Keep your cool – even when it’s scorching

FROM strappy tops that dig in to your shoulders to sandals that give you blisters — not to mention the constant battle to stay cool in the heat — summer can be an uncomfortable season to dress for.

We all know what a shock it can be to have to bare your flesh after a winter wrapped in layers.

When you’re not at ease in your clothes, it can be hard to feel body-confident. After all, what we wear affects how we feel.

But it’s also true that how we feel affects what we wear. It’s only when we feel good about ourselves that we truly feel good in our clothes.

And when we feel low, it can seem that nothing looks right on us.

It’s all too easy, then, to see how you can fall into a negative spiral when thinking about your self-image. So, bearing this in mind, how can you master the art of summer body confidence?

Some of it is common sense: on the days when we feel a little low, we should choose the clothes we love to help us feel good about ourselves.

We generally feel our best in clothes that are comfortable and flattering.

And flowing maxi dresses or versatile knee-length shorts are probably going to be more comfortable than skintight frocks or skimpy hotpants, for example.

But as well as an elegant summer wardrobe, body confidence requires deeper introspection. We often feel less confident in what we wear because we’re thinking negatively about ourselves. So why not start by writing down three things that you like about yourself? It can be about what you do, who you are, physical aspects of yourself, anything at all — for example, I’m a kind person; a good friend, parent, son or daughter; I like my hair, my eyes or my lips.

If you find this difficult, work on finding what you like or even love about yourself. Then keep adding to that list as you become more aware of all the great things about yourself. Each time you catch yourself having a negative thought, replace it with a positive one.

No matter how difficult this is at first, keep doing it until it’s effortless and the positive thoughts come naturally, without even trying.

If you do wake up feeling a little down, and feel that none of your clothes suit you, try this simple exercise for a confidence boost. Look in the mirror, compose yourself a bit like Wonder Woman — hands on hips, legs slightly apart, standing tall — and smile!

Scientific studies indicate that this pose magically lowers your stress levels and instantly increases your self-assurance.

And on your down days, be reassured: eventually, when you feel happy in yourself, you will feel fantastic in whatever you wear.

But when you need a little extra boost, choose the clothes you’re comfy in — the effortlessly flattering ones that make you feel sleek, chic and summer-ready.