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It is my absolute favourite time of year. A time when it is still light when we look out of the window at 9pm and the sun is slowly starting to rise as early as 4am. I was lucky enough to discover this the other morning when our dog started barking at a pigeon in the garden at 4:15am.
It’s a time when I find myself wanting to make the most of every daylight hour. I long to finish work earlier so I can spend those evening hours outside and can’t help but set my alarm early even on weekends so as not to miss out on those sunshine-filled mornings, especially when I have absolutely no plans.
Whilst we are in the midst of the lightest days, the weather isn’t necessarily keeping up. We have seen a few warmer days, and the sunshine has made more than one appearance, but the temperatures still reside much in the early to mid-teens. While I’m sure we are all itching to wear our summer dresses and light linen blouses, an extra layer is still needed, especially in the evenings.
It’s always tricky to know what to wear when the weather sits at this in-between stage. A winter coat can be too warm and yet a cardigan often leaves you with a chill. Enter the duster coat. Renamed over the years, I’m rather fond of this term – it’s one I often search for when I’m looking for a new second-hand addition to my ever-growing collection. To me, they are the king – or queen – of versatility. Not too heavy, nor too light, and available in an array of colours, textures and styles, it is often likened to a longer blazer, trench coat or smart jacket.
They are universally handy to throw on over a pair of jeans and a thin knit, and work equally as well with a midi-length dress or skirt. Opt for a more neutral tone like camel or khaki for every day wear, or invest in one a little more unique so it can become an outfit in itself. One of my most favourite duster coats is a pink brocade-style number I found in a local vintage shop in Holt, North Norfolk, that comes down just below my knees. In fact, it still remains one of my favourite items in my wardrobe, more than five years on. It reminds me of an old-fashioned bedroom jacket and yet, because of its neutral colour, I find myself reaching for it on a weekly basis during the spring and summer months.
If you’re yet to strike gold in the charity shops for this seasonal essential, here are a few of my favourites that have caught my eye:
Soft Trench Coat | Monki | £60
Belted Duster Coat | COS | £99
Mustard Duster Coat | Topshop | £65
Linen Blend Duster Coat | & Other Stories | £110
