Back in February, I wrote a post entitled 5 Comfy 'I Made an Effort' Outfits and it ended up being one of my most-read here on Substack. It turns out that, like me, feeling comfortable while looking put together is high up on your list of priorities.
It makes sense.
When I think about the reality of my daily life, I need to wear shoes I can walk around in, stand up for hours in if I need to, and won’t have me thinking solely about finding the next place I can sit down and rest my aching feet. I need T-shirts that skim the body and leave a bit of breathing room, rather than feeling tight and restrictive. And I need trousers that fit and rest comfortably on the waist as I sit at my desk, not leaving me longing for a pair of pyjama bottoms or joggers instead.
Breathable, unrestrictive outfits are even more important in summer when heat comes into the mix. But I still want to feel as though I’ve put a bit of thought into my outfit and that I’m flexing my style muscles.
So here are seven comfortable outfits that say “I made an effort”. I’ve got outfits that will work for dinners out, running errands, days in the office, and hot days meeting pals for brunch. As I’m in the UK, I’ve been realistic and thrown in a few long sleeves, jumpers, and trousers too.
How to build a comfy, elevated outfit for spring/summer
Go for relaxed fits that leave breathing space and don’t cling to the skin. Think oversized T-shirts, shirts and loose, boxy jackets
Look for trousers that have comfortable waistbands (elasticated or drawstring are great in the heat)
Choose premium, light fabrics such as 100% cotton or linen
Look for elements of tailoring in an item, such as trousers with a pleated front, or button-down shirts
Special shapes and details, like an unusual trouser leg or unique buttons, can really elevate a look
Don’t forget about the footwear. A great pair of leather sandals will go a long way in zhushing up casual clothing
The same goes for accessories. Add a few bits of your favourite jewellery, a pair of sunglasses, and a structured bag to bring more style elements into an outfit
Here that is in action…
Look 1
First up, this 100% linen navy top and trousers set from British brand Calm Amongst the Chaos. A matching set like this instantly looks good, as the pieces are designed to work well together, without requiring much thought when it comes to styling. Both these pieces are loose-fitting and crafted from linen, so they’re comfortable to wear in the heat, while the long sleeves on the top lend themselves well to the kinds of temperatures we typically endure enjoy in British summers.
The trousers have a great barrel leg, which instantly adds shape to the outfit, elevating the overall look. They also have an elasticated waist (more comfort!) which I tend to cover with the top as those waistbands don’t always look the smartest. To give the whole look a little lift, I’ve added silver jewellery which sits nicely against the blue, and a pair of my ‘smarter’ leather sandals.
Look 2
A T-shirt and a pair of tailored trousers is one of my favourite combinations for looks that are laid-back and comfortable, yet look like you put a bit of thought into the outfit. This T-shirt has an oversized fit and is made from soft cotton, so it’s nice and breezy to wear in summer. It has a drop-shoulder design which plays into the relaxed nature of the piece and an interlock fabric that gives it a bit of structure, rather than being overly drapey.
The trousers are made from heavyweight linen and have a loose balloon-leg shape which brings an interesting silhouette to the overall outfit. I’ve broken up the light colours with complementary tan leather in the belt and sandals - it helps add detail to the outfit without taking away any of that all-important comfort.