I had major wardrobe dilemmas about what to wear to a hen party in the Oxfordshire countryside earlier this month. I mean, sure, I had a plan – I had packed a pair of jeans, a pair of informal heels, and an amazing black top I found in Zara last month… but you know when you suddenly get the fear of showing up in the wrong thing? Like, what would everyone else be wearing? Would it be warm enough for a dress? But then I’d need flats, and I wanted to wear heels. So yes, definitely jeans with heels, but then I was back to the conundrum of the top. I had nothing! No tops. The others I had with me were too casual, even with the heels. As much as I do believe that you can never be too overdressed, a summer barbecue doesn’t really call for flouncy black frills and a peplum, no matter how casual your jeans are.
And so I found myself in panic mode. It was one of those “I HAVE NOTHING TO WEAR!” moments made even more dramatic by being away from home. Off to the shops I dashed, husband in tow, to find a suitable, more summery alternative. I didn’t have to look far because, in the window of Monsoon I saw this beauty – isn’t she possibly the most perfect summer top? Pretty sleeves, feminine details, a pop of cobalt, a loose fit (to enjoy all that BBQ food), all pulled together in a hot-weather-friendly fabric (cotton).
I went to the party feeling totally appropriate and comfortable, which left me totally free to enjoy the company and our surroundings in the gorgeous English countryside, for which this last minute outfit choice was perfect.
I had a lovely time and felt great. Isn’t it funny how we can feel so self-conscious in one outfit, and totally fine in another? And yet nothing except the clothes has changed.
Are you the same? Do you find that (the right) clothes make you feel completely at ease?
I’m wearing: top, Monsoon (current and discounted); girlfriend jeans, GAP at Livingston Designer Outlet (past season); shoes, Office (current); bag, Furla at Bicester Village (past season); sunglasses, Dior at Bicester Village (current).
Images: Kris Miller.
Location: Banbury, Oxford.
