Fashion Blogger Isla Robertson breaks down her favourite summer looks to brighten up any A/W wardrobe.

By Isla Robertson

Manchester’s fashion, shops, and of course its music, are just some of the reasons why I enjoy calling this city my home. However, it does like to rain here a lot, which is probably the reason I’m having major summer withdrawals.

As much as I love the autumn season and all of the wonderful fashion trends it brings, I’m seriously craving a summer fashion fix.

For me, missing summer translates to missing New York City. Therefore, I’m looking to my recent NYC wardrobe for inspiration to help update your own autumn and winter wardrobes. Going to one of the fashion capitals of the world meant that I needed to up my game. Here’s a breakdown of what I wore in the city that really does never sleep.

First, before I break down my day-by-day picks, it’s important to note that NYC is hot! With most days hitting over 34 degrees, it was important to add a level of practicality to my looks, especially shoes, this situation also likens to my current state of having to walk to campus. I would describe my NYC style as ‘sports luxe’, while maintaining my usual style…

Day 1

It was so humid when we arrived and with random torrential downpours, a bit like Manchester minus the heat. I wanted to be comfortable, yet still make an effort. I feel this is the case too for being on campus. With the distance some of us have to travel and the various Mancunian elements we all face, stylish comfort is key. I paired a statement oversized t-shirt from ASOS with a Topshop mini skirt and added patterned Stan Smiths for a fun focal point. The t-shirt is stylish yet really relaxed, great for university life. I also added a Karl Lagerfeld bag, big sunglasses (great for hiding those hungover eyes en-route to lectures) and tied a bandana nicely around my neck to complete the look.

Day 2

My second day in NYC saw me unleash my inner Sporty Spice. I was really feeling the contrast in patterns between my new Adidas t-shirt, my Topshop ruffle skirt, and pin-striped top. This could still be a look during the cooler season, by clashing prints, such as a striped jumper with the skirt and a warm, faux fur, perfect for on campus.

Day 3 aka probably one of my favourite outfits I have ever worn

I wore the oversized ASOS t-shirt, which I would happily live in forever, with a checked mini from Urban Outfitters. I had just purchased some new Converse so I was so ready to take them for a spin (completely not recommended when you are walking over ten miles a day, but just LOOK at them). I also accessorised with a star choker from Zara, an iced tea, (obviously) and my, then one-day-old, Yves Saint Laurent backpack. Backpacks are a great accessory for uni life, they allow style as well as substance, literally as they mean that you can carry all of your books to class. This outfit could be worn now, with sheer tights.

Day 4

Slides are definitely for summer rather than rainy, wet Manchester. However, the shirt dress could be worn with boyfriend jeans or even leather pants for on campus, with the leather being basically waterproof.

Day 5

This day I wore a logo tee from Pull&Bear, some recently purchased cream shorts from Brandy Melville, a Vivienne Westwood belt, and some vintage Nike trainers. Trainers = 24/7 comfort and style on campus all day, for those days when Chelsea boots are just too painful.

Day 6

Okay, so maybe I lied, because this outfit is a close favourite too. I managed to bag this amazing vintage, distressed t-shirt from The Vintage Twin, and the shorts are again from Brandy Melville. So, when the winter weather is bearable and there is no frost outside, there is no reason why you can still wear shorts with a very warm, oversized jumper. Mancunians do not feel the cold anyway so you’ll fit right in.

Homeward bound

For travelling home and for the coming weeks, I seemed to live in a uniform of a striped shirt, mini skirt, and my beloved Converse. I am still obsessed with this denim-studded gilet from Zara, it’s so edgy but still very chic and I love to play around with this logic. This look would work so well around campus, replacing the shirt with a chunky knit. Don’t worry, if the cold reaches the minus’ then tights are the answer, or even exchanging the skirt for some distressed denim.

So, on dull, autumnal days when oversized jumpers and faux fur cannot get you through, why not recall those summer memories?