Enter kaftans. Lots of them. In varying colours and prints. There was a moment when kaftans were the most glamorous thing a woman could wear (see Elizabeth Taylor), and then, because of some lazy PR from team kaftan, they landed in uncool territory. Replaced by the spaghetti-strap sundress and social media’s favourite, a crochet cover-up, kaftans took a back seat. But, thanks to cool brands such as Taller Marmo, Dima Ayad, Fil de Vie and Albus Lumen entering the kaftan scene, along with familiar fashion favourites Rixo, Sézane and Zara serving up stylish options too, the kaftan has been reborn.

Low-maintenance but high impact, a kaftan works for so many occasions – as a beach day throw-on, for a low-key dinner with friends, date night, a walk around the local town – and the naturally breezy silhouette allows for ultimate comfort and style. The key is not to overlook the accessories – chunky hoops, a belt when needed, stacking necklaces (all of which are my holiday staples) allow my kaftan to still feel contemporary. Where I have found most holiday dressing success (and, in turn, most joy) is going big, because living your best holiday life deserves no less.

AS SOMEONE WHO lives in strict tailoring, typically made out of heavier fabrics that keep their shape, dressing for hotter, breezier summer days can pose its challenges. My solutions are twofold: dresses and soft tailoring with layers.

I like to invest in summer dresses that are versatile enough to convert with a bit of layering back into my winter wardrobe. So, I’ll get dresses that will fit a colourful or print turtleneck underneath for later in the year when its time to cover up again. I’m loving what Jo Sykes is doing at Jigsaw – tons of great patterns and cuts to her dresses that have a bit more flounce and shape that you can dress up or down, throw a jacket on your shoulders and wear to the office, or accessorise with chunky jewellery for a weekend picnic. Palmer Harding dresses play with breathable cottons and will add drama in a sleeve or a gathering at the hem. I’ll always invest in a summer Prada dress because they offer a beautiful print or detail, and you know you can add tights and a layer underneath to make it work in every season.

When it comes to my beloved tailoring, I swap out my heavier suits and pack them away to bring out the loose suiting. These are usually linens or super-light wools (Armani or Casasola jackets are my go-to here), or a soft silk that glides, like an old palm tree print Racil tuxedo that I live in during hot summer days. I have an arsenal of ribbed, stretch-jersey tank tops from Goldsign that I layer under suits instead of shirting, which I then wear with shorts or summer denim on the weekends.

IT’S JUNE AND I’M wearing a knitted tank top. The same tank top that I layered over heavyweight dresses and roll-neck sweaters all winter, and now I’m wearing with shorts. As an advocate for slow fashion, it’s vital that everything in my wardrobe works really hard. Subsequently, there are only a few items that I don’t wear all year. My winter coats are in the same suitcase I unpacked my shorts and swimwear from a few weeks ago; other than that, most items are in constant use.

As far as I’m concerned, seasonal fabrics are a bit of a myth. Sure, I won’t be parading around in a chunky Aran knit for a while, but lightweight wool pieces are perfect for summer, since wool is able to regulate your body temperature, keeping you cool in the summer as well as warm in the winter. It has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, which prevents wool items from getting smelly; it even has natural UV protection of up to 30. So if you invested in the knitted vest trend this winter, try styling your sleeveless woolies with bare legs.

Similarly, I love to wear linen – synonymous with summer – in winter, as its soft fibres are cosy against the skin and look lovely layered with knitwear. Gingham trousers look as great with a big coat, bobble hat and chunky ankle boots as they do with Birkenstocks and a white tee. And what could be an easier year-rounder than adding tights and a skinny roll neck to your favourite floral summer dress? Look for prints in darker colours and dresses with sleeves for easier cold-weather styling.

THE BUZZ OF THE summer calendar has begun… but for many of us this brings with it a huge dose of deliberation about what to wear. From wedding guest elegance to Ascot dress codes, polo practicality or just a good old summer’s picnic, the right accessories can make or break your outfit.

No tottering is your first rule! Don’t leave shoes until last. If anything, start with a great pair you’ve tried and tested, then continue the outfit from there. Block heels and espadrilles are a good starting point, or keep a natty pair of sandals in a handbag for emergencies. Do consider the terrain – high heels can sink in grass, gravel is a challenge – and do ponder how far you might have to walk from A to B. Will you be dancing? Are you travelling by public transport? Do you really want to change from trainers to heels?

Go big or go home? Or play it safe and stay stylish? There is no set rule but, mothers of the bride, you WILL be kissing a lot of guests hello, while those going racing will bump into friends you’ll want to greet. So beware huge wide-brim styles! Be prepared for all weathers and gusts of wind – avoid hats that don’t feel secure when you first try them. Ensure you have plenty of grips in your handbag.

Picture the scene… a perfect wedding, glass of fizz in one hand, phone in the other for snapping pictures. The speeches start and there’s a huge round of applause… and yet, no one can clap properly for fear of spilling their glass/dropping their sunglasses/squashing their canapé. So, opt for top-handle bags you can hang on your wrist or, even better, a drawstring pochette style. Hands-free in a totally elegant way. Finally, if you are struggling with whether to match your accessories to your outfit, just remember, nude is failsafe, yes, but better than that (and more interesting) are metallics. Rose gold, soft bronze and silver work just as well as nude, cream or white – and you’re more likely to wear them after the main event.