The sun is shining, the flowers are blooming, and we’ve already been lucky enough to enjoy a few jacket-free days. It can mean only one thing: spring is here, and summer is hot in its pursuit. So, before the balmy golden days of summer arrive (fingers crossed for a toasty one this year), it’s a good time to start thinking about updating your summer wadrobe. There’s no need to reinvent your wadrobe every year (that’s not good for your wallet or the planet), but it is nice to invest in a few good quality staples that will last for the years ahead. Along with Marks and Spencer and Damson Madder, Nobody's Child is one of my go-to brands for quality and timeless style.
Despite its reasonably affordable price point, the brand has been worn by a list of celebrities, including Fearne Cotton, Sienna Miller, Rochelle Humes, and Holly Willoughby.
This season, their new-in range has classic staples such as denim and linen but also embraces the current zeitgeist with trends such as butter yellow and bow-tie blouses. I browsed the brand’s new-in collection to select some of my favourite pieces for the summer, including dresses, denim shorts, linen blouses and accessories.
At the time of writing, Nobody’s Child is offering new customers 15% off orders with the code HELLO15. Delivery starts from £5, but you can benefit from free delivery when you spend over £100.
When it comes to summer staples, a good pair of denim shorts is an essential in my wadrobe, and I love the length of this relaxed-fit pair from Nobody’s Child, which skims just above the knee (gone are my days of wearing denim hot pants). The cut of the shorts creates a relaxed feel, but with the right top and a pair of strappy-heeled sandals, they could easily be dressed up for an outdoor dinner.
The light wash of the denim is a perfect option for the season and versatile enough to be paired with an array of materials and colours. But there is also a darker wash version of the shorts if that is more your style. They have a classic five-pocket style (as you would in a classic pair of jeans), silver hardware, and golden contrast stitching. There are also belt loops in case you want to accessorise.
The shorts come in sizes from four to 18 and retail for £59.
If you prefer distressed denim, Fat Face (available on the Marks and Spencer website) have a similar slouchy pair of shorts for £44.
The black embroidered Fifi maxi dress caught my eye immediately because it looks a lot like a dress by Danish designer Ganni, which I’ve been lusting after for years. The smocked Seersucker-check cotton-blend midi dress from Ganni is out of stock now (you can only find it on secondhand websites like Vinted or Depop) but retailed for upwards of £200 when it was on sale.
The Nobody’s Child dress has a similar elasticated smock panel around the chest and a flowing skirt with a cute frill detail around the bottom. However, there’s a significant price difference. The black Nobody’s Child dress is £79. Though it doesn’t have the same check pattern as the Ganni one that initially stole my heart, I love the black colour paired with colourful contrast stitching around the chest and straps.
I love a smocked bodice as I find the fit really flattering, and the floaty skirt is great for staying cool in warmer climates. Though it’s an excellent option for an effortless daytime look, adding some gold accessories and the right shoes or handbag could immediately elevate the dress for night-time and events.
The dress comes in sizes four through 18 and retails for £79.
Just in case you missed it, butter yellow is in. While many of us might shy away from bright, bold yellow shades (myself included), butter yellow is a simple and subtle way of incorporating the shade into your wadrobe without feeling overwhelmed. Nobody’s Child has embraced the trend with its new tailored range, including this lovely shorts and waistcoat co-ord set.
There’s also a blazer and wide-leg trousers to match, which are great if you’re looking for a slightly different wedding guest outfit.
The tailored shorts, in particular, have caught my eye as a wadrobe item you can take from day to night with the right accessories. Made from recycled polyester, the shorts are completed with side pockets and belt loops. They come in sizes four through 18 and are £65.
The matching structured waistcoat is £75 and has a flattering V-neckline, imitation pockets and a single-breasted front with five buttons. Opt for your usual size for a fitted look.
Select sizes are starting to sell out, so the co-ord set is one to buy before it’s too late.
White linen is perfect for hazy summer days, looking effortlessly chic while also keeping you cool. I love these pull-on linen-blend trousers, great for days out or chucking on poolside to go grab yourself a drink. The soft, drawstring waist means they won’t restrict you and emulate the feel of wearing pyjamas while still ensuring you look put together.
The wide-leg cut offers a relaxed fit, and to top it off, they have deep pockets (any clothing item with pockets gets an extra point from me). If white isn’t for you, the trousers come in various colours including black, red, yellow and brown.
The trousers come in sizes four to 24 and a range of lengths, including petite and regular. You can buy them for £65.
Bow-front blouses have been in vogue for the last year, and it seems the trend isn’t going anywhere. Nobody’s Child has combined bows with linen in this tie-front top. I love the chocolate brown shade, but it also comes in yellow or white if you want something brighter.
The top has a sleeveless fit and crew neck. The linen-blend fabric and bow-tie front are breathable while still making you look put together. I’d wear it during the day on holiday with a pair of shorts, but I think it would look just as good with a pair of jeans on cooler days in the UK.
The top comes in sizes four to 24, but some larger sizes are starting to sell out. The top retails for £49.
For many people, summer means travel; if you’re anything like me, organised luggage helps make holidays much better. I’ve been searching for a new makeup bag for a while, and this green velvet-style pouch embraces summer with a cute embroidered oyster shell design. One of the great things about this bag is that it has internal pockets perfect for storing jewellery and dividers to keep different products separated.
The zippable cosmetics bag also opens wide so you can see everything inside. A gold zip closure adds a touch of sparkle, and there is a grab handle on top.
While it isn't the cheapest, retailing for £45, makeup pouch is part of a limited-edition collaboration with designer Elizabeth Scarlett.
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