Summer chic? Girls win hands down

Cheryl Cole makes the jump

BCBG's minimal maxi

Ah, the darling days of summer. What bliss. Another bank hol tomorrow, and yet more honey-drenched time to indulge in the cornucopia of fun that is summertime fashion. I was musing upon this just the other day, when two blokes hauled into sight wearing the male summer uniform of Middle England: polo shirt and nondescript but inexplicably objectionable shorts, worn with trainers. And socks. Plus a UK trademark expanse of hairy, dairy-coloured calf to complete the look. I feel for men in summer. While winter throws up any and every opportunity to look cool – sleek suits, poloneck fisherman’s sweaters, crisply ironed shirts, chelsea boots – summer leaves the poor dears beached, floundering about on the shores of style like mackerel out of water, wondering whether they can get away with flip-flops.
But for women, these early weeks of summer are the salad days (in every sense: I haven’t consumed a carbohydrate in weeks – part of my cunning plan to avoid the necessity of a burkini when I eventually disrobe and make a mad dash for the waves). As consolation for the scarcity of calories, I’ve decided to embark instead on a clothes binge, mainly because there’s so much good stuff about in the shops right now. It’s like one of those gastro-pub salads – all fresh greens and interesting flavours, with tons of goodies lurking in the mix if you fish about with a fork.

Summer leaves men beached, floundering about on the shores of style like mackerel out of water

The general tenor of proceedings is barbecue-meets-festival dressing – a bit laid-back, a bit chilled, a lot lovely. The foundation of it all, it seems to me, is a wedge espadrille – something mid-range, mid-height and mild, not remotely dangerous; something that could run for a taxi should the need arise, perhaps with ribbon ties licking up the ankle. Beyond the wedge, I’m increasingly nurturing the idea (don’t snigger) of a jumpsuit – perhaps in a faded blue cotton, worn with a skinny whip of belt and the legs rolled up just a smidge, as if ready to meander through meadows of wild flowers and paddle across stickleback streams. I reckon it’ll be just the ticket, bringing together all the fashion nous you need with the added bonus that this is one-piece dressing at its most elemental. You barely need pants. I’d sling a cross-body bag over the top – a boxy tan leather one trawled from a vintage stall on a hot Saturday morning.
Alternatively, there’s always the glory of the maxi dress. Rather than a droopy cheesecloth or a gaudy floral print – which can make even a thinnie look like a Cath Kidston marquee – I’d advise something low-key. Go for a single, subtle colour – caramel or navy or taupe or cream – with a handful of pin tucks or a tracing of lace, worn with bare feet and anyhow hair. What you really want is not a trend but a timeless piece, a precious dress that forgives all your foibles and brings a little sunlight into your life. If only men could find something as delightful to get them through the holiday season. Maxi shorts, perhaps? I think I may be on to something.

TOO COOL FOR SCHOOL

We’ve not owned one since we were seven, but school-style satchels are big news this summer. Practical and British made, yet suitably edgy, the collection from the Original Satchel Store is our top pick. The Day-Glo colours are flying off its website, while its new hues include this bright red.
Available in three sizes, from £66.95; originalsatchelstore.co.uk

LITTLE GEMS

After stylish holiday gear for your mini me? Hot click it to miniwardrobe.com. Boasting cool kit for 0-12-year-olds, the website has a label stable that includes Ralph Lauren as well as lesser-known international brands such as Isossy Children – we love this cotton jumpsuit, £40.

miniwardrobe.com, tel: 0845 602 6380

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