Dressing to beat the heat.

With stuffy tube trains, ice cold offices and searing sunshine to consider- summer heat can cause some real style dramas so here are my tips for effortless summer glamour.

As temperatures soar it’s tempting to take the less is more approach and dress in your skimpiest attire. But be warned, this will do as little for your style cred as it will for your Goosebumps when you hit the office air con.

Instead opt for key summer pieces which flatter your figure and work with your existing wardrobe. 

Dress clever

Dresses are perfect for summer. Totally fuss free and self-contained you can throw it on and go. Maxi dresses are big news again this year and a loose style will keep you cool while acting as a good cover-up in chillier environments.

Colour me cool

Black absorbs heat, making you sweat faster. So it’s handy that this season colour is all in. Colour block in neon brights or keep things cool in lights and whites to give your look some summer zing and keep your temperature in check.

Cover your bases

Keep a cover-up handy to avoid shivering in air conditioning. A perfect pashmina in a staple neutral or a relaxed jacket in light-weight material will work with most outfits

What are you made of?

 In hot weather a good fabric choice can mean the difference between sweat marks and looking fresh. Avoid anything synthetic. Natural cottons and linens will keep your clothes from sticking to you or riding up in the heat, and will keep you looking groomed for longer.

Keep your feet sweet

Feet swell in the heat which means pinching courts are a no- no. Indulge your tootsies this summer in gorgeous flat sandals, from sling backs to gladiators there is no excuse for sore tootsies. If you need a bit of height then wedges are the way to go, sassy and super comfortable, the wedge is the only heel to be seen in this side of August bank holidays! The even weight distribution makes them much easier to sustain on hot days.

Summer style sorted, now go and enjoy the sun!

Office wear that works.

7am Monday morning, time for the first task of the day, getting dressed!

It shouldn’t be that hard given that your wardrobe is fit to burst and you spent Saturday melting plastic at the sales. So why do we find work day outfits so hard to put together?

Here is my guide to office wear that works.

Keep it sleek.

Straight leg trousers are a great staple. Cigarette pants are not as casual as skinny jeans but not as frumpy as black bootleg trousers. Slimming and ultra flattering opt for a high-waisted pair to be on trend or a cropped length for a summery twist.

 Top it off

The addition of a jacket will smarten up any outfit and the high street is FULL of great options for summer which will take you regular office trousers or jeans to new levels.  Feeling brave? Go for one in a statement colour which will make your work-day look pop!

Get shorty

Summer is a great time to experiment with tailored shorts. Professional and trendy - shorts are a great look if you don’t mind baring some leg (and your office dress code allows) this suit from quirky French fashion brand, The Kooples is the perfect way to pull of shorts at work and a great day-to-evening outfit.

Think in colour

Wearing colour to work isn’t a crime, even in the most sober office environment, and stepping away from blacks and greys will make you stand out from the crowd.  Try out navy or nude tones for your basics and add splashes of coral, cobalt and brights for your accent items.

Easy dressing

Dresses are the perfect throw on and go item for work days. No need to think about matching items, these all in one pieces are super easy, especially in summer. Dresses in jersey material are versatile and comfortable for all day in the office, opt for hems that sit on the knee to keep a professional but feminine look.

Shoes matter

Block heels are a no-no and tottering on too-high heels never makes for a professional impression. Opt for pretty as a picture flats which compliment your outfit, or if you need a bit of height aim for a 3 inch heel or a built in platform which will lend you a bit of stability. Nude shoes are a bit hit this season and will be a perfect addition to your summer work wardrobe.

Now off to work you go!

Dress Mango £49.90 reduced to £24.95 http://www.mango.com/
Cigarette Pants Reiss £89 http://www.reissonline.com/
Cropped Blazer Zara £69.99 http://www.zara.com/
Short Suit The Kooples
Jacket £ 220.5
Shorts £ 81 http://www.thekooples.co.uk/
Shoes Jones the Boot maker £69.00http://www.jonesbootmaker.com/

Dressing for girls….

It's a fact that women dress for other women. While we might be hoping to catch the eye of Mr Hot Guy in our Saturday night get up, and I know I get a secret kick when my Better Half notices my shoes. But if I am totally honest I know that he doesn’t really understand all of my fashion choices.

After a pretty gruelling Saturday morning, completing in a Triathlon, I had to put together an outfit for an ultra chic hen party at a swanky London restaurant.

Struggling with exhausted legs and severe sun burn (silly me forgot my SPF) it seemed like a mammoth task to dress myself in anything other than slippers and a slanket (we all have our off moments).  An hour later and my wardrobe had yielded some tailored shorts, a silk blouse, a white blazer and some heals. None of it new, or well planned out.

Admiring glances from my lovely boy gave me the boost I needed to get out the door, but in truth it was a passing comment from a girl on the Number 22 which really made my night. Clearly a stylish lady in her own right, and confident enough in herself to be gracious, this fab gal jumped back on the bus momentarily to tell me she loved what I was wearing! I blushed… but this moment of recognition from a fellow style lover gave me a great feeling and really got me thinking.

We should keep dressing for the approval of other women, it's not bitchy or competitive - it's a little bit of mutual appreciation of a world which our boyfriends and husbands rarely understand. (If you've got one who does - keep him!)

And ladies… if you do see someone who's style you admire, tell them! It will make you and them feel fab- trust me!!

Go forth and compliment.