What I've Been Wearing This Unusual Summer - and Link Up

Gail Hanlon from over 50s style blog Is This Mutton in white shorts, abstract print blouse and white trainers

Whatever happened to the "what I've been wearing" posts, which used to be such a staple of the blog! Before setting off for work I'd try to grab a photo of the day's outfit, sometimes doing it in the (deserted) office if it was winter and still dark.

In these unprecedented times, to use the phrase regularly deployed by the media, with this summer's mixed weather, I've been sticking to a few staples. So much of my summer wardrobe hasn't seen the light of day.

I'd normally be wearing my black culottes and white, pink and camel coloured midi skirts to work. But with no return to the office in sight, the dress code chez Mutton is fairly relaxed. I try to get my exercise done before I start work, a walk or now a Power Plate class, so my first (and sometimes only!) outfit of the day is shorts and a technical top or jogging pants and a sports top.

The fantastically hot weather recently had me reaching for shorts that are shorter than those I'd normally wear (above).

Pink check trousers and cerise tee with silver loafers worn by over-50s blogger Gail Hanlon from Is This Mutton

A few months ago during lockdown the weekly food shop was the highlight of the week and so I would "dress up" and wear an outfit like this: check trousers, my "Wake me for Champagne" tee and silver loafers.

Over 50s woman in black jeans and slogan tee with metallic bag and brogues

It was a bit cooler last Saturday so I went metallic with my brogues and bag for this casual look. I like to think the necklace looks like the bubbles of champagne!

A retro necklace adds color to a black and white outfit of fluted bottom cropped polka dot trousers, white broderie blouse and polka dot sling back shoes, worn by Gail Hanlon from over-50s style blog Is This Mutton

For a smarter occasion these flute bottom polka dot trousers are a good standby and fun with the "matching" shoes. This summer's broderie trend is captured in the blouse (now reduced).

These clothes are all old favourites. The few new pieces I bought this summer - my first ever denim dress, white jeans and star patterned midi dress - have scarcely been out of the wardrobe.

The new season drops are now starting to happen which is usually an exciting time. I am conscious of the need to buy new clothes, to try to resuscitate the British fashion industry which needs our help. But the only gaps I can see in my autumn/fall and winter wardrobe is for more comfortable leisure wear. I'll be showing some of my new purchases next week.

Have you been relying on a small selection of favourites this summer? What are your thoughts about buying for the new season? Do share in the comments below.

Nothing was gifted for this post. Sharing this post with Stylish Monday at Fashion Trends and Friends, Monday Runway at A Pocketful of Polka Dots,Top of the World Style at High Latitude Style, Chic & Stylish at Mummabstylish, #LinkupOnTheEdge at Shelbee on the Edge, Anna at Muttonstyle, #AnythingGoes at My Random Musings, Thursday Moda at Elegance and Mommyhood, Turning Heads Tuesday at Elegantly Dressed and Stylish, Style with a Smile at Stylesplash, Anna at the GlamAdventure, Style Six at Coast to Coast, TFF at Doused in Pink, Fancy Friday at Nancy's Fashion Style, Fabulous Fridays at Lucy Bertoldi, Beauty by Miss L Link Up, Style Wise at North West Mountain Living

Now it's time for #WowOnWednesday, the link up where everyone gains. Readers can find new blogs to enjoy and bloggers can find new readers!

Last week's favourites - most clicked - were Michelle from My Bijou Life, Nancy from Nancy's Fashion Style and Pamela from Style Yourself Confident.

Michelle from My Bijou Life shared another "Style Imitating Art" challenge in her post "A Kick In the Butt." She chose some lovely blues to represent the artwork Morning Glories by Suzuki Kiitsu.