In The Navy

I got this navy silk halterneck maxi dress last year. It’s both versatile and practical, by virtue of being machine-washable and (strapless) bra friendly. I wore it for a lot of different occasions, including the Durham University open day with Poppy, a barbecue with my family and cocktails with Ian. The silk feels divine against the skin and because it’s a natural fibre and lightweight it’s cool; ideal for the scorching temperatures in Calpe. The other benefit of it being lightweight is that it offsets some of the heavier dresses I packed; useful because excessive baggage is a fear every time I fly: I never knowingly underpack. This time, I wore it for a relaxed supper in a small bar restaurant, very close to these steps, which are in turn very close to Calpe Beach. It was from The White Company last year. They have a very similar one in navy linen this season which is still available.

I wore my Chandi disc sandals from Aspiga. The pearly beads and diamantes add a little sparkle and it makes them as wearable in a smart restaurant as they are on the beach.

My clutch bag is from my very first visit to Nerja four years ago. I tend to only use it when I’m away on holiday so because of that, seeing it in my dressing room always sparks sunny memories of happy times abroad.

These freshwater pearl and silver earrings pull the look together and tie in nicely with the sandals. They are from Hersey and Son, a family-run silversmiths. In common with the dress, and they’re understated and elegant.

The Perfect Pair

What is the perfect eyewear for this navy silk halterneck dress? Its simplicity means it can take a statement style. A bright-coloured frame wouldn’t work with the understated shade and texture of the fabric, but a strong neutral pattern will. (I do of course class anything that resembles an animal-print as neutral). These  layered sunglasses by Karen Millen fit the bill. The cat eye shape is sophisticated and elegant and they add visual texture which stops the outfit from looking “flat.”

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