How to tailor your look for summer — because smart isn’t just for the office says woman behind label loved by Kate
- Kim Winser, founder of Winser London, explains how to do tailoring with a twist
- READ MORE: Yes you CAN brave colourful trousers
From elegant trousers to classic waistcoats, there’s no need to dress down this summer — even when the mercury is rising.
For though we may associate it with workwear, tailoring is the ultimate way to keep cool, whether you’re in the office or out and about.
I founded Winser London ten years ago with the aim of bringing well-made, luxury pieces out of women’s work wardrobes and into the everyday.
Now you’ll find blazers and blouses in every walk of life. Take the pearl three-piece trouser suit, for example, with our satin-back crepe blazer and wide-leg trousers. It’s light, flowy and relaxed, while also looking polished.
The waistcoat underneath is a favourite of mine; people may think of waistcoats as staid but it’s all about how you wear them.
Kim Winser thought Kate Middleton’s outfit, which featured Winser London’s soft blue pussybow blouse with a matching coat, demonstrated skill in putting clothes together in a modern way
Knit, £29.90, uniqlo.com; skirt, £190, cefinn.com; shoes, £95, dunelondon.com; bag, £260, jasperconran.com; earrings, £160, and necklace, £140, sandralexandra.com
Blazer, £190, waistcoat, £80, shorts, £65, all boden.co.uk; shoes, £175, meandem.com; glasses, £240, monclondon.com
I like mine undone over a T-shirt, with shorts and sandals. It adds a touch of style to an otherwise casual outfit — perfect for after-work drinks or a summer party.
You can also wear a waistcoat on its own for a look that’s refined, but with a fashion-forward edge, as with the blue Mint Velvet waistcoat, £99, seen here.
Shorts, too, have had a makeover. I wear mine with an oversized shirt for that instant ‘styled’ look.
And, worn with a jacket and waistcoat like the gingham Boden shorts (£65), they’re a fun alternative to the classic midi dress we usually turn to for summer events.
It’s power dressing at its finest; wear something that’s made in a high-quality fabric, cut well, and it’ll make any woman — no matter her figure — feel great.
I’m often asked what I thought when the Princess of Wales recently wore our soft blue pussybow blouse with a matching coat.
It was an outfit that demonstrated her skill in putting clothes together in a very modern way, and proved she isn’t afraid to add her own twist.
Because the great thing about tailoring is that it will take you from morning to night, working for every occasion throughout your day.
Blazer, £395, waistcoat, £195, and trousers £325, all winserlondon.com; shoes, £140, jigsaw-online.com
Waistcoat, £99, and trousers, £99, both mintvelvet.co.uk; shoes, £140, jigsaw-online. com; bag, £99, jasperconran.com
Dress, £250, jasperconran.com; shoes, £65, boden.co.uk
Blazer, £395, and trousers, £295, both thefoldlondon.com; knit, £125, winserlondon.com; shoes, £250, meandem.com
Knitwear, £120, << cefinn.com; shorts, £125, wyselondon.com; shoes, £140, jigsaw-online. com; bag, £125, jasperconran.com; glasses, £240, monclondon.com
Blazer, £149, and dress, £119, both mintvelvet.co.uk; shoes, £140, boden.co.uk
Tiny changes, such as adding or removing a layer, or swapping your accessories can transform an outfit with minimal effort.
When it comes to colour, neutrals such as navy and grey will give you longevity, but don’t be afraid of a fresh pop of colour. I have reds, oranges, yellows and greens in my wardrobe.
And if you’re wearing bright colours, go big. It’ll boost your confidence and make you — and others around you — smile.
It is the sunshine season, after all.
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