Alice Catherine

Floaty pieces for summer? Groundbreaking, I know. The arrival of a heatwave in the UK always seems to catch everyone off guard – panic buying fans on Amazon, sleeping with a wet flannel compress in some desperate attempt to cool yourself down, and opening your wardrobe to discover that nothing you own works for temperatures beyond twenty degrees. Manchester certainly isn’t built for the hot weather, and there aren’t many ways to beat the heat unless you fancy joining the crowds of children running through the water features on Piccadilly gardens… 

Definitely not my idea of a serene summer moment, but lets take what we can get…

We always moan that we never get a proper summer, but as soon as one arrives, it sends everyone into a literal meltdown. This is why I vow to always have floaty pieces in my wardrobe – midi skirts in particular. They work whatever the weather, and are perfect if you’re not a fan of having your legs on show. I love shorts and little playsuits, but there’s something about a city centre that makes me want to feel a certain level of covered up. Maybe it’s because I’ve had my fair share of embarrassing wardrobe malfunctions, and I’m definitely not as toned as I once was…

Body hang ups aside (lord knows we all have them), as I’ve gotten older, I’ve found confidence in neutral tones. Breezy blouses tied up, linen skirts, and chic accessories that will work with a multitude of outfits. Don’t get me wrong, I love statement pieces, and lots of trends are fun to follow, but for me, real personal style has to do with the backbone of your wardrobe. The pieces that people recognise again and again, the pieces that people associate with you before you even notice yourself – the pieces that make you feel most at ease, most yourself. 

Throughout summer, I live in floaty (admittedly, slightly potato sack) pieces like this. I tie my blouses up to create a waistline, and throw on shoes that are comfortable to run around in all day… 

This skirt is a vintage piece that I found whilst at university – it’s been with me for over seven years, and I can’t see myself ever parting with it. I guess in one sense, my wardrobe has longevity because I pretty much already dress like my sixty five year old future self. I’ve always been an old soul, my mum would always tell me ‘you’ve been before’ – maybe that’s why I’m so drawn to a particular vintage pieces. It’s a nice idea that we could have lived many different lives up until this one, and this somehow affects the way we carry ourselves, the way we dress ourselves, and the way we view the world around us…

Photographs by Adriana 

Blouse – Nan Nin vintage

Skirt – vintage (similar here & here)

Sandals – Marais USA

Bag – Sézane

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