Summer in the City

How to Style a Summer’s Day in the City …including the high street dresses I'm lusting after right now!

Although the British summer is notoriously unpredictable, after last year’s #HeatwaveUK, we’re nothing if not hopeful for a few glorious days of sunshine. But keeping cool in the city can be tricky. If you’re staycationing, you’ll need to consider a cover up for the chill of the morning (see Shop the Look below), but if you’re heading to NYC or Rome, for example, it’s the stifling heat that’s likely to cause a challenge.

Fear not! Follow this simple guide and spend your summer in style!

Loosen Up!

Wearing light, loose airy fabrics ensures that you can capitalise on even the faintest breeze! Shooting this look included some lusty gusts that raised my hemline more than an inch or two! If you can get away without a bra, do it! Choose a style like this Empire Line that offers a little support, or pair with underwear with no underwiring to avoid that tightness in the heat.

Cool Blue

Personally, I like to wear light colours, as I truly believe they reflect the light and heat (however much others try to prove otherwise with science). I’ve worn black in the heat and there’s no doubt in my mind that it attracts the heat and makes me feel hotter. So even if it’s the psychological effect of a cool blue like this that keeps me cool, I don’t care! I’m recommend it for prettiness and perceived practicality.

~ Shop Cool Blue Alternative Dresses ~

Minimalism Goes a Long Way!

For foreign trips, where baggage allowances are limiting and sightseeing [read: comfy shoes] are key, my recommendation is to stick with white, metallic or black as they work with most colours. The same bag will pair with white heels, flats or trainers. Likewise for metallics and black (if these suit your wardrobe and personal style better). Keep your jewellery tonal too with white, pearly choices and cool, silver pieces.

Clearly I’m dressing for an evening stroll, followed by a delicious sunset aperitif, then a seafood dinner by the water! I’m certainly NOT pounding the pavements of Manhattan in these Stella beauties, but what you don’t see (behind the scenes) is me slipping into my white trainers, tossing my denim jacket over my shoulder and walking the full length of Great Western Road to get to Loop & Scoop for a well-earned ice cream! In other words, this dress works just as well dolled up or down!