Summer Wardrobe Essentials: The Jacket

What to pack, what to wear and how to create a capsule wardrobe when the temperatures are high? All we really feel like doing is hiding in the shade or soaking in the sea.

I am putting together a series of articles to include the basic pieces for travel when the sun is high and the days are long. We have talked about caftans already and while this type of dress could not really be classified as essential; a longer length caftan is definitely in my suitcase.

I find it harder to dress in the summer for the obvious reason, there is more on show. Yes, it goes without saying we have been exercising and toning our way towards sleek arms and minuscule hips but winter is a much easier wardrobe to hang out in. Their is an elegance to winter dressing which I find harder to duplicate in the summer.

I believe the key to summer dressing is to relax and enjoy the freedom of the lighter weight layers but at the same time applying our personal style “rules”. If flowing doesn’t suit then it doesn’t suit; just because the temperature hikes it doesn’t mean all style bets are off.

I remember on several occasions Ines de la Fressange looking effortlessly chic as she wandered our local French flea market. The temperatures were blistering and yet she was dressed in a style I have come to recognise as hers; simply a lighter version. A version upon a version; that is the key to summer dressing.

I consider the first summer essential to be the jacket.

I wear two styles of jackets in the summer; a field jacket in khaki and a lightweight blazer.

The field jacket (we talked about this one here) goes everywhere with me, so does a blazer. The reason? As hot as it can be during the day, the evenings can chill down and the winds pick up, not to mention the arctic air conditioning blowing in many establishments. So often I have dressed for the outside temperatures only to shiver and freeze inside.

I include the blazer as a summer essential because it can be worn over most pieces and dress up the most casual of skirts and pants if need be. A white or off-white linen / cotton blazer looks perfect if worn with all white or with the darks. I wear the jacket with a simple tee, a pretty blouse and pants most of the time; even if I take it off after I get where I am going, I still feel as if I’m dressed and well put together.

The beauty of the blazer is I can go sleeveless underneath and while it seems like a tailored jacket would be too warm, it’s not. If the blazer has room to move and is lightweight it doesn’t feel too oppressive. Besides, there is a comfort to layers and having the choice to lose them or not. Number one essential, the lightweight jacket. I never leave home without it. xv