WHITE HOT FOR SUMMER

The colour of unblemished purity, the slightest mark will show instantly and those whose lifestyle and demeanour are less than pristine might want to think twice. If you have small children, it’s an absolute no-no. Likewise, if you’re the “have a go” domestic goddess type who finds herself suddenly crouched on the kitchen floor, attempting to extract cutlery and stray chips from under the cooker, white may well not be the colour for you.

If, on the other hand, you consider yourself to be a careful mover, eater and drinker, you don’t hang around with the under 12s and you employ both a cleaner and a gardener, white is definitely possible for you.

Think Joan Collins, who often wears a white trouser suit or at the very least a white jacket. Her secret is to keep it simple and elegant, mixing in a little black and perhaps one accent colour, teaming well-fitting sleek separates with teetering heels, a broad-brimmed hat and a pair of over-sized shades. Pure glamour. She’s been doing it for decades and she still knows how to rock the white look. It’s rather fortunate that the white hot Seventies’ playgirl look is so in vogue – not that Joanie has ever let the mere vagaries of fashion have anything to do with her sense of style.

Mere mortals may find this summer’s retro-boho approach to white a little more easy to wear, with maxi dresses and voluminous skirts bringing the opportunity to look relaxed and cool, while also adding a sense of occasion. It would be a mistake, however, to invest in any white item that cannot be machine washed. You couldn’t take it on holiday, for a start, so make sure your whites launder well – look out for crinkle fabrics, especially good for long skirts as you can twist them into a rope in your suitcase and then have them all ready to wear when you reach your destination (obviously, this works equally well in any colour – head to Monsoon and East for endless options.

For a languid safari look, team whites with khaki, taupe and nude tones, in flowing layers, accessorised with beads and brown leather. Or, for sleek, contemporary chic, keep your whites bright and tailored and mix with a flash of bold, bright colour, perhaps fuchsia, orange or lime, or maybe a beautiful vibrant blue, for a look that speaks clean summer glamour, both sophisticated and fresh.

Meanwhile, lace looks continue to work well in white, or ivory or cream, especially on cute prom-style dresses for the young and leggy.

The more mature should steer clear, especially for wedding guest outfits, unless Miss Havisham really is the look you are going for.