Charlotte Hawkins demonstrates why a pretty printed playsuit is the best, heatwave-ready alternative to your favourite summer dresses
Her sleek festival-ready one-piece was a great choice for rising temperatures
We often turn to the best jumpsuits as an alternative to midi dresses, but what about playsuits as an alternative to the best summer dresses this season? A one-and-done outfit, they're especially good for outdoor occasions or events, where you don't want to be caught out by suddenly breezy weather, protecting your modesty, while ensuring you don't overheat too.
Charlotte Hawkins shared a gorgeous snap from her weekend expedition to Soho House Festival, where she posed happily in Lipsy's pink/orange leaf print V-neck puff sleeve belted playsuit. Like a jumpsuit, but with shorts rather than long bottoms, the playsuit has a pretty V-neckline and self-tie fabric belt at the waist for added definition; delivering a curve-loving fit, the bottom fuschia base and eye-catching tropical print only add to its appeal.
She styled her bright jumpsuit with the now almost-sold-out Havaianas You Trancoso rubber sandals and a pair of Finlay’s Broadway sunglasses in a mottled, marble colourway. Selecting neutral accessories helped Charlotte to ground her beautiful but very bold outfit. A practical choice when it comes to what to wear in the heat, let Charlotte's playsuit styling inspire your warm-weather wardrobe this summer.
This Reiss playsuit boasts an incredibly similar shape to Charlotte's bold style, with puffed sleeves, a feminine V-neckline and tailored shorts creating a figure-flattering fit. The belted waist adds a sophisticated touch, with pops of bold orange and yellow for an eye-catching finish.
If it's colour that you want, Boden is the place to head. This dazzling print is already available on this woman&home-backed cotton summer dress, but if shorts and jumpsuits are more your speed, try the linen playsuit iteration. Shoppers describe it as 'tailored but not overly formal.'
This playsuit blends style with comfort brilliantly, with a neat collar and boxy sleeves balanced out by a drawstring waist and relaxed silhouette. The green tile-inspired print is so playful, and it's made from 75% viscose for breathability.
Style Playsuits Like Charlotte Hawkins
If Charlotte's Havaianas sandals are sold out in your size, these slider sandals are a great alternative. With a similar thin sole and sleek, singular strap across the toe, they are minimal and streamlined, making them versatile.
With shoppers calling these sunglasses 'chic' and 'sturdy,' they're a great warm-weather companion. They offer UV400 protection, shielding your eyes from harmful UVA and UVB rays, and the oversized frames ooze glamour.
These sophisticated slip-on sandals are available in this ecru colourway, as well as a black and white option. Sleek, minimal and elegant, they're super versatile and can finish off casual everyday outfits as well as office attire and party looks, too.
Charlotte wore this outfit to attend the Soho House Festival last weekend, and for joyous outdoor events like these, you can never go wrong with bright and bold colours, as it plays into the mood of the occasion beautifully, making Charlotte's bold patterned piece a smart choice.
If you've not forayed into playsuits before, a distractingly bright print is actually a great place to start, as all the attention will be on the colour and pattern, rather than on your shorter hemline. A great alternative to dresses, tailored versions, with slightly longer shorts, tap into this season's culotte and capri-length pants trends, and they're a practical choice for park picnics, festivals or evenings out.
Apart from a wrist-full of festival wristbands, Charlotte’s sunglasses were the only accessory she added to her look. Chic and practical, the best sunglasses are a must-have in the summer months, and they’ll not only protect your eyes, but they're a fashion statement, too.
