I feel like the last two weeks I've been rather silent on my little blog... Sorry for that guys, I'm still alive and well! I've just been here, there and everything. From Bordeaux and Biarritz to this week's little adventure travelling round with my boyfriend as he tours the UK with his band! And when I've not been moving around, I've been enjoying the insanely glorious (I love using that word to describe the weather) sunshine we saw this weekend! Let's hope this is a good sign for the summer ahead... That said, although I'm embracing my summer wardrobe with fun force, there's one piece which any seasoned Brit can't forget during our sunny-ish months and that's the jacket! Without sounding too negative, we don't exactly get the best weather for summering and it's always a slight dilemma decided which jacket to opt that won't send your entire outfit back into winter territory!
Every summer without fail I bring out the same old And Other Stories khaki utility jacket I've been wearing for years now. I adore it. It's one of those key items I bought back in the day and have no idea how I ever lived without it. Khaki and more importantly army style outerwear is an amazing investment if you're looking for something which will go with absolutely everything! Whether it's a floral tea dress, a graphic tee or your (well my) favourite dungarees, the army jacket forever adds a little something extra to your outfit whilst keeping that summer evening chill at bay. That said as much as I still love the utility jacket, towards the end of last year I couldn't help but feel like it was a look I'd done to death. But this year my prayers have been answered and this outwear old faithful as had an ever so slight revamp.
This year a tiny, weeny but oh so crucial addition has appeared on most of the utility jackets on the high street and it's as simple as a tie belt. Yep, not revolutionary I know but I can't get enough of tie waist jackets! They keep your overall look pretty much identical as before but yet your silhouette is completely changed. For me they take the a bit of that frump away from an army jacket, giving it a much more feminine feel. There's something a little sophisticated about cinching in your waist and completely effortless when done so with a seemingly masculine design. Your waist is the smallest part of your torso (not to state the obvious over here) so why not show it off? You'll instantly transform your army coat from slouchy and shapeless to comfy but super, duper flattering!
I love the seventies glamour of a tie waist and it reminds me of something my mum would have worn  back in the day. I've really been embracing this aesthetic when styling the tie waist jacket by wearing it with none other than a firm favourite of mine (and another flattering item), the midi skirt. Try going to indigo denim jacket and a floral skirt for the most perfect vintage inspired combination or why not go that extra mile and team a khaki belted shacket with a flared jean? The great thing about this kind of jacket is there's no right or wrong way to wear it. Throw it on with a snuggly jumper in autumn or a slip dress in summer, it will forever add an element of sass to your look.
There's so many style to choose from this season so I've added a few options to swoon over in this post! One small change to my jacket, one big change for my wardrobe...
Sophia x

Outfit Details: Neil Young Slogan Tee- Ebay but find another fav slogan tee of mine HERE, Floral Button Down Haley Midi Skirt- Joanie Clothing, Tie Waist Denim Jacket- Rouje, Backet Bag- Vintage but shop an alternative HERE, High Top Cream Plimsoles- Alexa Chung X Superga

Photography by Rosie Butcher