The easy summer uniform I keep coming back to

‘Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication’

What’s one style “rule” that influences almost every outfit you wear? For me, it’s the ‘rule of three’. An outfit will feel “done” when it’s made up of three main components. You’ll have heard of this concept many times, referred to as the rule of thirds, or the golden ratio. Prevalent in all visual aspects of our lives, and commonly used in photography, the arts, and architecture.

It’s one of the reasons why summer dressing feels less than satisfying. There’s this sense that something is missing. Because when it’s 35 deg C and muggy, all you’ll be inclined to wear is a tank top and shorts. Maybe a simple cotton or linen dress. Basically, it can feel like a bit of a challenge to put together an outfit in that moment that makes you feel good (and also keeps you cool).

So here’s my summer uniform I keep returning to. The one I reach for – in any colour combination – when I want to feel chic and confident, but also don’t want to ruminate over what I’m wearing. A simple fitted tank, tucked into a wide leg/fluid drape trouser, with a wide strap flat sandal.

There’s visual balance here in the way that I’m showing off my arms, but keeping my legs concealed. The yin and yang of a tight tank top with loose pants. A waist defined by a belt (one with texture, tick!). And complete with a sandal that has some weight to it. Dainty sandals are nice, but don’t seem to complement this look quite so well. For those who wonder how to avoid dragging your pants on the ground, you can see here how I’ve tucked the back hem into my sandal. Some bangles on my wrist add to the sense that I’ve but at least some thought into my styling.

While I can’t help but feel that this outfit might be better served with that aforementioned “third piece”, there’s something to be said for the simplicity of pairing the tank solely with the trousers.

If it’s especially hot, I’ll usually swap out the trousers for a skirt. I find that you still get nice air flow with the longer length (a side split amplifies this!) ultimately feeling stifling than a pant, but more “styled” than shorts or a mini skirt.