My Top 5 List - Summer 08/09

Okay, after a whopping 33 degrees today, I would say that spring is well and truly over and we're headed right into summer, despite the slightly cooler and rainy days predicted for the coming week. And I've been doing a little thinking about what my summer must-haves will be. Obviously, I've drawn on some inspiration from celebrities and fashion bibles, but I'm just saying that these items are going to be my summer staples.

1. Floral dresses
Yeah, they can be a bit too pretty and twee, but there are a lot of good floral prints out there. Needless to say, the fabric and cut/design are as important as the print so choose wisely. Personally, I don't like anything too clingy in the summer months - with temperatures over 30 degrees and more often close to 40, you want to let the air circulate. Likewise, natural fibres will also feel a lot nicer against your skin. Currently, I'm loving shorter styles with floaty skirts and cinched in waists. Most of my dresses come with ties, but if not, you can always belt it in.
Fine, I liked this one so much I went and got it in both colours - add tights and a long-sleeve top underneath and you're all set for the cooler months.

I also have the black one with a white background and the blue in a yellow - the best thing is they will also work well in winter with tights and a chunky cardigan.

2. Over-sized slouchy bag I won't say the bigger, the better, but you should be able to fit in a book/magazine, makeup, wallet, water bottle, sun screen, a pair of flats, keys and maybe a light wrap as it can still get chilly on some nights. Now I'm a bit of a nazi when it comes to matching my bags to my shoes and clothes but really, bags are something you can go nuts with. As my sister Mei would say, buttery soft leather is always the best, but if you're planning a trip to the beach, please leave the animal skin at home. Hell, my bag-of-the-moment is most definitely not leather.
The brown is great for casual occasion while the grey work very well in the office

3. Versatile shoes
Cool and comfy flats
Never thought you'd see me mention this, huh? Even I can't make it in heel all the time. And while the gladiator sandal trend is still hot, I say milk it for all it's worth. Just be mindful of how thick the straps are and how high on your ankle they go. And unless you have slim and toned legs that go up to there, don't try the high versions - they just make you look stumpy. I think a pair in tan and black will see you through this summer and many more to come. I've gone for a bit of hardware on my black flats but have left the tan ones simple.

A great pair of heels
Obviously these were going to get a mention. I'm loving tan stacked platforms - the pairing of the neutral colour and wooden heel makes it summer friendly and easier to walk in. These will also look great when paired with your dresses (long and short) as well as shorts. Wedges also work very well and again, I have mine in tan. I just prefer this as a colour as they tone well with bare legs and make your legs look really long, and don't show dirt up the way whites or creams would.I admit these aren't the most comfy pair of shoes I have as they don't stay on properly, but anyone who knows me knows I'll put up with it because they are HOT!

4. Maxi dresses
These are still very much an in-thing but they aren't as easy to wear as one would think. The main thing to keep in mind is the volume - the shorter you are, the less volume there should be. If you do fall in love with a particularly floaty frock and have to have it, then cinch in your waist and add a pair of heels. If you're blessed with height, then knock yourself out with all the different designs and material - you don't even need to wear heels. Both these maxi dresses are very slinky - nothing maxi about them!

5. Shorts
Not just for builders and the gym, shorts have been seeing a bit of a resurrection over the past couple of years. First we had the whole 'smart' shorts phenomenon and that's certainly not going away. If you're lucky enough to work in a place that's not overly rigid with the dress code, then a pair of tailored shorts work really well with silk blouses. If not, then denim shorts are a good investment for the summer months. I'm avoiding anything too tight; those are best left to anyone aged 23 and below. Some of my shorts are still pretty damn short, but they're also in a very relaxed fit so it balances out.
Two of my denim fail-safes for the coming summer

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Quite honestly though, all these aside, my NUMBER ONE summer staple will without a shred of doubt be...AIR-CONDITIONING.