Dressed to chill

You don't have to swelter when the temperature rises. Marion Hume finds something to suit everyone under the sun

Who wants fussy fashion when the thermometer is registering record temperatures and summer storms are unpredictable? The heat of summer always seems to surprise us, catching us out in the most unsuitable clothes, but at least if you keep things simple you can layer clothes on if it rains and unpeel them again when the temperatures soars.

The basic piece is the dress, as short as you dare it to be and as revealing as you think you can get away with. For this summer, the itsy-bitsy little towelling dress (versions of which can be found at various prices in the sales) is the skimpiest of all: just a halterneck string to hold it on at the neck and a hem that is well above the knee. Alternatively, that summer staple, the little floral frock, lives on. Again, a trip to the sales can provide. Or, better still, so perhaps can last summer's wardrobe, for this dress is little changed from last year's.

There have been days this summer when the notion of wearing trousers was unthinkable. But although shorts are acceptable for men in the more radical offices, they are probably not quite the right attire for women, unless they are culottes (which tend to make your backside look gigantic). So floppy rami cotton trousers are a good option. They are cool, not constricting and just smart enough. They shouldn't get you sent home on a sweaty train (if the trains are running) to change into something more suitable for work.

The accessory news for this summer is to go without. Clutter looks dated. All you need if things really hot up again is a sloppy, floppy hat to keep the sun out of your eyes and plenty of serious SPF sun lotion.