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When we enter a new season or plan a holiday, it can be tempting to think we need a whole new wardrobe. Especially when, after weeks of record-breaking temperatures, many of us have found ourselves staring at our clothes and wondering what to wear. But giving your style a seasonal refresh doesn’t have to mean replacing everything you own.
Often, all it takes is a couple of new pieces and a fresh way of wearing the clothes you already have. By focusing on clothes that are comfortable, easy to wear, and suitable for a range of occasions, you can build a collection you’ll reach for throughout summer and well into autumn.
To inspire you, we’ve partnered with Chums, a family-run British clothing company established in 1981. Known for creating stylish yet practical clothing, the brand’s collection is designed for everyday wear, with thoughtful details like stretchy waistbands and inclusive sizing.
So, whether you’re planning a getaway or simply looking for a few new outfit ideas, here are seven easy ways to update your style this summer. You can also browse Chums’ full collection on their website using the button below.
For a limited time only, enjoy up to 50% off easy-wear clothing, supportive footwear and practical home essentials with Chums’ Summer Sale! Shopping full-price lines instead? Use code RSLS20 for 20% off.^
1. Build around versatile wardrobe staples
Instead of filling your wardrobe with trend-led pieces you’ll only wear once or twice, it’s best to focus on timeless staples you can mix and match all summer long.
Think of these as the building blocks of your wardrobe: a blouse, polo shirt, chino shorts, or a simple summer dress, for example, can all be styled in several ways. You can pair them with sandals for relaxed days out, trainers for sightseeing or errands, or smart shoes and jewellery for an evening out.
Choosing versatile pieces also makes getting dressed simpler. When your clothes work well together, you can create a wide range of outfits from a small collection, helping you get more wear from every item you own.
If you’re unsure whether something’s worth buying, why not try the “three-outfit rule”? Before you make a purchase, think of at least three different ways you could wear the item using clothes you already have. If you can, there’s a good chance it’ll become a new staple.
2. Add a splash of seasonal colour
Summer is a great time to add a little more colour to your wardrobe. Even if you usually gravitate towards timeless neutrals like navy, black, white, or beige, introducing a few colourful pieces can instantly make your outfits feel fresher and more seasonal.
If colours feel outside your comfort zone, there’s no need to overhaul your style; small touches can still make a noticeable difference. A printed blouse, a colourful shirt, or a patterned skirt can breathe new life into old favourites, while a vibrant top paired with neutral trousers or shorts creates a chic yet balanced look. Alternatively, try adding statement jewellery, a lightweight scarf, or a colourful handbag or pair of shoes to lift a simple outfit.
Not sure where to start? Soft pastels, greens, blues, pinks, and yellows are all classic summer shades that are easy to wear. Floral prints, stripes, and botanical patterns can also add interest without feeling overwhelming. Wearing brighter shades near your face can make more of an impact than wearing them on your lower half, too. Alternatively, you could take a favourite neutral item shopping and look for a colour that complements it.
Bear in mind that adding colour isn’t just about embracing the season. Wearing shades that make you feel good is also a fun way to express your personality and give everyday outfits a boost. You can browse a wide range of colours and prints for men and women on Chums’ website below.
3. Embrace easy layering
Despite this year’s heatwaves, British summers are rarely predictable for long. A warm, sunny morning can quickly turn into a cool afternoon or an unexpected shower, so it’s always worth keeping a lightweight layer close by.
The trick is to choose layers you’ll actually want to carry around. A soft cardigan, fine-knit jumper, or relaxed overshirt or jacket can all provide extra warmth without feeling bulky. If it feels too heavy to hang over your arm or pop into a bag, it’s probably not the right choice for summer.
It’s worth thinking about fit, too. Your layers should fit comfortably over a T-shirt or blouse without feeling tight, and sit neatly rather than adding bulk. It’s also helpful to choose pieces that look just as good worn open as they do buttoned or zipped up, so you can easily adapt to the changing weather.
Try to choose lightweight layers that won’t crush the clothes underneath. Neutral shades work with almost anything, making it easy to throw on an extra layer without having to think twice.
4. Create a holiday capsule wardrobe
Whether you’re heading abroad or planning a staycation, there’s no need to pack a different outfit for every day – and five minutes spent planning before you pack can save a lot of hassle later.
Rather than thinking in complete outfits, try to choose clothes that work well together. Sticking to a simple colour palette makes it easier to mix and match, and before you pack something, ask yourself whether it’ll work with at least two or three other items in your case. If the answer’s no, it might be worth leaving it at home.
A few small packing habits can help, too. It’s a good idea to wear your bulkiest shoes and jacket while travelling to free up space – and try to resist the temptation to pack lots of “just in case” layers you’ll probably never wear. Rolling softer clothes can also help keep your suitcase organised and make smaller gaps easier to use.
You’ll end up with a lighter case, fewer outfit dilemmas, and a holiday where you can spend less time rummaging through your suitcase and more time enjoying yourself.
5. Don't overlook coordinated sets
Coordinated sets, or co-ords, such as this women’s 2 Piece Print Jersey Top and Trouser, have become increasingly popular in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. They take the effort out of getting dressed, making it easy to look put together without having to think too hard about your outfit.
A matching shirt and trouser set, or coordinating top and skirt, can work for all sorts of occasions, from meeting friends for lunch to going out in the evening. If you like a more classic look, why not stick to simple shades like navy, stone, or soft green? If you enjoy wearing something a bit bolder, floral prints, stripes, or brighter colours can add more personality.
It’s worth thinking about proportion, too. If you prefer a subtler look, smaller prints can feel easier to wear, while larger patterns tend to make more of a statement. And remember, a co-ord doesn’t have to match perfectly. Pieces in similar shades or complementary prints can look just as stylish while feeling a little more relaxed.
The beauty of co-ords is that they’re just as useful worn separately as they are together. You can wear the full set when you want an outfit that’s ready to go, or split the pieces up and style them with the rest of your wardrobe when you fancy a change.
6. Choose clothes that are easy to care for
Summer is for making the most of longer days, not spending them ironing or catching up on laundry. So, before buying something new, it’s worth checking the label. Machine-washable fabrics that don’t need much ironing are usually your best bet, and unless you know you’ll wear it regularly, think twice about garments marked “dry clean only” or those that require special treatment, like drying flat.
Looking after your clothes properly means they’re more likely to last for several summers, too. Washing darker or brighter colours inside out helps them stay looking their best, while choosing fabrics that hold their shape after multiple washes means you’re more likely to be wearing them again next year.
This is something brands like Chums keep in mind, and many of their everyday pieces are designed to be as easy to care for as they are to wear. After all, the less time you spend worrying about laundry, the more time you have to enjoy the season.
7. Dress for the life you lead today
Perhaps the best way to refresh your summer wardrobe is to make sure it reflects the way you live now.
It’s easy to hold on to clothes “just in case”. You might have outfits that never quite felt right, dresses or shirts you’ve been saving for a special occasion, or old summer favourites that haven’t seen the light of day in years. There’s nothing wrong with keeping a few sentimental pieces, but the clothes you reach for most often should make you feel comfortable, confident, and like yourself.
Before buying anything new, ask yourself a simple question: Will I actually wear this this summer? If you can picture yourself wearing it for a walk in the sun, a barbecue with friends, or a weekend away, it’s probably a purchase you’ll be glad you made. If not, it may be best to leave it behind.
Final thoughts…
A wardrobe refresh doesn’t have to mean starting from scratch. Often, the best place to begin is by taking another look at the clothes you already own. You might rediscover old favourites or realise that all you really need is one or two new pieces to bring everything together. Shopping with a clear idea of what’s missing is often far more rewarding than buying on impulse.
If you do decide to treat yourself, Chums has plenty of easy-to-wear summer styles to choose from. Whether you’re after everyday essentials, holiday outfits, or something a little smarter, choosing versatile pieces that work with the rest of your wardrobe will help you get more wear from every purchase.
^Sale excludes items over £150 and those in clearance. £30 minimum spend. Rest Less discount code valid until 30.08.26 at 23:59