It’s a Tod’s (and Miu Miu and Margaret Howell) Girl Summer

Confession: For the last few years I’ve avoided buying ’summer’ clothes. It’s not worth it; it’s never consistently warm in the UK, so the effusive enthusiasm with which you might buy shorts, sleeveless dresses and sporty tanks in April dissipates into a tragic puddle as the weeks sail by.

There’s a middle way though. This year I’ve discovered my inner (city) beach goddess. It’s one part Tod’s wealthy Milanese nonna, one part Miu Miu SS24 Gen Z Yacht Girl Summer (below) and one part Margaret Howell-clad beachcomber (think more Cornwall than Capri).

From the shoes up, we start with a deck shoe – I like a rugged crenelated sole since I’ll be cavorting the damp streets of London, not the shiny decks of an oligarch’s schooner. So, the traditional Timberland Noreen* resurgence is well-timed. There are more contemporary fashion versions with an extremely chunky sole (see Grenson*), but I’m here for the long haul, so I go classic. The other high-end option is the flat-soled or nubby-soled boat shoe by Miu Miu, Bally or Tod’s*.

Next, and crucially, I’m indulging my baggy Bermuda shorts* era. These to be worn with off white socks and aforementioned Timberlands, plus a striped shirt* or an oversized pique polo. Think vintage 90s J Crew catalogue or this season’s Ralph Lauren.

On the shirt front, shopping is easy. You can go high end with The Row or Lemaire*, medium with With Nothing Underneath*, or if you have more time than money, get on eBay/Vinted/ Etsy and search vintage Ralph or Gap. (Or go to Superdry in Oxford Street; there’s the weirdest vintage Polo Ralph Lauren pop-up that I believe is legit!)

Donni also has great-looking striped shirts* (below) although the best colours are sold out. I love the oversize-shirt-and-boxers look for beach lounging (or sunbathing in the local park) – just pop a bikini top underneath. I’m not advocating for £700 boxers but at the same time, if you can, go you (I mean, these* are cute!)

Obviously we must be realistic, so to offset the shorts, tees and pique polos, we need our sartorial comfort blanket. I’m never far from a sweater or waterproof something, so this season’s knit polo is high on my English summer wardrobe agenda. Not to sound cliched but fitted or baggy, these really do go with everything if you wear them in a considered way – i.e. do the buttons up, tuck it in, etc. Lisa Yang* and Alex Mill* are both excellent sources.

Then there’s the oversized crew neck; a roomy chunky sweater or cardi that can be worn over a collared shirt, round the waist, shoulders, you know the drill. I like a cream sweater from Navygrey*, Agnes b or Margaret Howell, or this & Daughter wool cardigan*  to go with off white jeans or khaki Bermudas.

And finally, the all-important outerwear. Whatever the temperature in the UK you’re never far from an impromptu summer gale. I love a luxe cagoule-adjacent layer in windproof navy or stone. Tod’s*, Lemaire* and Prada* (below) all excel with their technical trenches and cotton windbreakers, while COS* is always reliable for something similar. Or if you’re being extra extra, there’s the Tod’s ultralight windbreaker in butter nappa leather (below).

For the final touches, just add trusty aviators, an SPF stick*, a smudge of cream bronzer (Chanel’s Les Beiges Bronzing Cream* is now available in five shades) and your signature summer scent (try Jil Sander’s Leaf – fresh as a tomato leaf! – or the new green tea-infused Steam from Perfumer H*.

NOW CLICK BELOW TO SHOP THE POST (I MAY EARN A COMMISSION ON THE BASKET VALUE OF ITEMS BOUGHT*)…

WORDS: Disneyrollergirl / Navaz Batliwalla
IMAGES: With Nothing Underneath; Miu Miu SS24; Donni; With Nothing Underneath; Margaret Howell SS25; J Crew 1992; Prada SS25; Tod’s SS25 x 2
NOTE: Most images are digitally enhanced. Some posts use affiliate links* and PR samples. Please read my privacy and cookies policy here

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