4 summer outfits to fall back on when you're too frazzled to think

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I always find clothes hard at this point in the year. It's too early to want to think about the autumn stuff coming into the shops, but we’re so far into the season, the outfits you’ve been wearing all summer start to feel a bit done.

And the weather right now! Not to go on about it, but hot one minute, cool the next, then rain, then scorching (apparently it's 32 degrees in London tomorrow). I’ve found getting myself - and the kids - dressed the last few days a real slog.

If you’ve had less/no childcare because of the holidays I imagine you’re feeling all the more frazzled and can't be bothered thinking about clothes.

In these moments of sartorial ennui, I find it helpful to take inspiration from what others are wearing. Sometimes it just takes a new styling idea to get back some enthusiasm for getting dressed. And sometimes it’s nice to straight-up copy an outfit and get on with your day.

With that in mind, I'm sharing four outfits I’ve worn this week that I liked, felt comfortable in and were quick to put together. Hopefully they will help you out when you're stood in front on your own wardrobe wondering what on earth to wear.

Slip & sandals

I’ve been a bit whatever about dresses this summer. Partly it's a kid thing (there's more chance of flashing your pants in the playground in a dress) but it's also a fashion thing. This has been the season of shorts and trousers, so dresses feel old news. However, when it's hot and sticky and the kids are losing their minds, and you all need to get outside quickly before something gets broken (a vase, a leg), a dress can be thrown on in a second without having to think too hard.

I saw this slip dress outfit from Copenhagen Fashion Week and loved how the shirt tied round the middle gave it some edge. De-prettied it a bit. And so practical when you're not sure if you might need an extra later at some point in the day. Or when it’s very sunny and you want to protect your shoulders.

I’m wearing an ancient Hush dress – Zara has current season leopard styles. Or this simple black slip (£40) will go with everything. Stick a jumper over the top and add socks as we go into autumn.

Wide jeans & bucket hat

The tried-and-tested jeans and a tee formula made more interesting thanks to a modern cut of jean and a fun bucket hat.

I'm wearing Haikure’s Bethany jeans in Stromboli blue - they’re on sale here. Arket’s cloud jeans are also a great shape. Both will work with trainers and a trench later in the year.

And this top! An M&S £7.50 special. The slash neck is a chic alternative to classic crew necks and tanks.

Big shirt & shorts

I love the proportion play between an oversized shirt and a pair of shorts - it feels like such an easy and cool way to wear them. Plus I find the bum-coverage comforting. (Further shorts outfit ideas here.)

A shirt is also a great way to style up very casual loungewear/pyjama-esque pieces, making them look more intentional and like they’re supposed to be worn outside.

These are the comfiest jersey shorts from Vuori, with a With Nothing Underneath white linen shirt.

But honestly, this formula works with most big shirt/shorts combo. I'm currently sat in the playground looking at a woman in black track shorts and a pale denim shirt. She looks great.

T-shirt & soft pants

Another way to essentially wear pyjamas out of the house. Pull on your elastic or drawstring waisted trousers and team with a T-shirt. Again, I think the slash-necked M&S top elevates the look.

A really simple way of making pyjama-ry outfits look more polished and like you’ve put effort in, is to keep your colour pallet tight e.g. black and white. The same goes for lounge/active wear.

Also!

It was Copenhagen Fashion Week this week, which is known for being the most fun and chilled-out fashion week of the circuit. As you would expect, it also gives good street style. Where other cities serve up looks that only work in a high fashion setting, the Copenhagen aesthetic tends to be a bit more down-to-earth and is therefore good hunting ground for real life outfit inspiration.

This look made me want to wear a leopard print top (this shirt! This cardi!). Just the thing to update your blue jeans and can be worn into autumn.

Looking for a way to give T-shirts and jeans oomph? Throw a shirt over the top. Add a cute little phone pouch for when your big bag is in the bottom of the buggy.

I included a pair of red Mary Janes in last week's post and this outfit is exactly why they are such a good idea.

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Two more things…

As mentioned, it's a funny time of the year to buy new stuff as you’ve probably got most of your summer wardrobe sorted and we’re not too far off switching seasons. However, this shirting coord is in the sale for £45 and it's so great I couldn't not share. Wear as an easy breezy two-piece now, or wear the shorts with a white/grey T-shirt or tank. Or over a swimsuit on the beach! Then team the shirt with whatever trousers when it's cooler.

I interviewed make-up artist Lisa Eldridge recently and she told me that one of the best ways to de-puff your eyes in the morning is with coffee ice cubes. Make up some coffee, pour into trays and freeze, then rub them around your eye socket. Et voila!

That's all for now. You're doing great, Frankie x