Dressing Simply for Summer with Joules
When it’s hot outside, there’s nothing better than being able to just throw on a dress and be ready to go out.
I cannot be dealing with multiple layers or items in the heat, and while I will forever be a shorts-and-tshirt kinda gal, I’ve recently been loving simple summer dresses too.
Those who know me know I rarely wear dresses or skirts; I’m either in shorts, jeans or playsuits usually. I enjoy having the freedom to do things like sit on the floor cross legged, climb on rocks/trees/random objects, or go for a spontaneous sprint with a moments’ notice. Of course, these situations rarely occur but I like to be prepared, just in case.
Then there’s the wind! When you live in Cornwall and you have to take your dog out for a walk every day, chances are you will experience some gusts of wind or at least a light breeze (we are by the coast after all!), and let’s just say this doesn’t really mix well with dress-life…
However, I’m now starting to wonder whether I’ve just been wearing the wrong types of skirts and dresses… ones that I don’t truly feel comfortable in; whether that be due to length, fit, or cut. Ones that are easily blown into an embarrassing tangle in an unexpected breeze, or ones that hitch up irritatingly and require constant attention.
Since I’ve started finding dresses that don’t do these troublesome things, I’ve been loving the light, free feeling that comes with wearing a good quality dress!
One of my favourite dresses to just throw on in the mornings is this Riviera Stripe dress from Joules*. Breton stripes like these are so classic and can be paired with black or brown accessories – or even something like red or yellow for a pop of colour! It’s the easiest way to look put together when all you’ve done is put one item on.
It was from their summer collection and is sadly pretty much sold out now, but they have the 3/4 length sleeve versions available now ready for cooler Autumn weather, so check them out!
T-shirt dresses are great because they are snug to the body and usually made of heavier material (so they don’t blow around in the wind), but I’ve never found any that suit me due to my slightly bottom-heavy figure. To get these types of dresses to fit nicely around my boobs and waist, they’re usually way too tight around my bum and therefore end up hitching up and being too short.
This Joules one, however, is the absolute perfect length – designed a little longer than most t-shirt dresses, which gives me plenty of wriggle room for any hitching to occur. However, due to the material (super soft, thick 100% cotton), it hasn’t actually ended up hitching up at all, and it feels amazing against my skin!
This better designed length also means I can do all of the weird activities I fancy, without worrying about flashing anyone or feeling self-conscious, and it isn’t restricting at all. In fact, I actually wish I’d got a size 8 instead of a 10, as I think I’d like it a little tighter against my body!
I paired the dress with some brown sandals and Joules’ Kelbybrt saddle bag*, which, FYI, is now my new favourite handbag! It is completely the perfect size (it fits my camera and my wallet inside the main compartment without even stretching so no one would notice), plus my phone fits perfectly in the front pocket, and there’s even a thin little pocket at the back that is ideal for storing dog poop bags.
And best of all, it’s artificial leather too!
Thank you to Olivia for taking these photos for me on our walk between Swanpool and Maenporth. We had a lovely little stroll with the dogs on the South West Coast Path, and I couldn’t stop looking out at the incredible colour of the water; it was so clear and turquoise!
This spot is definitely getting added to my list of places to explore with the kayaks, so I can’t wait for the high season to end to go on more adventures on the water.
* Items were gifted from Joules
I totally get the struggle of wanting to look put together but still be able to move freely, especially in summer. A friend of mine who lives by the coast told me she solved this by keeping her outfits simple and just adding a few quality accessories. She said cheap bags and belts always break within months, but real leather pieces last for years and actually look better. After she showed me her go-to everyday items, I was convinced. If you want that effortless, minimalist vibe without sacrificing durability, check out minimalist leather accessories for everyday style. A simple crossbody or leather strap makes any dress or shorts outfit feel complete.
I totally get the struggle of wanting to look put together but still be able to move freely, especially in summer. A friend of mine who lives by the coast told me she solved this by keeping her outfits simple and just adding a few quality accessories. She said cheap bags and belts always break within months, but real leather pieces last for years and actually look better. After she showed me her go-to everyday items, I was convinced. If you want that effortless, minimalist vibe without sacrificing durability, check out minimalist leather accessories for everyday style. A simple crossbody or leather strap makes any dress or shorts outfit feel complete.
Joules does simple summer dressing so well – fresh, practical, and stylish. That dress is perfect for coastal days. Speaking of undressing, AI undresser tools are getting pretty wild these days.
I can definitely relate to the struggle of finding dresses that are both comfortable and practical, especially when dealing with summer heat and unpredictable coastal winds. It’s great that you’ve found a style that gives you the freedom to move around without constantly worrying about the fit. I’ve also been impressed by the collection of pakistani bridal dresses uk, especially for weddings and special occasions. The designs look elegant while offering plenty of variety for different tastes and celebrations.