ootdfashion
After a stretch of beautiful hot weather in the UK, temperatures have suddenly dropped, leaving many people confused about what to wear. It’s as if we’ve forgotten the basics of dressing for the usual weather. What kind of shoes go with trousers? What are trousers, anyway?
Just the other day, I saw a man at Bath Spa station wearing chino shorts paired with shiny black dress shoes, his briefcase bouncing off his legs as he walked. A woman was holding a battery-operated fan and a coat in one hand and had an umbrella in the other, ready for any weather. I even spotted someone wearing a tie with a polo shirt and another person in a pinstriped suit with rubber flip-flops.
Personally, I’ve settled into a routine of wearing light summer dresses with big, fluffy cardigans. It’s convenient because I can still wear my summer clothes, mostly my Whistles dresses, while staying warm during chilly moments. Although this way of dressing offers limited options—it’s either a lightweight dress or a warm cardigan—it’s easy and means I avoid digging through my jeans drawer.
I’m not sure where I’m heading with this, except to mention the new dress I got recently—the Hyacinth from Boden. It looked a bit edgy with its tiny stars on a green background, although they turned out to be flowers. Despite its fluttery sleeves, it doesn’t look overly cutesy and pairs well with tougher items like a leather jacket and buckled boots. I couldn’t find my jacket, though, so I wore my old Topshop boots.
Though I call them old, I hadn’t actually worn these green suede boots before. I featured them in 2015 as the “perfect autumn boots.” Despite their high-end look and great shape, they remained in the cupboard. Big mistake—they have a lovely heel, a rich color, and a designer-like buckle detail. If Topshop reissues them, I’d recommend grabbing a pair. They’re not super comfortable, but they’re definitely wearable.
Back to the Hyacinth dress with its light, breezy fabric—it’s perfect for wearing now or layering as it gets cooler. In August, wear it with sandals and no cardigan; by September, switch to white trainers and a chunky sweater. By November, add a wool coat and cashmere hat. For October, you’ll need to improvise because it’s a tricky month. By December, layering should be second nature. It’s as simple as adding more layers.
You can buy the Hyacinth dress at Boden for £60, but I used a voucher for 10% off. I got a size 10, and it’s nicely roomy. I’m usually between a large UK 10 and a small 12, so I’d say this dress runs a bit large. It’s meant to have a relaxed fit—too tight would look odd. If you’re unsure about the size, maybe go for the smaller one. I usually order two sizes online and return the one that doesn’t fit since most places offer free returns now.
