It’s no secret that summer is my FAVOURITE season.
To me there’s nothing better than sunshine, warm temperatures and just throwing on a dress and shoes in the morning – it’s the easiest of all dressing.
I’m bringing you my favourite summer outfits of the past few years due to not having shot any outfits this past week. I’m afraid I still haven’t felt like it since we lost Riley nearly two weeks ago… I thought the link up should make a reappearance, however, as I need to get back in my work routine as much as I can.
The past 10 days or so have been very, very hard and I’ve been extremely comforted by all your kind comments on the blog and on Instagram. I promise I’ll reply to them as soon as I can (every time I reply to one comment I receive three more!) – rest assured they are ALL greatly appreciated and people have said some really lovely things and are so understanding.
Amazing just how much we all treasure our furry loved ones, isn’t it…?
Disclosure: This post contains some affiliate links which means if you click through and buy I may receive a small commission at no cost to you (click here for my full disclosure).
So, the summer outfits: To be honest I could have chosen another 20-30 favourite outfits… these are the ones that caught my eye this time around, or maybe have me wanting to wear them again this summer. I’ll be interested to found out which are your favourites!
Enjoy, and don’t forget to link up at the end…
My All Time Favourite Summer Outfits
1. Boho chic in Santorini
I don’t do boho very often, but on holiday it tends to be my go-to style. When in Santorini in 2015 I did the boho look quite often, and I still love these patterned wide leg pants with the draped scarf (for protecting shoulders from the sun) and a black vest top.
Wide leg patterned trousers you might like…
2. Wrapover grey maxi dress
I’m actually wearing this dress today while writing this post: it’s made of a cooling fabric by technology fabric specialists HotSquash. I loved the simplicity of how I’ve styled this dress – hair off my face, sunnies and a hat for the sun plus strappy flat sandals.
HotSquash cooling fabric dresses (and one jumpsuit) you might like…
3. Green floral asymmetric midi dress
I bought this dress last year and I’ve worn it a few times this year too – you can tell by my pale legs that I bought it right at the beginning of The Summer of 2018 (this was actually April)! The colours of the florals are delicious and the asymmetric hem and ruffle on the top half make it more than Just Another Floral Midi.
Other green floral midi dresses you might like…
4. Navy sleeveless jumpsuit with tan accessories
An oldie but a goodie: One of my first jumpsuits (since the 80s, obvs) and one I’ve worn every summer. It looks as good on its own as it does with layers for warmth. I liked it best styled like this with the all-tan accessories and some oversized sunglasses.
You might like these navy jumpsuits…
5. OTS ruffle top with cropped floral trousers
One of my favourite of my favourite summer outfits! I bought the trousers as soon as I saw them because I’d always loved Madonna’s similar pair she wore at Live Aid (more than 30 years previously). And the off the shoulder top was the only one that I found that suited my ample chest to date. Love the grey with the orange and blush pink.
Shop these off the shoulder tops that I like…
6. Ethnic patterned sleeveless midi dress with floppy hat
Another dress I dig out year after year, probably because it wasn’t super on-trend at the time (I bought it in about 2013 from a pre-worn designer shop), so it just hasn’t dated. The tribal print-style colours and lightweight fabric is perfect for summer at home or a summer holiday abroad.
A few tribal/tropical print maxi dresses you might like…
7. Vintage white floral midi dress
I LOVE my vintage dresses and this one doesn’t date either (I think it’s a late 70s/early 80s dress). All the colours in the flowers and fruit mean you can wear accessories in just about any colour with it.
Some floral/fruity white midi dresses to shop…
8. Off-white denim dungarees
Sadly I can’t quite get into these dungarees yet, but hopefully I might get one or two wears out of them by the end of the summer if I continue on my current health and fitness regime…! I love the boxy neckline and matching belt with the rough-edge cropped hems. The perfect piece for throwing on with some bright shoes on a not-boiling day.
You might like these white and cream jumpsuits…
9. Pink and white striped vintage DVF jumpsuit
More vintage, this time in the form of my DVF striped jumpsuit. What you can’t see is that the top half is only attached at the back, so you can wear the top buttoned up and tucked in as worn here, or you can untuck it and tie it at the waist as seen here. It’s so 80s and so fun, I love it accessorised with splashes of red.
More jumpsuits to shop: this time stripey ones…
10. Asymmetric floral midi dress with bell sleeves
Although it’s quite a formal dress, this is so good for a summer wedding, or the races, or a summer garden party. Click through to the original post to see the deep V back and hanging down tie from the neck bit (you can just see it above) – and more shots of those goddammit-they’re-so-gorgeous bell sleeves.
Here are some fabulous statement-sleeve dresses to shop…
11. White vintage midi day dress
To finish off my summer outfit favourites, it really HAD to be another vintage dress, didn’t it? This is so old I can’t even begin to think when I bought it [from eBay], but I wear it every summer. It’s just so pretty with the embroidered front, the puff sleeves and the tiered, midi-length skirt.
More white midi dresses you might like (I found so many lovely ones you’ve got eight to choose from!)…
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Which is your favourite outfit? Comment below…!
P.S. Do add your outfits to this week’s link up – and if you’ve added a link to here or my button to your post you may be featured in my bi-monthly Women Who Wear What They Like post (next one is this month)!
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Thank you for joining the #iwillwearwhatilike link up! This started as a campaign on Instagram in August 2015 where women over 30 wore everything on a journalist’s list of “inappropriate” items for 30+ women (including leopard print, short dresses and oversized sunglasses. Yes, really). It was so popular that I decided to carry it on weekly where women of all ages link up their fabulous style, never mind what anyone tells them not to wear!
The link up goes live every Tuesday at around 3pm UK time. Whilst the original article was of course aimed at the 30+, you can be ANY age to link up. The only prerequisite is that you’re wearing whatever you damn well like!
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So many fabulous outfits! It’s so difficult to pick a favourite…but I really love the OTS top with the floral print trousers and the white dress. So sorry about Riley. I can’t bear to think about life without my cat Henry, he’s been with me through so many life changes. I was gutted when four of my stick insects died this week…I never thought I could get attached to insects!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
Author
Thank you Emma – and I’m so sorry about you losing your insects! We get so attached to our animals, don’t we x
What a fab collection of outfits…. so hard to pick a favourite, but maybe number 11….gorgeous white dress and a whole carnival in one pair of sandals!
Once again, so sorry about Riley, but really, you were the best parents he could have had….I will miss his Instagram though….always the first one I would look at every day! xx
Author
Thank you so much Erika. We’re not sure if we’ll continue his IG account yet… Keith was the one who always posted on it, I hope he takes it back up again soon x
Catherine,
These outfits are SO gorgeous, and you look like the cat that got the cream in every one – and rightly so!
I must tell you that I read about Riley last week on holiday, sitting in a cafe on top of the isle of Capri, and burst into tears! Try explaining to your husband that someone who you’ve never met has lost their beloved old dog, who they adopted when he was already old (heros in my book), and all the photos I’ve seen of him, etc. and that I’m just torn up about it! The price of great love is great grief. I know you honor him with your period of mourning, but don’t let it delay you from bringing another dog into your life – that will honor Riley too. Have faith that this will pass. Sending healing thoughts your way.
Author
Oh Mary Katherine I’m so sorry I made you cry…! I’ve done the same with bloggers who lost dogs that always appeared on their blogs and Instagram so I totally get it. Thank you so much for sending love, we’ll take our time and know if/when the time is right to get another xx
I’m so sorry about Riley. The abundance of love we feel for our pets is unfathomable until their absence leaves a hole of the same size. Nothing will make you feel better but time. Don’t worry about replying to people’s posts and comments – they understand. Personally speaking, your reply is not the reason we comment. We want to pass on our love and best wishes in this horrible time and hope your pain diminishes eventually to where the memories overpower the sadness. Thank you for still opening your heart and blog to us this week. xx
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Thank you Charlie – I reply because I want to, not because I feel I have to… people have been so kind and I feel it’s the least I can do. We’re feeling very tender right now and yes, we hope the pain will pass soon. It’s very hard though, even two weeks later xx
Ohhh soo many wonderful summer outfits. My favorite is the Ethnic patternd dress. You look stunning 🙂
I am in love with my palm print dress this summer.
So sorry about Riley 🙁
Author
Thank you Tina – and for your kind words about Riley x
Pick a favourite?
Are you insane!?
11, 8, 5, 3… I just can’t choose!
XXX
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Hehe thanks Samantha – thought I’d torture you…!!! 😉
So many great outfits, but I think the white midi dress with the fun sandals is my absolute favorite. Sending you extra love this week, and wherever he is now, I hope Riley is rolling around in the grass, picking up sticks, and sniffing to his heart’s content.
Cheryl Shops | http://www.cherylshops.net
Author
Thank you Cheryl 🙂
And thank you for the extra love – we need it right now…! I hope he’s doing all those things too xx
The prints are giving me heart eyes!!!
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I guess they’re my speciality, Daenel…! 😀
I love the grey maxi dress too! Thanks for showing us your favourties Catherine. Jacqui Mummabstylish
Author
It’s a popular one, Jacqui! Thank you x
So many great outfits. I really love that gray maxi dress and the white dress and the white jumpsuit and the striped jumpsuit…
Author
Thanks Julie – so you love all of them, then…?! hehe 😉
Loving all the inspiration! So sorry about your lovely pup. It is so sad to lose a furry member of the family.
Author
Thank you Jane… we’re finding it incredibly hard at the moment x
I have only just discovered your blog. What a refreshing find, fantastic. All of the outfits are wonderful. I have a question though, in this country we have such inclement weather I am always stumped for what to wear over/under outfits to keep me warm without looking frumpy. I live in the pennines, we have a lot of rain!! Debs
Author
Thank you Debs, and welcome! My tricks for layering when it’s cold (especially in the summer or at either end of the season when the weather is unpredictable) are:
1. Layer trousers under dresses. I do this a lot, see here for example: https://www.notdressedaslamb.com/2018/11/layering-midi-dress-trousers-under-a-tailored-coat.html
2. Layer roll necks under dresses or jumpsuits – see above for the same example, also here: https://www.notdressedaslamb.com/2019/03/how-to-layer-a-jumpsuit-in-spring.html
3. Layer dresses over skirts, for example: https://www.notdressedaslamb.com/2019/05/a-layering-formula-to-fulfill-all-your-weekend-away-weather-needs-iwillwearwhatilike.html
4. Layer long sleeve tops under dresses, see example above
If you just scroll through my Outfits page (under “categories” in the header bar) you’ll find that *most* of my outfits have some sort of layering going on… hope that helps! xx
Those ideas are excellent, I would not have thought to put trousers or a skirt under a dress, I have worn a t’shirt under a dress in the past. I will be trying this out. Thank you.
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My absolute pleasure, Debs! xx
I think dresses look so good on you! I liked that maxi dress before and still love it. Although your white dress is gorgeous too.
Author
Thank you, I’m so surprised that it was so popular (for such a basic dress)! x
Catherine, these are such good choices for favorites! Love them all, especially the vintage floral and the boho outfits! Once again, I am so sorry about Riley. You know I also lost my Scooter and I’m still horribly sad! These little guys become a huge part of our lives and we come to rely on their unconditional love. Nobody will love me like Scooter! Not even my husband. Lol!
Wishing you peace and happy memories of your times together,
xx Darlene
Author
Thanks so much Darlene, and thank you for your lovely comment left on my post about Riley, I did read it and will reply as soon as I can. I sometimes used to think Keith loved the boy more than he loved me, lol…! 😉
Such a great selection of outfits. I agree the Summer months are the easiest of all dressing. It would
be very difficult to pick favourites from them all, as, I would love wearing all of them myself. Particularly
loved the boho pants you had for your Santorini hols – they are so up my street!!
Can I also mention your hair and you looked stunning on the Garnier advert. We were all watching
something or other , then, there you were!! fabulous!
Alison
xx
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Thanks Alison – it’s been quite funny seeing myself pop up on TV now and then! x
My favourite is the OTS top with floral trousers but they’re all such winning outfits it was hard to choose.
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Thank you Gail – mine too! Not long to go till I can fit in the trousers again…!! #fingerscrossed
You look gorgeous in all these get ups, but the navy jumpsuit with the natural colored belt is awesome. I love that look from your shades to your shoes – I want every piece!!!
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Chrissy thank you – I haven’t worn it in ages, must dig it out again! x
My favorite is that grey maxi dress! Now I need to find something similar, lol!
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Thanks Mireille – I think it’s the outright winner with the most votes! 😉
I love your every look, Catherine! It is such an inspirational post!
Tatiana
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Aww thanks so much Tatiana x
So many gorgeous outfits! I can’t choose which one I love the most! xx
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Thank you Laurie… I was hard pushed to come up with just 11! x