, but not his one…yet…!
- Cropped wide leg trousers and a knitted tank
I like to get my ankles out when its sunny and a wide leg trouser gives good air flow! I’m not always in the mood for a t-shirt which can be tricky for me to feel confident in with my top heavy body shape. A sleeveless knitted tank however, works brilliantly! It doesn’t need to be sleeveless if you don’t like having your arms out but a knit gives the top some structure. This works well against the wider leg trouser and this look always feels well put together and appropriate for lots of different occasions with different styling (footwear and accessories).
- A Co-Ord set
I’ve built up quite the collection these days, from long trouser sets to shorts sets and I love to wear them as intended, as well as mixed and matched separately – great for holiday packing as they are super versatile. Whether you go for a patterned set, cheesecloth, linen, neutral or brights, you’ve got to love a co-ord!
So, let me know about you. What your favourite summer time outfits?
Share your ideas in the comments.
Loved this Hellen . I’m a top heavy woman and definitely not a girly girl
Thank you
This is so useful, thank you. I am not comfortable in girlie summer dresses but they look so good on some that I thought it must be me! Some great alternatives here.
When something doesn’t suit you its never you that is wrong. It’s always the clothes that are wrong for you. So many women spend a lifetime believing there’s something wrong with their bodies. I’m so glad you liked my suggestions.x
Glad you found it useful Anne!
Fantastic Helen, what would I do without you!!! Your thoughts are always SOOOO helpful!
Bless you Pam. Thanks for your comment x
In the same way as I wasn’t sure about gilets – if I’m cold why are my arms not covered – the shorts and long sleeves wasn’t really on my radar, but actually it looks like a really good option! will look out for coords as well. Also not something I’d thought about! thank you
I think you’d look great in a co-ord! (And the shorts of course). x
A super blog Helen, so useful. Even though I do have some girlie in my style, I have really struggled to like all of the super long, multiple tiers and flouncy styles that have been around for the last 2 years.
Thanks for your comment Donna, happy to have been helpful x