EMBRACING AN ENGLISH CLASSIC
It’s safe to say the past year has been a struggle. Which is why, in a disquieting world of uncertainty and change, it feels right to keep things real and delight in the tiny changes ahead. This week, hope and optimism are in the air, and yet, as we begin to look forward, should we make a promise to stay on a steady path? I for one have done more than my share of connecting with nature and I cannot wait to go to that restaurant and eat food that hasn’t been prepared in my own kitchen, on repeat. Bliss! Let’s go to that bar and drink cocktails. Yippee! Let’s go shopping. Yes please. Oh and let’s buy actual proper clothes. But let’s not be too try hardish. Or feel too pressured. And let’s not leap around spending a fortune on just about anything as long as it doesn’t have an elasticated waist. I know all we really want is to celebrate our new beginnings but fundamentally our lives have changed and there is still the need to be considered. So let’s champion our newfound freedom. Let’s enjoy our lovely, longed for English summer and let’s embrace our Englishness. With a friend. Or five! And definitely with my nails done and my hair cut. But can we do it without a fuss?
In essence, I really love England. I love old, battered Barbour jackets and walking in the countryside. I really like small, cosy pubs with fires and eating a Sunday roast. I have a soft spot for Charles Dickens and I love the escapism of a Jane Austen film – I’ve mentioned this before but seriously have you seen Colin Firth as Mr Darcy emerging from the lake in a white shirt? I could go on.
And this takes me to Luisa Kelsey England, a luxury destination clothing brand who I have collaborated with. In the midst of our discombobulation and mind-boggling change she has launched her delightful new collection of beautifully cut dresses which thank goodness don’t include elasticated trousers. This is proper dressing for warmer weather. There is gorgeous tailoring which makes you feel a tiny bit grown up but not complicated. There are no patterns and they’re not too girly, but there’s just enough to make them feminine.
Simply put, the classics quite aptly have come to the fore. Ruffles, poufs and smocking. There’s a time and place but those things just don’t fit into Luisa Kelsey’s world. Inspired by her travels – The Florence, The Sabi, The Monaco – are simple, understated beautifully-cut shirt dresses in muted rose pink, buttery yellow, olive green and stripes. The designs are quintessentially English in their appeal and deeply soothing in their understated brilliance. Enduring, timeless and steadfast.
The shirt dresses. Is there pretty pleating? Yes. Are there cuffs? Oh yes and the sleeves are three-quarter length. And they’re deep with double buttons. Are they lined? Impeccably. And a belt? Absolutely. They are detachable, some with gold beads which can be tied at the front to create an hourglass shape, or in a loose bow for a more streamlined silhouette.
Summer is round the corner and as we look ahead to going to restaurants, as we prepare ourselves for long-awaited celebrations – birthdays, weddings and the beginning of holidays, these dresses and her hats will carry you through. Wear them at the opening of something or round at a friend’s for drinks. Take the Monaco. In Broderie Anglaise it looks great in the day with sandals. Pair it with the wide brimmed Paxos sun hat for Riviera chic, or add your own accessories and wear it in the evening. For a summer wedding the Florence is downright fantastic. It’s in a feminine rose pink and is not upstaging. Wear it with the Oxford Boater during the day and in the evening take off the hat, pop on the belt, cinch in the waist and dance long into the night. My favourite is The Glynde, the epitome of elegant simplicity.
These dresses are beautifully made, are really easy to wear and they don’t need to be made better with a wrap or a bright lip. They’re ridiculously flattering (excellent after lock-down) and you can waft. You can swish. In your trainers or hells. I promise you’ll look immediately brilliant, unflustered and aptly try-less. (You don’t want to look primped and primed).
The shirtdress. You don’t need another look. We’re coming out of lockdown and thank you Luisa Kelsey we can embrace it perfectly, with an English classic. An English classic which by the way will endure and when we can travel will work beautifully – on a safari, or after a day on the beach.
Oh and by the way her Panama hats are designed to be worn together with the shirtdress and styled your own way. Timeless pieces that radiate that “oh I just pulled it together” in a slightly smug, effortless “glad you like it?” vibe. Go to luisakelsey.com and have a look and if you order anything, your password is Clare Witton Travel.
Clare xx