There is an extreme amount of linen in Spring and Summer collections this year. This makes sense because linen was big in the ’90s, and ’90s trends are a big influence on fashion right now. The question is, how do you feel about it? 

My feelings are mixed. I quite like 100% linen for a hot Summer’s day. I wear linen shirts, and occasionally a pair of linen pants. I used to wear linen dresses, skirts and jackets, but don’t anymore. There’s simply too much creasing and I’m no longer unconditionally at peace with the crease. I don’t mind a linen blend, but in warm and hot weather, my heart is with summery 100% cottons, or viscose, silk, rayon, and tencel blends.

Right now I often find myself giving potentially fab new items a pass because they are 100% linen. Although I like linen, and wear it from time to time, I don’t want to wear a lot of it. So I would prefer to see a little less linen at retail. I’m a nay for lots of linen.

How about you?

Co-ords — matching pants, skirt and shorts sets — are having an on-trend moment. They were fringe last season and are mainstream this year. Most sets are patterned, but solids are also coming through. The vibe is a nod to late ‘90s fashion, and a practical one at that. It’s super easy to have separates ready to wear as a set. No fuss, and good to go with the addition of shoes and a bag. 

I love wearing co-ords! Their matchy-matchy vibe is fun and dramatic to my eye, and a super simple way to look pulled together and feel comfortable in hot weather. They were my favourite ‘90s look that I’m milking again today. In breathable 100% cotton and linen, shirt and pants co-ords form part of my Summer uniform.

I have four pants sets for hot Summer weather. They keep me cool, covered, and are ideal for my style. I also have a skirt and top co-ord. It’s not as breezy and covered as the pants co-ords but a goodie I wore lots last Summer nonetheless.

1. Top and Skirt Co-ord

A long-sleeved patterned shirt has a matching flared maxi skirt and is worn as a set. Instead of buttoning up the shirt and wearing it tucked or untucked with the skirt, it’s layered over a white tee and knotted in front as a tie-top. The white tee breaks up the expanse of the pattern. As a further nod to ’90s fashion, the look is completed with flat black slides and earthy straw tote. I’d have preferred to see brown or white slides, although the black is dramatic.

More examples of skirt co-ords across a range of silhouettes. Some sets are knitted and solid.

2. Blouse and Pants Co-Ord

Here’s a dressier match of patterned blouse and pants, with the blouse worn fluidly over wide pants. Gold heeled sandals and clutch add a dressy touch, and further match the gold snakes in the pattern. A chuncky shell necklace adds a tropical and beachy integrity.

More examples of top and pants co-ords across a range of silhouettes.

3. Tunic and Pants Co-Ord

Here’s a patterned tunic worn with matching full-length pants. The sleeveless silhouette and vibrant floral look particularly Summery. Dressy tan pumps and big turquoise earrings complete the look. I see a tan bag to match. Or alternatively, white shoes and bag.

More examples of tunic and pants co-ords across a range of silhouettes. In some instances, dresses are worn over matching wide or very wide pants. Some of the pants are cropped.

4. Top and Shorts Co-Ord

Last, there’s a matching top and shorts set in patterns and solids that looks particularly casual, and feels super breezy. Shorts are beach and resort friendly. They can also be worn in very casual settings, or at home if that’s more your preference. Here’s a solid lime version with the shirt tied at the waist. Comfy slides and a beach bag complete the look.

More examples of top and shorts co-ords across a range of silhouettes. The lengths of the shorts vary, and there are dressier versions too.

From stylish television being all the rage to the pressure to dress a certain way when working out, today I’m sharing three articles on different style-related topics that are worth a read:

• Alyson Walsh wrote a food-for-thought post on “the stark(ers) reality of older bodies.”
• I thought this was an excellent question in this article on why the best workout clothes are ones you already own: “We all have bodies to move, so why must there be a certain way for them to look while we do so?”
• “They Give Us Beauty and Magic: Why Prestige Dramas About Fashion Are TV’s Newest Obsession.”

Fab Links from Our Members

Here’s some fun Kentucky Derby hat fashion. Angie likes the creative horse-y ones.

Angie also reports that a ticket to the Met Gala costs $75,000. And celebrities who attend do not pay for their tickets! They do make generous donations though.

Nuancedream read that thanks to Zendaya and the Challengers film, tenniscore is having a moment. 

April is attending a niece’s wedding and will wear sneakers with her dress (code is cocktail). So this article was of interest to her.

Jaime discovered that Vogue has been doing fun summaries of different decades in fashion. Here is the ’20s and they have gotten up through the ’60s so far.

Je Ne Sais Pas liked Liza Belmonte’s post about clothing quality diminishing over time: “This issue has been often discussed here, so maybe not a lot of new information, but interesting nonetheless.”

Suntiger says: “Everyone check your 2024 bingo cards… Nirvana is considered preppy now. As is Lululemon…”

She also came across this article that claims ankle socks make you look old.

Suz thought that Trinny does a fantastic department store shop for inspiration. She takes us from Cos to Maje to Hobbs to Theory (and so much more!) trying on items and discussing their merits and demerits as she goes. She adds: “It’s a great education in how to shop, especially for those who easily feel overwhelmed in a department store. It’s almost as good as shopping with Angie in that she transmits the same rich fund of fashion knowledge together with a genuine love for clothes.”

Statement pieces are eye-catching items of clothing, shoes or accessories that reflect your personality. Often unique, but not necessarily big, bright, shiny, or voluminous. People notice them and begin to associate them with your signature style. 

Statement pieces create energy and interest. Some are wardrobe workhorses. Wearing them frequently creates an honest and memorable reflection of your style. If a statement piece is expensive then frequent use whittles down the cost-per-wear.

Style is about creating a positively reinforcing feedback loop between the way we feel and the way we look. It connects our inner thoughts and feelings to the story we tell the rest of the world. Statement pieces are like the headlines in this story.