The heat is on

We have already had a taste of summer this year, for which we know we ought to be duly thankful (and let’s hope we haven’t seen the last of the sunshine).

But, as welcome as this unscheduled burst of heady weather has been, it’s come as rather a surprise for those of us who were not expecting to have to think about summer dressing until June, at the very least.

My summer staples, consisting of linen trousers, crepe long skirts, scoop and V-neck T-shirts, the occasional white blouse and some dark cotton dresses, are still in boxes, packed away, while my wardrobe and drawers continue to burst with long cardigans, woollen jumpers, long-sleeve tops and lots and lots of thermals, for those days when you know you are never going to hit optimum temperature.

You can get away with this at home where no-one sees you wearing your thermal vest with your jeans for decorating and gardening, but it’s all getting a bit tricky when it comes to the office and even trickier still when dressing for appointments and meetings, where you want to create a reasonable impression.

This is where the wrap dress comes in as your first port of call for smart summer dressing. I like them in black but am quite happy to switch to navy for this summer as navy is the new black, particularly when it comes to smartwear.

Which is good news in many ways, not least because it’s kinder to older skin tones and complexions, and also accessorises beautifully with a number of other colours, including caramel and tan (classy), cream and white (nautical), black (sophisticated) and red (striking). Grey works fabulously for shoes, as does anything nude.

Now, separates, which are the traditional mainstay of summer office dressing – at its simplest, we’re talking a short-sleeve white blouse and black skirt, any length from just above the knee to maxi. This season, look for blouses with an unusual neckline, perhaps a crinkle or furled bib style, or a simple smock-style V with gathers beneath the shoulders.

Cropped trousers are perfect for the office, as are long shorts, but keep both tailored and team with neat heels or try flat loafers.

It may be worth investing in a lightweight summer suit, such as the one pictured above in an pale blue, because you can wear the jacket with shorts and trousers one day, and then keep the whole suit look for business meetings and still look great when going for drinks after work.

What to wear on your legs in summer is always a problem, but if you choose to go bare, make sure your legs are tanned and hairless – at least what’s on show, any way.

And get yourself a lovely huge tote bag in a bold bright colour, and maybe a pattern one too, for good luck.