The Summer Update

A return to Substack, personal styling and My3Words.co

It’s been a hot minute, but after a brief hiatus, I’m thrilled to be back in your inbox with tips, tricks, advice and recommendations that will save you time, money, brain space and space in your wardrobe. I’ve worked in fashion for the past 25 years, for newspapers and magazines - both freelance and full-time, styling supermodels, writing best-selling books, working with private clients, directing ad campaigns, working in retail and with brands... I promise, I know my stuff and I’m here to help your wardrobe work harder.

If you’ve been missing the edits on My3Words.co they’re back! Have a browse or head straight to your page if you know your style…

Bohemian / Feminine / Tomboy / Classic / Country / Vintage / Dopamine / French / Comfortable / Fashionable / Minimal / Rock Chick

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Right now, here are a few New In gems I adore, they will all update your summer outfits and give every look a contemporary twist that feels right for now, without being a trend without longevity.

Living up to their reputation for intelligent style, this ME+EM dress, £225, has a removable top part so you can wear it as a slip dress and as a sleeved version. No wonder co-founder Clare Hornby was honoured with an OBE this month.

The ideal evening cover-up, if you’re lucky enough to be heading somewhere hot for your holidays (or if we are blessed with more warm weather in the UK.) Chocolate feels so appropriate for summer and this style is currently 45% off! £55, Hush

I am a fan of loose barrel-leg jeans as they make every woman look modern and are flattering for every body shape. But… straight, slim stovepipe jeans (not the dreaded skinny) are making a return and these are a brilliant classic cut. £175, ME+EM

Whenever I walk through London, if I see a woman in heels I do a double take. It’s rare! But I shudder at the prevalence of ugly trainers and yawn at the ubiquity of Adidas Spezials. They have their place! Don’t retire them as every trend is cyclical, but right now a cleaner, more classic style of sneaker reigns and will also have more longevity if you do invest in an update. These would look as smart with a suit as they would with loose, drawstring-waist chambray jeans. £95, Arket

Wimbledon? This is the dress. Lined with cotton for all day comfort, it includes 29% linen for beautiful texture - but not enough to cause ridiculous creasing. £275, ME+EM

Yes, we still need jackets in June. This is a light cotton version with capacious pockets, which will bring edge to your countryside outfits. £159, Barbour

This has just sold out but I urge you to sign up for notifications to swoop as soon as it’s back in stock. I have. A brilliant wash-down, wipe clean dopamine hit of a bag for sunny beach days and more. £26, Marks and Spencer

The spring / summer 2026 catwalk shows were a paintbox of primary colours - cobalt, sunflower and scarlet. This shirt will work so hard this season (and it’s a classic… imagine it with black velvet trousers in December.) Style it over a white vest, worn open, with ecru jeans or try it tucked into a full swishy skirt (I love this one) to bring relaxed tailoring to life. Shirt, £29.99, Zara

I admit, they look like pyjamas, but that’s the appeal. Easy breezy shorts that work with the matching shirt, a white button down, a grey sweatshirt, a silky camisole, a white vest, a gauzy blouse… They look way more current than denim cut-offs and are lighter, so keep you cooler in the heat. Shorts, £65, Arket

If you’re looking for a smart, elegant dress for summer workwear or relaxed occasions, this would be a brilliant choice. A versatile length, little sleeves to cover upper arms, a draped silhouette that doesn’t cling over your torso (no-one wants spray-on fabrics in summer) and a beautiful complexion-boosting shade that you can style with darker or lighter colours. It’s also made from an organic cotton and linen mix so no nasty, sweaty synthetics here. £49.99, Zara

Thank you for reading! I’ll be back next week and this time, I’m here for the long-term.