Photos: Penny Wincer

The best time to be in London is during the holidays, when everyone else clears off. Streets, parks and local neighbourhoods are quiet, queues are shorter, there’s no rush hour or school run. All is calm. And I like my wardrobe to feel relaxed, too.

This requires a one-and-done approach. Whether that’s a go-everywhere jumpsuit or an easy-breezy summer dress – comfort and simplicity are key. I want to pull my clothes on and forget about them.

I know what you’re thinking… it’s impossible to forget about a jumpsuit when you need the loo, but I view the time-saved getting dressed in the morning as a trade-off for the extra seconds required knotting sleeves. Take my advice, don’t leave things till the last minute and carry a hands-free bag so that your belongings don’t end up on the bathroom floor!

What I want from a ‘ holiday at home’ wardrobe is to be relaxed and ready.

Smart enough for an impromptu business coffee, or a sundowner with friends. Regular readers know that I am all over the overall. The jumpsuit is one of my ultimate wardrobe essentials, and I do buy the styles and shapes that I like, on repeat. For a while now I’ve been on the lookout for a lighter weight, cotton boiler suit in khaki green.

So, when the online retailer Very asked if I’d like to collaborate, my search started there. This jumpsuit from Barbour is 100% cotton, has a plethora of pockets (I’m particularly taken with the cargo pant-style pockets on the side leg), and tie belt for pulling everything together.

When getting dressed, think about how you want to feel. How you want to look. Now, in my late 50s, I’m after ease and looking effortlessly chic, stealthily stylish.

To avoid the hot sweaty mess scenario, silhouettes are looser – the lovely, soft cotton navy, French Navy dress by Lauren Ralph Lauren (above) allows air to flow – and natural fibres are always a non-negotiable. For increased versatility, I highly recommend choosing interchangeable colours, classic shades that go with everything and can be polished up with a few carefully chosen accessories when you’re heading out on the (much quieter) town.

Ad: this is a sponsored post in collaboration with Very.co.uk

STYLE NOTES

First outfit:

Boilersuit, Barbour

Cross-body bag, All Saints

Trainers, Vans

Sunglasses, Ray-Ban

Second outfit:

Dress, Lauren by Ralph Lauren

Sandals, Birkenstock

Straw bag, Mango