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The good news is, you can make it as simple or as elaborate as you like. Offset nudes, white and dark block colour with injections of riotous floral print or bold bright colour, and you won't go wrong.

Try to build a mix and match wardrobe of key pieces, creating a variety of looks for all summer's special events, from weddings and the races to garden parties and posh summer barbecues.

Start with a basic colour palette – this season's obsession with nude tones makes it easy.

First pick out something you love. I started with this vibrant turquoise/teal French Connection one-shoulder dress (above, Wedding Outfit). One-shoulder is ideal for the races and especially for weddings, but if you want to cover up, choose a nude jacket – either a ritzy little shrug for a party look, or a tailored jacket for a smart-formal feel. This dress is perfect because it allows the unusual neck detail to be seen even with a jacket over, and you can save the one-shoulder surprise for a later evening do if you wish.

You could stick with the turquoise/cream palette, adding nude accessories (nude shoes are a good idea) or you could add an accent note of coral, as with the raffia clutch, or you could opt for a chic near-match approach, by choosing the peppermint patent bag. Options, options.

For a garden party look, this red floral strapless dress is simple but effective – again you can cover up, either with a near-match shawl, or with a nude tailored jacket, if you want to add a formal edge (you could choose silvery-grey or pale taupe as your nude backdrop shade, but for special events, I'd go for a lovely golden cream, as in the silk suit seen above from GIVe, which works beautifully alone, or as separates – you can easily change accessories to give different looks. As I said, options.

Some featured items are only available from May.