WHAT TO WEAR THIS WEEKEND
RUFFLES
DITCH THE DOWDY LEGGINGS
Hibernation is over. Pubs and restaurants are opening. and temperatures are soaring. if ever there was a moment to throw off the dowdy leisurewear you’ve been cocooned in for the past three months in favour of something more joyous and life-enhancing, it’s now. and nothing says ‘joy’ more than lashings of girly ruffles.
SERIOUS VA-VA-VOOM
WHetHer you opt for a top, skirt or full-length dress, there’s something fanciful and sassy to this look which gives it — and you — a much-needed shot of va va voom. Just two things to note: avoid going overboard unless you want to be mistaken for a flamenco dancer. and keep it light in this heat. opt for natural cottons, linens and voiles, which will add volume without drowning you — or causing you to overheat.
PERFECT BOTTOM HIDER
i love the swish factor for skirts, and it’s a great detraction from thighs and bottoms, which may be feeling the effects of week after week of comfort baking. For top halves, off-the-shoulder styles are ideal for a heatwave and were seen on the valentino and victoria beckham summer catwalks — just don’t forget a decent strapless bra. (i spent all last summer looking for one, and settled from Marie Jo (£78.90, cups a-e, uk-en.mariejo.com.)
FORGET ACCESSORIES
tHe best part about ruffles is that they don’t need much else: your outfit has enough going on, so forget accessories. Heels were a frivolous extra for the photograph — i hope i can still walk in them when the time comes, but for now, a flat sandal will look just as glamorous. this outfit will do all the talking, which is just as well when conversations about ‘what you’ve been up to’ are running out of steam.