How To Layer Dresses (And Beat The Spring Chill)

There’s only one thing for it… We’re going to have to get clever with our new spring/summer purchases. I’ve already dusted off my straw bags, dug out the espadrilles and fallen hard for this flippy frill wrap dress but hang on a minute, it’s freezing! We all seem to be navigating a tricky climate of sun, cloud, showers, hailstones and heatwaves (often all in the same week!) but it’s playing havoc with our wardrobes.

Once you’ve made the decision to ditch the tights for the summer season it’s with gritted teeth we’ll go back on that closet vow – right? So that’s why I’m always looking for ways to cosy up my beachy dresses and make them so right for the city – and the erratic weather we’ve been dealt of late. (Psst – by the way this bank holiday is looking like it’s going to be really rather fine and lovely in the UK, so there is hope after all!)

Whistles dress

One of the easiest styling tricks to make super summery pieces work when the sun is a no show is by layering them with some staple, classic buys. A good pair of white jeans (these ones are J Brand), a stash of neat t-shirt’s in good quality cotton in black, grey and white and a new season statement cardigan are all good starting points. Throw in a denim and a linen safari-style jacket and you’re set until October! You see all of these key wardrobe heroes are perfect for wearing under and over all of the lightweight, flimsy (by flimsy I mean beautifully bohemian of course!) dresses that are packing out the rails at the moment.

Shop The Key Pieces

Whistles leopard shoes

This Whistles dress is way too good to save just for the blue skies, mid-twenties days so by adding a pair of white jeans and a white tee underneath I’ve instantly made it warmer, cosier and right for now, without compromising on the overall new season summery look. It’s May but generally not very warm apart from the odd day or two, so this will be my new go-to. It’ll work just as well over mid-blue and stone wash jeans, with trainers and a simple denim jacket too. I’m all about creating interest with different textures, prints, lengths and layers so I love how much interest an ankle grazing jean, flash of leopard print and tropical pattern provides.

Whistles dress

You’ll find this gorgeous print as part of Whistles Palmyra print capsule line, The soft blush pink and red contrast of the tropical leaf design is such a great mix, and because it’s a wrap dress there’s scope to use it as a beach cover up too, worn open over swimwear. Talk about a multi-tasker! There’s a great cut out back detail that’ll look fab on holiday and it’ll easily go from town to beach over the coming months. The print also comes in a side stripe wide leg trouser, jumpsuit and wrap top too.

Whistles dress

Oh and for the shoe lovers… Hello leopard mules! The kind of shoe showstopper you’ll wear until they’re falling apart (the goes-with-everything potential is off the scale) grab these Whistles beauties in leopard now and your every outfit will soon get a enviable overhaul. Watch them fly out the door! My mini Mulberry Bayswater is another investment worth a special mention, she’s been firmly by my side for the past few years and is made with such care and craftsmanship, she still looks exactly the same as the day I bought her. Pretty much goes for all Mulberry bags – they last the distance. Have you spied the new mini zipped Bayswater yet? So good!

Whistles leopard shoes2

Be sure to get your vitamin D fix this bank holiday if the sun does make an appearance as promised. I think we’re about due a dry bank holiday aren’t we? I’m going to be heading out of London to stay with family, lots of feet up time in the garden hopefully. Plus, after the bank holiday we’ve all got the Royal Wedding to look forward to – I love it how London throws a street party at every turn, it’s going to be such a feel-good event. I also found out this week I’m off to the Chelsea Flower Show for the first time. I’m so excited, I’ve always wanted to go. It’s such an iconic London summer event and the hunt is now on for an outfit worthy of such a firm summer calendar favourite. This dress would actually be perfect for a day out soaking up the flora and fauna, so at least I’ve got a back up plan!

Whistles shoes

What are your tricks for making your new season buys and high summer pieces work for the great British weather? Let me know in the comments below, I’m always looking for new ways to make my closet more flexible.