I figured we should kick off the new month with a look at my most worn items of summer. As you’ll know, if you’ve been following these seasonal updates, these are one of my favourite posts. I’m analytical by nature, and just love looking back at the data to spot trends in my own behaviour.
The start of summer signified the start of my final trimester; so I was tasked with tackling my growing bump, while still feeling like I was staying true to my personal style. December and January were markedly warm; most days were around the 30 deg C mark (many around 36 deg C!), so I lived mostly in sun dresses, or little singlets paired with high waisted (maternity) skirts.
I decided to pare this back to my five most worn wardrobe staples, just as I found the silhouettes to be a little repetitive given I kept to a capsule-ish wardrobe.
SUMMER MOST WORN
Matteau black tiered midi dress | This dress was a major splurge for me at the start of my pregnancy. I’d had it on my wishlist since the previous year, and finally decided to just go for it. Clearly, it was a good choice. Whenever I didn’t know what to wear, I found myself reaching for this. The dress is made from a cotton poplin, so despite the long length, I never felt like I was overheating when I wore it. The quality has stood the test of time and multiple washes, so overall I’ve been pleased with my purchase.
Cotton poplin is notorious to attracting fluff, so I do find I need to give myself a good lint roll when wearing this. We have a ragdoll cat, and it’s almost impossible to avoid getting his fine fur on anything black (let alone cotton poplin pieces). The other thing to note is the length of the straps. These felt almost indecently low, so I knotted the straps at the back to give me more coverage across the bust. I chose to do this over stitching the straps so that I can easily adjust them if I wish. Size-wise I have the size 2 (AU 8).
Legoe grey ribbed pencil skirt | The second clothing item I wanted to mention is more of a recent-ish addition. I bought this in early January, as I had loved wearing my ASOS pencil skirt, but wanted something in a lighter colour palette. Quality-wise, it’s impressed me immensely. The fabric is made from a thick cotton rib, which has ample stretch and is designed to be worn both during and post-pregnancy. I’ve found that each time I’ve laundered it, the skirt has “snapped” down to a slimmer profile. Despite this, it never felt stretched or tight over my baby bump. There’s a lot of give to the material.
I also really loved the side slit on the left leg. Usually a detail like this would feel a little sexy to me, but I liked the extra ventilation this gave, particularly as the material on the skirt is a little thicker. I wear this in the size 0 (AU 8).
Everlane white pima cotton rib tank | If I had to pick a favourite range from Everlane, their pima cotton rib pieces would be top contenders. I have the mock neck long sleeve in black, which has proven to be a fabulous layering piece for autumn/winter, and was what inspired this wardrobe addition. Typically I tend to wear high necked tanks and tees, so the scoop neckline was a welcome change. I love how it felt demure while still exposing a bit of clavicle.
The cotton feels soft and smooth, and holds up well in the wash. Perhaps the only point of note for the white tank is that it is partly sheer; you can see the outline of my bra when worn. Personally I’m not bothered by this, but just wanted to flag it. I love this so much I’m planning to also snap it up in the grey and black. I wear this in the size XS.
Saint Laurent milk patent nu pieds sandals | The one thing I was very hesitant to buy throughout my pregnancy were shoes. So it’s slightly ironic that looking at accessories – namely shoes – has become a slight obsession of mine. Particularly as I reached the tail end of the third trimester. I decided to take a leap of faith on these any way, after being encouraged by my friend Nina, and I’m so glad I did.
I went up a full size to an EU41, which I think was a good decision for a couple reasons. This gave me extra width across the foot. Plus a little bit of extra length which never hurts with a slip on shoe like this. I’ve loved wearing these so much. It’s probably little surprise that they’re usually the first shoe I think of slipping on when completing an outfit. They’re absolutely effortless, and despite a bit of wearing in – not unusual for patent shoes – they’re now super comfortable.
Originally I’d wanted to buy these in one of the leather iterations. Safe to say, I went totally off-piece with my choice of colour and fabric, but it’s worked well for me. The patent is practical in the sense that they wipe clean easily. Aside from the wear on the sole, they look like new when I pop them on. Definitely has me thinking that these would be a great style to buy in another colour.
Louis Vuitton Neverfull in Damier Ebene (MM size) | My final most worn piece of the summer has been my LV Neverfull. This was a pretty big purchase for me in November; I’d decided that I wanted to get something special to use as my baby bag, and after talking to a number of people, this felt like it ticked all the boxes. And I have to say, I’ve really been enjoying using it. The MM size is perfect; not too small, and not too large. I’m glad I went with the damier ebene print – it’s much more subtle than the classic monogram. And the pink interior is a playful touch.
I’m planning to share a full detailed review after using it for a few months as a functioning baby bag, but at this point, I have to say I’ve been really impressed by the quality. The exterior doesn’t have a single mark, and the interior is spotless too. The inner pocket is a great size for my essentials, and I have to admit, I’ve found little use for the zip up pouch it comes with. Though it is a nice-to-have. Safe to say it’s a spendy purchase I’ve not regretted, and I’m looking forward to continuing to use this in the years to come.
