I love the clothes at Poetry. And it’s always a special time for me when the July sales come round because Poetry offer some of their most beautiful items at up to 60% off. Useful when there is still so much of the summer left.
I’ve selected discounted clothes available right now at Poetry – they all appear on the UK and the US site – that will suit most of us over 55: relaxed linen dresses, cool cotton tops, wide leg pants and short-sleeve cardigans.
I make a capsule wardrobe every season. The clothes I’m suggesting in this post make a modern, elegant and truly wearable mini capsule. If you bought the set you could then add neutrals or basic colors from your existing closet to round out your summer capsule wardrobe. Or, these clothes make a great start if you are intending to make your outfits more in line with current trends.
Perfect summer trousers from the Poetry sale
I like to start shopping by finding bottoms: pants, shorts or skirts, that are a good fit for my squarish figure and retired lifestyle. These linen pants are wide enough to be easy to wear day or evening. Wide but not very wide, these would be a staple for any summer wardrobe. Two lengths available but very easy to hem if you prefer slightly cropped trousers. Elastic waist – we all love those, right? Side pockets for your hands or credit card.
For me, these linen trousers have everything I want. They are not so trendy that they’ll look wrong next year, or even the year after that. This casual shape, quality material and subtle color give them a refined simplicity – the epitome of a casual classic piece.
A neutral under layer – the vest
This vest comes in three subtle colors: Petrol Ink, an interesting navy; Dark Lime, a subdued green; as well as the vest shown here. Long enough to tuck in to jeans or wide trousers but short enough not to hit the hip line which always looks bad for women with larger thighs. It is just a little heavier than a tee which means it falls well and doesn’t grip any belt loops or gathers at the waist.
This is an ideal layer for a classic wardrobe. Wear it ‘as is’ when with older friends, but add another cool layer when going out if you worry about what your upper arms look like. This is not a style that should show your body contours so buy it large enough that it drapes over your bust and doesn’t cling.
This cotton vest has such an elegant neckline you will be wearing it as an under layer right through Fall.
A tonal top layer – the cardigan
I’ve selected this knitted linen cardigan because it works so well for women over 55. The collar and short sleeves focus attention at the top of the outfit. The long straight lines of the open edges reduce the width of your middle and hips. It’s a classic shape for anyone who is carrying more weight than they would like. Again, buy it large enough that it hangs straight down at the back and doesn’t hug you anywhere.
The discounted summer dress you’ll wear everywhere
I bought a very similar dress a couple of years ago and it is still one of my go-to outfits when the sun comes out. Modest V neck, modest short sleeves, pockets, buttoned side slit almost to the hem – so no worries when you cross your legs – and, important for me, very simple to shorten.
Loose, wide dresses with minimal styling, just a small front gather, are my preferred look in hot weather. Worn with flat sandals they are smart enough for sight-seeing and comfortable enough to wear all day.
All these items come in several slightly washed-out colors that recall the British seaside. All the colors work beautifully together so don’t just feel everything has to be in the same hue.
If you’re packing for a vacation, just roll then hang up as soon as you arrive. These clothes are made for holiday living.
The British coastal style
Poetry is one of a few retailers that have championed what I call British Coastal.
British Coastal Style reflects the breezy seaside of much of the British Isles. Colors are more subtle and washed out than we expect from bright white New England coastal. Muted tones work well, but strong hues and the sharply contrasting colors of Mediterranean coastal are avoided.
This love of the natural and understated is reflected in the materials used. Natural linens and cottons, silks and wools, depending on the season.
Ethical manufacture and sustainable fabrics are a hallmark of British Coastal. Sure, you can wear Poetry clothes in the city but where they really work best is along the seashore, strolling in the countryside or having breakfast on the terrace in a pretty vacation spot. Wherever you feel close to nature, wherever you take time to appreciate its beauty, wherever you naturally walk more slowly – that’s where you’ll love to wear Poetry.
If you’re new to the Poetry brand, let me know what you think of these summer clothes in the Comments below.
Price Guide for Poetry Clothes UK and US
Poetry is a mainly on-line brand with brick-and-mortar stores in some of the coolest areas of central London UK, New York and Boston (USA). Their prices are midway between high street (and fast fashion) and designer. This allows them to attain their sustainability and ethical standards whilst still being accessible to most women (such as myself!)
Here’s an idea of what to expect to pay for Poetry fashions in UK and USA at the regular, non-sale, prices. Note that items in this post above are discounted by around 60%.
Prices often depend on the material used in the making. US prices include import duties. US postage is usually $15 per order.
Dresses: £179-£275, $278-$398
Tops: £35-£99, $89-$128
Trousers, shorts, pants: £139-£225, $138-$348
Sweaters, cardigans: £99-£299, $158-$340
Jackets, coats: £198-£545, $278-$850