City Girl Networks monthly fashion and beauty edit, curating some of our favourite products from the brands we love… 

Dinner next week?

We are well into Spring 2021 and this month, we’re thinking about what to wear for our post-work dinners and drinks now that the 12 April sees outdoor hospitality back on the table. 

Never have we been so excited to dress up and huddle under a flimsy canopy next to a dodgy outdoor heater in front of our favourite restaurants.

But what to wear? The ever-unpredictability of British weather has meant that this month’s edit has to include cross-transitional pieces that look chic come rain or shine.

Style spotters will have noted the emerging trend of vibrant colours and relaxed structures has taken on a new force since we highlighted it in last month’s edit. At first glance, not an easy trend to get on board with but we have found a hero of a piece that will see you through spring, summer and into autumn (you’re welcome). 

We’re also witnessing the cropped jacket comeback, after seasons of oversized outerwear. Perfect timing to enable us to show off our new looks at al-fresco drinks without having to freeze in the process.

Footwear is having a bit of an identity crisis this month. We’re seeing the re-introduction of features you would find on a classic summer sandal re-imagined to work for the wet month and I’m kind of living for this new hybrid species of shoe.

In make up, au naturel is still in vogue as we all slowly re-discover our faces from the nose-down. Nudes and peaches are dominating lip and cheek right now, letting our previously concealed smiles do all the talking over glasses of wine. 

A lot to think about in style this month but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

WIDE GIRAFFE PRINT TROUSERS, & OTHER STORIES £75

The pièce de résistence of this Edit are these fab wide-leg tailored trousers from high street favourite & Other Stories. 

We are OBSESSED. The quirkiness of the giraffe print is offset by the neutral tones and relaxed tailoring, making the trousers a versatile and wearable statement piece at dinner, drinks and even your Sunday brunch. 

ASYMMETRIC DESIGN TOP, MANGO £17.99

Fine knits are everywhere this month and are a wardrobe staple. An asymmetric neckline and/or sleeve gives a youthful update for spring and is wearable in all weathers. 

We firmly believe that a black one-shoulder top is a necessity in any capsule wardrobe and can both complement a statement piece and add a bit of interest to any casual look.

We particularly love the look of this Mango one-sleeved cable knit in balance with the giraffe-print trouser as a chic and effortless alternative to “jeans and a nice top”.

MUSA CLOSED TOE FLAT SHOES, ASOS DESIGN £25

Sadly, we’re still a long way off from digging out last year’s gladiators but we’re definitely seeing a nod to the classic summer styles like jute- rimmed espadrilles, cork bases and backless sandals in this month’s new-ins. 

We love these closed-toe and cork-based backless shoes from ASOS Design. Almost clogg-like, they will elevate your already impossibly cool look with a touch of Scandi-inspiration.

BELEN FAUX FUR JACKET, FRENCH CONNECTION £140

For the chillier evenings when you need more than a glass or two to keep you warm outside the wine bar, throw on this cropped jacket with faux-fur accents from French connection. 

The neutral shade of the soft finishes ties in with the print on your trouser and pulls the look together without looking wintry. 

We love the peak of skin from beneath the asymmetric neckline with this jacket, softening the look. The buckled details and biker-esque stitching, nods to the ever-recurring motorcycle jacket trend without being overt.

STRAW CIRCLE CROSSBODY BAG, MARKS & SPENCER £25

M&S is entirely underrated when it comes to timeless handbags at an affordable price-point. This straw circle cross-body caught our eye. 

Great for throwing in the basics (phone, keys, purse…. and mask and sanitiser), we particularly appreciate the contrast in textures between the bag and the strap. The usually dividing black/brown colour combination ties this look together and makes the bag wearable for seasons to come. 

ICONIC EDITION LIP GLOSS, KJAER WEIS £29

Our poor lips have been through a lot under our masks and it’s almost time to show off that beautiful smile again! 

We’re particularly loving peach lips right now. Gorgeous on every skin tone and wearable as a lipstick, tint, gloss or balm, peach-toned lip wear is available from pretty much every brand right now.

However, we HAVE to tell you about our latest find.

Kjaer Weis is a multi-award winning make-up brand which uses clean ingredients and comes in customisable and refillable packaging (!!!). 

We love this semi-sheer lipgloss in the shade “fascination”, made from nourishing oils like caster seed, sunflower and Rosehill, which adds a freshness to your face but is also subtle enough that it won’t end up on your chin when you dig-in to your first fine-dining curry in months.

Here at City Girl Network, we love to see what you're getting up to! Tag us in your OOTDs on Instagram and photos of your long-overdue outdoor drinks and dinners with loved-ones!

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Written by Ariella 

Fashion & Beauty Editor

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For any PR requests or inquiries, you can email Rachael at editor@citygirlnetwork.com