Kitty Sowerby: What to wear in this changeable weather

What to wear in this changeable weather

Right now it is 8pm and 20 degrees. In Liverpool. This rarely happens. After three weeks of sunshine we are now getting storms as the air is so muggy. We have had one short, sharp downpour today but it is still warm. What do you wear for this sort of weather?? Well as a personal shopper I have picked up a few tips, let me share them with you.

footwear.. so the main concern is what to wear on your feet right? Like myself, I am sure you feel stupid wearing pretty, jewelled sandals whilst dodging puddles. I recommend the following for days when we're forecast a shower or two.

1. Converse - your feet won't be too warm in these and will stay dry unless the rain is really heavy (then dig your wellies out) invest in white trainer socks otherwise your feet will stink! I wear neutral coloured Converse so that they go with most colours and prints. I have had white before and now wear a charcoal grey colour which mark a lot less than the white did but still go with so much. However, shiny new Converse are never a good look, get them worn in asap. I wear mine with playsuits, dresses and skinny jeans they also look great with chinos too. If you wear simple plain clothes like Gap and Whistles you might prefer a pair of printed Converse, there are loads of prints and colours out there.

2. full shoes with a closed toe ie ballet pumps, boat shoes and leather loafers - again these styles work with most summer style clothes. I love expensive looking leather loafers with chinos and a crisp t-shirt, accessorize it with a stylish handbag and a printed scarf and you're ready to go. Don't forget an umbrella though.

3. finally, flip flops - I know it might feel silly but they are practical for changeable weather as they are easy to take off and wipe dry if you get caught in a summer shower. The shower may last 5-10mins then the sun may appear again for the remainder of the day and you'll be glad of them.

layers..

Cardigan or not? Hooded jacket or not? Until early evening it is currently too warm for any type of jacket so I recommend an umbrella instead.

A thin cardigan is useful if the sun disappears for a while or if you are shopping in air-conditioned stores. If you pick a light colour or a floral print, it won't look wintery at all.

what to avoid..

1. maxi dresses/skirts and too long trousers/jeans- these will look awful if they trail or the wet ground during or after a shower especially white linen trousers (you can imagine!)

2. sunglasses - if it's clouded over or is raining, take them off your head and hook them in the neck of your blouse or in their pouch in your bag. Unless you have a valid reason, don't wear sunglasses indoors.

3. heavy parka coats - just because it has a hood and it's raining doesn't mean drag out your winter coat. Find other ways to stay dry eg an umbrella and/or a light, showerproof jacket (light in colour and in weight)

my summer staples..

1. neutral coloured chinos - these so versatile to dress up and down, the definition of smart/casual

2. summer dress

3. neutral cardigan

4. basic t-shirt

5. 1 smart casual closed toe full flat shoe

6. flip flops or jewelled flat sandal

7. neutral Converse

8. an umbrella

9. thin scarf and a statement necklace

10. sunglasses