One of life’s simple pleasures is clocking off at 5pm on a Friday, making a beeline for the pub and spending the evening unwinding with friends. In the summer months, the pull of fairy-lit beer gardens is motivation enough to get through the working week, and when the moment finally arrives for you to close your laptop and head out the door, the last thing you want is to find yourself in an outfit rut.
That’s why I’ve assembled five pub-ready looks that are easy, chic, and most importantly strike the perfect balance between dressed-up and laid-back. By the time the weekend rolls around, most of us are keen to ditch our 9-5 gear and wear something we feel great in. However, pubs are typically more casual than cocktail bars and clubs, so there’s no need to go all-out with sky-high stilettos and an LBD (unless you want to, of course).
In general, I suggest using staples like jeans and simple shirting as the foundation of your outfit, then adding some eye-catching items into the mix. For example, a top with an interesting neckline or a statement pair of earrings. It’s also a good idea to have some layering pieces in your arsenal—summer evenings can be chilly—and comfortable shoes for those trips to the bar. But why tell when I can show? Check out five polished pub looks that are perfect for your next visit, whether you’re live-watching the Women’s World Cup or catching up with girlfriends over a G&T.