LET’S face it, if we get to enjoy a few days of sunshine in the UK, you can bet that the wet weather is coming…
This summer’s already been very changeable, often with blue skies in the morning turning to rainclouds by by lunchtime.
Dressing for this kind of weather can be tricky, and trying to find an outfit that’ll take you from heatwave to downpour can have you stuck in a style rut.
Then, there’s the dreaded decision: “Should I take a coat?”
Our fashion pros are here to solve your styling dilemmas, so that getting dressed for the day will become a whole lot easier, whatever the weather.
Clemmie Fieldsend, 34, Fashion Editor
5
- Jumper, £44.99, H&M – BUY NOW
- T-shirt, £45, Cos – BUY NOW
- Jeans, £22, Tu at Sainsbury’s – BUY NOW
- Shoes, £49.99, Office – BUY NOW
- Jacket, £35.99, Zara – BUY NOW
- Bag, £39.50, M&S Collection at Marks & Spencer – BUY NOW
I treat this in-between weather like I would any other transition season, and the key is layers.
If you’re taking clothes on and off, you’re going to need a big bag to carry them in, and I love this luxe-looking tote from Marks & Spencer that can hold everything.
I’m a jeans lover, but for summer I prefer creams or whites, and these barrel jeans from Tu at Sainsbury’s are a dupe of high-end designers, like Agolde and Ganni.
A white T-shirt with a twist prevents my outfit looking too plain, and I add texture and interest with this new jumper from H&M – I love the cream piping down the sleeves and around the neck – and it looks great draped over your shoulders, too.
Finish the outfit with a tonal cropped jacket from Zara and flat Mary Janes – a summery and puddle-proof alternative to sandals.
Abby McHale, 29, Deputy Fashion Editor
5
- Blazer, £79, M&S Collection at Marks & Spencer – BUY NOW
- Necklace, £32, Oliver Bonas – BUY NOW
- T-shirt, £37, & Other Stories – BUY NOW
- Trousers, £35, River Island – BUY NOW
- Trainers, £75, Puma at Schuh – BUY NOW
- Bag, £45.99, Mango – BUY NOW
I feel like all I’ve done this year so far is dress for all the weather, as it can’t seem to make its mind up.
My wardrobe staple is a blazer – I have all kinds in different colours and they’re so great for when the weather is unpredictable, as you can just chuck one on and they instantly make an outfit look smarter.
Underneath my blazer, I’ve gone with this cute graphic T-shirt, which I can wear on its own if the sun comes out.
These striped trousers from River Island are lightweight and ideal for all seasons.
Trainers are my go-to shoe, as they’re comfortable and practical for all weathers.
Finishing off my look is a smart bag from Mango and a pretty layered necklace from Oliver Bonas.
Emily Regan, 24, Fashion Assistant
5
- Cropped trench, £54, Laredoute.co.uk – BUY NOW
- Sunglasses, £15, M&S Collection at Marks & Spencer – BUY NOW
- Jeans, £29.99, H&M – BUY NOW
- Knit top, £29.99, Zara – BUY NOW
- Trainers, £95, Adidas – BUY NOW
- Bag, £88, Melie Bianco at Anthropologie – BUY NOW
Speaking as someone who isn’t taking many overseas holidays this year, I am hoping the sunshine is here to stay.
I’ve ditched my winter wardrobe for my summer one, but I am pairing everything with a cropped trench and a trusty brolly – just in case.
Switching from my longer trench coat to a cropped version has been a game-changer, as it is an ideal lightweight layering piece that’s easy to take off if the weather warms up.
This crochet knit vest is going viral at the moment, so grab it quickly before it sells out – it also currently comes in a gorgeous bright blue.
Then I’ve added jeans, a red bag and sunnies, so I’m prepared for when the sun decides to make an appearance.
Tracey Lea Sayer, 52, Fashion Director
5
- Scarf, £90, Rise & Fall – BUY NOW
- Top, £27, & Other Stories – BUY NOW
- Shorts, £55.95, Benetton – BUY NOW
- Jacket, £60, River Island – BUY NOW
- Bag, £135, Cos – BUY NOW
- Plimsolls, £25, M&S Collection at Marks & Spencer – BUY NOW
I am usually in full-on high-summer mode by now, but this year I haven’t even unpacked my summer wardrobe.
What a washout it’s been so far! But on the plus side, at least my garden is looking lush.
I am very much a summer shorts kinda gal, so even when the weather isn’t great, I am happy to polish my pins and get my shorts out.
This year, I’ve gone for a longer-line Bermuda style for a bit more coverage, and I always layer up with a long-sleeved Breton top and a cropped jacket.
This look is perfect for a coastal break that I have planned in a few weeks.
Hottest trends for Spring/Summer 2024
Fabulous’ Fashion Editor, Clemmie Fieldsend has shared the biggest trends on the high street and runway this Spring/Summer.
SHORTS
I know, shorts for summer. Groundbreaking. But you’ll be seeing them everywhere this year, from micro hotpants to long, Bermuda styles in denim to tailoring and everything in between they’re a must have for every occasion.
WHITE
White usually goes hand-in-hand with your summer holidays but whether you’re in the UK or abroad you’ll be seeing an abundance of head-to-toe white looks.
The high street is already a, erm, white wash with the trend that includes shoes and accessories.
HIGH SHINE
Beit metallics or sequins, for 2024 sparkle isn’t just for Christmas.
Expect to see shimmering looks at festivals, weddings or even a barbeque in your neighbours back garden teamed with block brights or simple whites.
BAGGY BOTTOMS
Wide leg and loose jeans have gripped our wardrobes from autumn to winter, but as we move into warmer months expect baggy trousers.
From crisp cotton to lightweight linen, fluid trews should have a firm place in your wardrobe.
PUMPS
Ballet pumps and Mary Jane’s have been clawing their way back into our good books for a while now, but for summer they’re looking less ballerina and more beach ready.
Woven styles and mesh textures are hot off the catwalk and onto the high street, think the 2024 jelly shoe.
GO GIRLY
All things romantic and girly are in for spring with sheer fabrics, pastel shades of blue, yellow and pink gripping the runway. Embellished with bows, lace or flowers, most looks should have an element of being hyper ‘girly’.