Chic list: My steps to summer heaven

The summer season is in full swing – with race meetings, Wimbledon, garden parties and work dos all on the sunny horizon. So here’s my guide to surviving the social swirl unscathed – and what style traps to avoid falling into face first…

1. Read the dress code on the invitation. This might sound obvious but I recently went to a black-tie charity ball where a few women arrived in day dresses rather than full-length gowns. 

Nothing wrong with a day dress, but when the invitation says black tie, it means it. Those who got it wrong spent their evening looking like bunnies caught in the headlights and kept their coats on during the champagne reception.

2. If you’d rather be at home with the remote, take the advice of those in the know and start in the middle of the party. Arrive about an hour in, looking your finest, and drop one or two memorable quips. 

Make sure you take a position where your bosses or host can see you – then, when you’ve had enough, make a ‘French exit’. That’s pretending you’re off to the loo then slipping out of the door without a single goodbye. Everyone will assume you stayed for hours but you’re really at home in your cosy bed.

3. Invest in a few quality pieces to mix in with your existing wardrobe. A blouse or shirt, a midiskirt and a trouser suit are a holy trio to see you through.

4. Update old favourites with a good blow-dry, a bright lip and an eye-catching pair of statement earrings or a necklace. They’ll make everything feel shiny and new again. 

Zara, Completedworks and Soru are some of my favourite go-tos for party bling. Your top half will look so good, guests will hardly notice your lower half.

5. Stick to my three golden party rules. I don’t do cold (always bring a jacket if you’re unsure); I don’t drink bad wine, and I have to be able to walk or stand for a long time in my chosen shoes.

6. Make a wardrobe wish list on your favourite sites. It’s an excellent way of ensuring you’ve got some ideas if you need something new in a hurry. Mine is always as long as my arm! I’m currently eyeing up a summer zigzag basket from Sensi Studio.

7. Keep checking your favourite preloved sites, where you could buy something new and current for a lot less. Recently I found a Christopher Kane black feathered cocktail dress for a fraction of the price on Vestiaire Collective.

@thestylistandthewardrobe

@youmagazine

WHAT A CINCH 

I saw this stylish rope belt round Stelar founder Lorna Watson’s dress at a recent event. Working directly with artisans in Bali, Watson has also collaborated with Bamford this summer to create some covetable basket bags.

Belt, £95, thisisstelar.com

Sandals, £169, arket.com

 WALK ON SUNSHINE 

With summer comes the need for gold sandals. The joy of metallic footwear is that it’s effortlessly chic and goes with everything in your wardrobe. These ones from Arket have the bonus of a block heel. No thinking required.

ONES TO WATCH 

Angelina Jolie has announced that she’s developing a fashion collection that will be called Atelier Jolie. Garments will be produced by a global network of professionals, refugees and artisans 

Angelina Jolie is working on her new fashion range Atelier Jolie. She plans to collaborate with a global network of tailors, pattern makers, refugees and artisans to produce garments. 

Elsewhere designer Phoebe Philo is expected to debut her namesake brand in September.