At Who What Wear, we know just how much you, our readers, love to hear about the latest and greatest trends, easy styling solutions, and the best of the best on the high street. That’s why we’ve partnered with Gap, one of our forever go-to destinations for effortless style, to bring you The Fashion Forecast—a new series dedicated to solving your everyday styling needs and wants, as well as getting a grip on emerging trends with the help of some of the coolest influencers around. This week, the eternally chic Jessica Skye shows us how to create fresh summer looks with a wardrobe of minimalist basics.
My personal style has always revolved around simple basics. I’m a huge fan of a curated capsule of minimal pieces in neutral colours that all work together, as it makes it so much easier to get dressed in the morning. It’s no surprise, then, that Gap is one of my absolute go-to's on the high street.
When it comes to choosing which basics will make the cut in my wardrobe, I always focus on the details. They have to fit perfectly or play a part in creating an interesting silhouette, which can really make an outfit look more expensive. For example, I always size up in basic T-shirts that I pair with fitted trousers. I also layer up my looks a lot of the time—I'll throw a jumper over my shoulders, as you can see here, which is a great way to keep warm whilst still looking chic and minimal. I often play around with textures, too: White linen and creamy denim work beautifully together.
This summer in particular, I’m living in the good old-fashioned trouser and T-shirt look. It wins every time for me, as it’s an outfit I always feel good in. Comfort is definitely key for looking effortless, so I try to prioritise it in everything I wear. I’m currently teaming my look with some chunky sandals and a basket bag. When it’s really hot though, you’ll find me wearing anything linen.
My absolute summer essentials would have to include an investment white T-shirt, one that I adore and can wear year after year. A white oversize linen shirt is also on my list, and of course, a well-fitting pair of white trousers, which can be taken into autumn and winter as well. When it comes to dressing for summer, I always go for laidback pieces in ice cream tones, so anything fitting that bill will win me over.
Gap is always great for creating those simple, minimal looks. You’re guaranteed to find what you’re looking for there when it comes to basics. As you can probably predict, my favourite pieces from the summer collection would have to include its white linen shirt (I’m wearing a size large) and cream crop trouser. I mostly love how its pieces always work around a neutral colour palette, as I find this is the key to shopping mindfully as well. If you’re like me and have a mostly monochrome wardrobe, you’ll know it’s a lot easier to mix and match items without them quickly going out of style. That means I’ll wear them for years to come. I do sometimes add in a pop of a colour (promise!), but I'll keep it really classic so I know it will go with everything. Here are three of my favourite looks from Gap’s summer collection.
White T-Shirt + Striped Trousers
When it comes to shopping striped trousers, I’m always drawn to a wide stripe. I feel like it gives you a really relaxed feel. I knew immediately I was going to team these with a white T-shirt, but I really wanted to add a little something else to this minimal look, so I tied a gorgeous cable-knit jumper around my shoulders, and it instantly gave the outfit a little bit more power.
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Linen Shirt + White Trousers
As soon as I saw this white linen shirt, I was immediately drawn to it. I’m a sucker for anything linen, so it was the perfect choice to team with a pair of off-white, wide-leg cropped trousers.
Gap’s shirts are incredibly versatile: Sling them over your swimsuit at the beach, team them with your favourite denim shorts, or even smarten them up with a pair of tailored trousers. I live in mine throughout the seasons. It really is an item that will never fail you.
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Tailored Shorts + Cream Knit
I love to wear shorts in the summer, and these days, I’m into a more tailored feel. Whenever I buy items, I really want to make sure they are versatile. I can easily wear these in the day with a tank top, at night with a jumper, or on a date with a dressier top, oversize blazer, and heels.
Equally, you could mix and match all of these looks, and they would still work. For example, the white linen shirt would look great with the striped trousers, or the trousers could be paired with the T-shirt and jumper! Versatility really is the key to a modern wardrobe, and that’s exactly what you get with these basics.
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