Summer fashion essentials

The shoulder bag

Actually forget the Harley, we'd rather have a Mulberry.

Black Mulberry Hayden, £495, My Wardrobe

The harem pant

We're still loving animal print - and the good news is, it works all year round. Just be sure to keep the rest of your outfit simple.

Sleeveless blouse, £30 and zebra harem pants, £35, and earrings, £12, Wallis

The sunglasses

Update your look with a pair of fabulous sunglasses from ace designer, Alexander Wang.

Metal frame sunglasses, £162, Alexander Wang at Linda Farrow

The maxi dress

For that special occasion, slip into a seventies-inspired maxi dress. Swap platforms for metallic flats if it's a day-long affair.

Sukura maxi dress, £130 and pearl necklace, £12 both French Connection

The best clogs

Wooden heels are hot, hot, hot at the moment. Wear with jeans, chinos and jumpsuits.

Ninjin £160, Scholl for Fashionistas at Kurt Geiger

The sexy jumpsuit

And talking of jumpsuits...opt for a slinky nude style et voila! Two trends, one outfit.

Silk jumpsuit, £55, Limited Collection at Marks & Spencer

The waist-cinching belt

Add curves to any outfit with this gorgeous, studded belt.

Italian leather studded belt, £59, Jigsaw

The jersey dress

A sassy jersey dress will take you from conference call to cocktails in an instant.

Multi drape dress, £211, Vivienne Westwood at My Wardrobe

Smart shorts, peep toe heels and crochet socks. We're loving the NW3 collection from Hobbs.

Boyfriend jacket, £169, bow top, £69, linen shorts, £79, bag, £149, crochet peep toe shoe, £189, and crochet socks, £5 all Hobbs

The denim jacket

And don't forget for cool summer evenings you'll need a go-anywhere denim jacket.

Denim jacket, £26 and rose print maxi dress, Next

The hippest jeans

Double up and team the jacket with your new boyfriend jeans. We can't wait for Levi's new boyfriend jeans to hit the stores.

Slim boyfriend 501 jeans, £90-£100 (two colour washes available), Levi's. In stores August/September

The hi-tops

Leave Converse to the Camerons, we've moved onto hi-tops this summer!

Canvas hi top, £89, at Comptoir des Cotonniers (020 7792 9580)