I’m sorry, I’m going to have to break. I’ve resisted for this long but I can’t do it anymore. I need to talk about the weather. It. Is. BONKERS. It’s actually quite terrifying but we won’t dwell on that here, let’s keep this space a happy place ;) Actually, I am wondering whether a blog post dedicated to ‘what to wear in a heatwave’ might be a good idea (answers on a postcard)…. and whilst i’m going off on a tangent, I haven’t forgotten that I promised some of you that I will do a mother-of-the-bride/wedding guest post…which will probably be next summer now, I am sorry!. But back to my original point and why I was talking about the weather…..

The white shirt that mum is wearing and the dress that I am wearing represent two items of clothing which are brilliant summer wardrobe staples.

First up, the white shirt. Shirts have made a massive come back this season, replacing the t-shirt as the de rigueur throw-on option. They have been spotted in all shapes and sizes but perhaps the most prolific is the over-sized fit - or ‘boyfriend’ shirt. It’s actually an incredibly easy way to dress and suits all body shapes because of the open neckline. Wear with slim leg or skinny jeans, knee length pencil skirts or (my favourite) knee length culotte shorts. If your preferred way is to tuck in then I would always go with a high waisted trouser, short or skirt and you might want to choose a more fitted style than the over-sized shirt (less bulk to tuck in). Having said that, avoid anything too body hugging as you risk running into office wear territory.

By the way, if ever you find yourself a bit confused as to the specifics of what I am saying then do email me, I am always super happy to talk things through in more detail.

Knee length and 3/4 length pencil skirts have also made a come back as has the A-line 3/4 length skirt. If your tummy is something that you are conscious of then mum’s outfit would be perfect for you. If you want to appear taller then you might want to tuck your top in so that your legs look longer. If you are keen to hide your tummy and look taller then opt for an A-line skirt as the fabric will go out from your waist, skimming - rather than hugging - your stomach (and tuck your top in).

This represents my perfect dress; volumous in shape, made in a good quality material, designed in a ‘shirt’ style and cut just above the ankle. The gingham fabric is superb too. At £175 it is an investment piece but I think that it would be worth it. I love having items in my wardrobe that don’t require any thought - just throw on and go. I would definitely elongate its life by wearing a fitted polo neck in the autumn or a sleeveless jumper like the one that I am wearing below. Tights and boots would work well too.

I know that some of you who have a bigger bust might worry about wearing volumous styles as they can hang shapelessly over the chest but a ‘shirt’ neckline negates this problem as the fabric at the top is broken up by the open space across your chest. It is also worth remembering that if a dress is designed to be loose and over-sized then it will look like this regardless of the size of the body underneath. No one knows where your body ends and the dress begins - let the beautifully designed dress do the talking!