Glamorous Yet Wearable Summer Outfits: Styling Tips for Effortless Chic

I am a natural magpie shopper, which means I am irresistibly drawn to shiny new things, my head is turned by anything sparkly and I flirt with the latest trends, often convincing myself I need them now and not thinking about the practicality. I am admittedly regularly seduced by clothes, yet in my work as a specialist personal stylist for busy professionals, my role is the exact opposite: I curate thoughtful, wearable wardrobes for my clients, that effortlessly mix and match for every occasion that pops-up in their lives.

This intentional, practical approach ensures that when life throws a presentation, panel chat, or night out your way, there’s always something perfect to wear.

Personal Styling for professionals is my area of expertise and it requires being thoughtful and intentional which is in contrast to my natural urge as a magpie. In many ways my job has saved me because when you shop with intention you end up with a wardrobe that works instead of one that is full of unworn pieces or random one-off things that don't get worn because you don't have the right things in your wardrobe to make an outfit.

I have learnt over the years that a wardrobe should work as a whole, it’s not simply a storage space for random single pieces. Everything in it has a place and a job to do. You need the basic tee shirts to wear with the glamorous skirts and balance the look. There are certain core pieces that are absolutely essential, like great jeans, pretty blouses, jackets and a good shoe and boot selection. There is a balance to find and this is what I have honed over the years - it really pays off to look at your wardrobe as a whole and work out what you actually need to make it flow better.

At the start of each season before I shop for myself, I write down a list of things I actually need and focus on getting those first. After that I always make room for some fun stuff - a completely practical wardrobe with only jeans, shoes and basics would be well… basic! Every wardrobe needs a splash of glitter and excitement.

So today I am sharing my Summer key essentials that blend practical AND exciting, pieces that are wearable but also stylish to satisfy the magpie in me and make sure my wardrobe works as it should.

A light, pretty Summer blouse - this one is RIXO. I like fact it is loose so you don’t have to worry about tucking it in which measn it works well with skirts, jeans and trousers.

A cotton sun dress - LOVE this. This is the hugely popular Kendall dress from Rixo which has sold out now in most colours. This print is brand new so most sizes are currently in stock. It’s worth mentioning that I’ve had two quite busty clients recently who both bought this and loved it - some people with a bigger bust might look at this and think it doesn’t work but it’s super flattering on lots of shapes. Easy breezy but pulled together.

I recently bought this pretty dress from Rixo and took it on holiday to Greece. It’s silk so rolls up really small in the case and is nice and cool to wear in hot climates! Sumer glam and feminine with flats or heels.

I’m mostly a separates girl, jeans and a top, a skirt or shorts, particularly bermuda shorts which I am loving with strappy heels. Bermuda’s are very versatile and can be worn according to your own personal style. If you are quite classic then a pair of chino shorts with a white shirt and thong sandals is chic. I’m a bit more quirky in my style tastes so I like wearing my brown barrel shorts from Arket (in photo below) with my sparkly textured Mary Jane’s from Dune. If I wore these brown barrel shorts with a plain t-shirt and trainers, it wouldn’t feel right to me - too plain! So it really is in the styling - I love juxtoposition and that’s what these are perfect for. Pair them with glam mules, strappy sandals, sliders or heels. Finish with a pretty blouse like the Rixo one above or maybe a Bardot top and lots of jewellry.

Bermuda shorts from Mint Velvet, Arket, Hush

Great jeans from Me&Em - exaggerated crop to show a bit of ankle in the Summer months

For smarter occasions or work - these wide leg blush pink trousers are great - Me&Em

I am never without a Summer sweatshirt and this one is good from Free People - FYI this is really oversized.

White maxi skirts are definitely having a moment this Summer. It might not be that warm as I type today but the heatwave is coming back and that is when these are perfect. This one is from Mint Velvet.

If you prefer a bit more colour in your skirts - this one from small independant label ‘New Day Originals’ is so pretty.

A few things for the upcoming joyful Summer months! My absolute favourite time of year.

Hi I’m Lisa Gillbe, a personal stylist from London. I specialise in helping busy professionals withe their wardrobes. Most people I work with lack the time to shop properly and need help to pull together a stylish wardrobe. If that’s you get in touch today or read more here.