Do you have unexpected workhorses in your wardrobe that you almost didn't buy? For me, this summer, I have had two unexpected workhorses this season:

Pink linen shirt - I wear this with anything and everything - jeans and a range of skirts and shorts/cropped pants. The linen means I feel cool and the long sleeves give sun protection. I wear it open over a cami or buttoned up. I wear the full sleeves or roll the sleeves. I love the colour and it has been on constant rotation. I love it so much, I bought the same shirt in blue!. The reason I almost did not buy it, I was not sure about the puffy sleeve, it took a little bit of time for my eye to adjust to the volume in the sleeve and I am always a bit iffy with the crease factor of linen.

Leopard maxi skirt - my history of wearing maxi skirts and dresses has not been good. So despite the leopard (my favourite print), I was pretty unsure whether this was going to be a good item for me. Well I have lived in this skirt. It is so cool and comfy and I love the dressy look. Despite being linen, it does not crush too badly. I find I can dress it up and down.

Whilst I have a pretty good handle on my wardrobe, I still get surprised by the workhorses. Practical and pretty seem to rule the day and versatility is important. This summer, when in doubt about what to wear, I seem to grab either one of both of these items. I really love how different both of these items are to what else I own. My resolution for 2020 purchases is to not duplicate what I already have.

Photo - me wearing the leopard skirt with a red halter neck blouse and holding my Westie Bijou.