Kicking off Summer stylishly, blogger Maddie shows us how to work the Utility trend... read more
Kicking off Summer in style, we’re ticking off the utility trend with Maddie from Mode Madeline‘s latest ensemble! Featuring basics teamed with delicate, feminine pieces, Maddie is on a mission to show us how to work the latest Summer trend…
Summer is one of my favourite times of year for dressing – I feel it pushes me to be more creative with trends and styling, as it could be so easy to just throw on a dress and pair of sandals every day. Don’t get me wrong, of course there are days just like that, especially since becoming a Mama as sometimes, there just aren’t enough hours in the day to concoct a creative ensemble.
I used to be all about ‘more is more’ – the more colour, pattern, accessories – you name it, the better. However as the years have gone by my style has dramatically evolved – I still love colour and pattern but I’m much more conscious of creating a capsule wardrobe bursting with good quality basics and investment pieces that scream longevity, in all the neutral tones.
This is what I love about Laura Ashley – you can really see and feel the quality of a garment ensuring you’ll continue to wear it for years to come. Embracing my newer minimal and simplistic approach to outfit building, one trend I just cannot get enough of this season is Utility. I just love how you can create such a chic look from basics and keeping the colour palette within neutral territory.
I picked out these taupe cropped Capri pants for that laid back look and paired it with the lace sleeved shirt – you just can’t beat a classic, crisp white shirt and I love the fact that this one adds a touch of the Laura Ashley femininity with the delicate lace inserts. To finish off the look I added the neutral colour block cross body bag for practicality running around after my toddler, and of course because it tied in beautifully with the colour palette.
A pair of sunnies and heeled sandals topped off the outfit with a subtle touch of glam, to add in my own little twist – I am not usually one for flats and to me anything with a little heel always makes me feel more confident, especially as I’m a mere 5″3!
I actually wore this on one of the warmest days we’ve had in Blighty so far to take my Son to a lovely little park and feed the ducks. It was the perfect attire for such a warm day – I kept cool thanks to the light fabrics and bypassed feeling all hot and bothered in the heat while looking after the little one, as well as being comfy and casual for a Mother/Son day – but all the while keeping that little bit of ‘chic’ with the little extras such as the lace detailing.
This outfit has got a kind of ‘Traveller’ vibe to it with the neutral tones and the silhouette of the classic shirt and trousers. I would definitely pack this ensemble in my case for a holiday; I can just picture exploring dinky little cobbled streets and soaking up the sun sat leisurely outside quaint cafes wearing this outfit. I might wear the shirt open with a little striped crop top underneath for more of a holiday vibe, or even tie it in a knot to show a subtle and classy amount of midriff. I would add a white floppy hat, striped straw beach bag, twist my hair into a messy top know to keep cool, add a slick of red lipstick and definitely trade in the heels for a glam pair of flat sandals for those tricky cobbles!
We love how Maddie has put together these pieces! Will you be tapping into this trend this season? Let us know in the comments below…