Summery Bits

With heat waves predicted to become a more common feature of the Irish climate, creating an effective summer wardrobe is more important than ever. As much as we look forward to hot weather, many of us break out in a sweat just thinking about what to wear.

With limited sunshine in recent years we haven’t had much opportunity to master our summer style. We naturally buy fewer items for weather we experience less, so when the sun finally braves the sky it can feel like we’ve nothing to wear. After winter, we’re attracted to colourful new stock like bees to a flower but bright shades and bold patterns can be difficult for soft Irish complexions to pull off.

The good news is that you don’t have to abandon your signature style on hot days. Dressing appropriately for the weather is more about fabric. Mediterranean women wear block khaki, navy and black in lighter fabrics such as cotton and linen in the height of summer and always look very convincing.

With the level of self-maintenance involved in tanning, exfoliating, moisturising, shaving, waxing and pedicures it’s a wonder we ever disrobe! Showing off bare legs is especially a challenge but there are plenty of inexpensive options to help you feel the part. Dunnes Stores sheer sandal-toe tights are available in a number of natural finishes at just €3.00, and Sally Hansen leg make-up helps skin to look toned and flawless for under €15.00. Treat sandals with high ankle-straps, three-quarter length trousers and midi-length hemlines with caution as they can appear to widen and shorten the leg. To create the illusion of longer legs wear low-cut ballet flats or court shoes in nude or tan.