Summer style rules

All About You online 19.06.2008

Alyson Walsh's guide to grown-up dressing will guarantee you a super-stylish summer

Your guide to summer dressing

Do:

Hone your style. Develop a signature look that works all year round. Choose classic shapes in quality fabrics that glide over the body. Don't be tempted by fickle trends, stick to what suits. As Diana Vreeland famously said, 'Fashion changes, style remains'.

Simplicity is the key. Avoid big puffed sleeves, too many ruffles and puffball anything. Voluminous items are a hard look to pull off at the best of times, in summer all that extra fabric just makes you hot. Pared-down chic is the way forward.

Layering works. Team a fine knit cardigan and vest top with a pair of wide-leg trousers, for an elegant outfit that offers a bit of coverage. Avoid floaty layers and shapeless styles - we're talking uptown chic not Hampstead poet. Natural fabrics like lightweight cotton, silk and linen keep the layered look cool and airy.

Choose neutral colours. Neutrals are always good news - shades of white, cream and grey look sophisticated, and work well with metallics. If you're worried about the dry cleaning bill, try khaki and taupe for more of an urban safari feel.

Summer's key pieces

The smart trousers

OK, so white being 'in' for summer is hardly revolutionary fashion news but a pair of smart white trousers are the foundation of a chic summer wardrobe.

How to wear them: Both slim and wider leg shapes are good for summer. Add a printed tunic top or crisp shirt - monochrome always looks classy for work - throw on some long beads and finish off with a pair of flat metallic sandals.
Where to find them: Jaeger, Hobbs, Gap for white jeans

The maxi dress

Ideal for hot summer days, and those of us who need a bit of leg coverage.

How to wear it: The maxi dress may offer perfect leg coverage but the strappy top half reveals quite a lot of flesh, so if wobbly arms are a problem, try a thin T-shirt (in a co-ordinating colour) underneath or throw on a fine-knit cardigan. Don't go too boho, that hipster belt is so very 2005. And leave the dress and trainers pairing to Lily Allen. This fashion hero works best with flat leather sandals or platforms.
Where to find it: Principles, Miss Selfridge, Wallis

The essential cardigan

It's official. Cardigans are cool. Forget the Grace Kelly look, we're talking preppy not pretty. Keep it simple and pared down, and remember - a lightweight knit makes the perfect cover-up.

How to wear it: Layered over a vest top with slim trousers and canvas pumps - or dressed up with platform shoes. Choose a neutral colour that looks great with black, go for a V-neck style rather than the mumsy round-necked variety and you're ready to rock/attend a board meeting.
Tip: Avoid embellished necklines and beading, a cardigan that wouldn't look out of place at the WI Christmas party is not a style statement.
Where to find it: Comptoir de Cotonniers, Agnès b, John Smedley

The latest shirt

A crisp white shirt goes with anything and understated elegance is the key to looking cool and sexy. Think Isabella Rossellini and you can't go wrong.

How to wear it: For a more laid-back look go for a looser blouson shape; alternatively stick with the fitted, classic style. Wear with jeans, chinos, anything.
Where to find it: Principles, Gap, Jigsaw

A question of shorts

There comes a point in a woman's life when micro-shorts are a no-no. For most, this is around the time we get our first job, for Kate Moss, slightly later. In the real world, long shorts (tailored and to the knee) and short trousers, such as slim-fitting Capri pants or pedal pushers, are the obvious solution. Whether you're going to the beach or to the bank, this length looks chic and stylish, and shows a bit of ankle.

How to wear them: Dressed up with a classic white shirt and platform heels, down with a tunic dress and flats. Add some statement jewellery - an armful of bangles, a pendant necklace - and you're ready for summer.
Tip: Beware of cropped trousers with a wide-leg shape; their limb-shortening properties make even Kate Moss look like Jimmy Krankie.
Where to find them: Toast, Gap, Cos

What not to wear

Logo T-shirts and neon brights - fine on Agyness Dean but few others. Verdict: leave the Boombox look to fashion students.

Ray-Ban Wayfarers - if you're over 35 and tempted, just cast your mind back to the late 80s 'Blues Brothers'craze and the urge will soon
disappear.

Leggings - it's far too hot to be clad in polyester footless tights.

Crocs - since when did plastic clogs look good? Summer's must-not-have shoe, may be fine for kids but larger sizes should be banned. How long before we see David Cameron in a pair? Just say no.

More great summer inspiration

Visit the new 30 Days of Fashion & Beauty website for top tips from the experts across all of our magazines – and find out more about signing up for exclusive access to catwalk shows, beauty events and great parties. Click here to see more.