That’s Not My Age

Photos: Neil Mackenzie Matthews

The shirts are out (not literally, this one’s tucked in). As soon as summer arrives, I reach for a cotton button-down. Cool, wafty and super-chic. The pull-on-and-go properties of a cotton poplin, striped shirt are second to none. This elegant wardrobe essential looks great with skirts, even better with a pair of old faded jeans and it’s the ultimate multi-tasking, holiday must-have (perfect for throwing on after the beach). A staple of French fashion editors and film stars, alike; shirt-wearer extraordinaire, Tilda Swinton wore a striped version (tailored suit and surrealist shoes) recently at a private view in London. Time to get in on the Shirt Action.

And stripes in summer, what’s not to like? I’m a sucker for blue and white, but last year I pivoted to pink. This shirt is from Faithfull the Brand (no longer available in pink), for similar try Whistles, Rails, With Nothing Underneath, and Frank & Eileen. Note the delicious combination of bubble gum pink and a lovely rich brown.

Whether you’re sight-seeing, gallery-going or running around town, the oversized, striped shirt makes summer dressing a breeze.

The cotton skirt is from a sustainable brand based in East London called Elwin. I was introduced to the founder Deanne by a mutual friend (and she loaned me the skirt for the shoot). Having worked in luxury fashion and marketing for over-20 years, Deanne set up her own small business. Her aim is to create understated, versatile clothes in a circular way that doesn’t damage the planet. Elwin clothes are made in small batches and the range (of knitwear, jackets and separates) is described as ‘continuous and evolving.’ Rather than being replaced every season by a whole load of other stuff, the collection is designed to go from one year to the next, and beyond.  ‘Clothes for me have emotional resonance,’ says Deanne,  ‘I have things I’ve owned for many years (decades even) and wear over and over.’

And don’t forget my broken stripe, Stitch Shirt in collaboration with Sarah O’Keefe (available from the TNMA Edit). More summer stripes, here:

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STYLE NOTES

My own cotton shirt is from Faithfull the Brand (bought last summer. Similar HERE, HERE and HERE). Cotton skirt from Elwin, as above. My sandals are Ancient Greek Sandals and the leather tote is very old Ally Capellino.