Everyone Is Wearing White - How To Look Cool In A White Dress For Summer

There is something absolutely stunning about a white dress like there is with no other colour. With the on-set of a heat wave for the UK this summer it's going to be pretty important to know how to dress to be cool for sun-drenched days. There are some pitfalls when wearing white however, but here are some tips to ensure that you are looking your best ever.

Do I need a tan to wear white?

No, you don't need the all over bronzed appearance to look good in white, but nevertheless, a light golden tan does accentuate a white dress. If you are very fair with light blonde hair then white may make you look washed out, however, I love this sequined white dress on Nicole Kidman who is very fair skinned and a strawberry blonde.

What About White Dresses Being See-through?

Unfortunately some white fabrics are pretty see-through. I think this can add to the fun of a white dress with carefully chosen coloured underwear beneath, but you have to be very careful with your bottom half. It can be slightly off-putting to see the outline of a thong through the back of a dress. Test out the fabric before buying by running your hand up inside the dress and holding it up to the light - if you can see the colour of your hand through fabric you can guess what else will be visible when you are wearing it.

I Already Have A White Dress Which Is Too See-through - What Can I Do?

Remember those slips that your gran used to wear that she bought from Marks and Spencer - they still sell them, but they have been totally updated. A full body, silky slip will be perfect under a white, slightly see-through dress and a bit of lace poking out of the bottom of your hem only adds to the fun.

What Style Of Dress Should I Look For In White?

Unless you have the gorgeous, slim figure of Nicole pictured here, a tight white dress can be more than unflattering - look for one which flares, frills and flows - think more Marilyn Monroe style unless you want every bump and dimple to be on show.

What Colour Shoes Should I Wear With A White Dress?

Ideally not white as this is rather overkill - white dresses ideally suit sandals or super high heels. Match your dress to shoe colours such as brown, croc patterns, silver, bronze or metallic.

What Type of Jewellery Should I Wear With A White Dress?

Ideally simple jewellery - elegantly styled silver jewellery is perfect, but another great match which is perfect for holidays too is wooden jewellery such as bangles and pendants.

PS Just so everyone is aware it is the height of bad manners to wear a white dress to a wedding unless you are the bride - talk about trying to up-stage her!

Top Tips On How to Wear Stripes for Summer And Look Fantastic

If you have been looking at the fashions on the catwalks, which have cascaded down to the high-street stores, there is one heck of a lot of stripes around this season. Stripes can be fantastic, make a statement and look incredibly smart ... or they can turn a great outfit into one big mistake. Here are some tips on how to wear stripes with success.

Stripes - From The Catwalk To Everyday Wear

• On the catwalk this season designers mixed together thin and wide stripes or paired them up with floral patterns - this requires a designer touch and can be too complicated for everyday wear.
• For us normal beings, try wearing one striped item with a block colour matching item, eg a striped shirt or t-shirt with jeans or white trousers. For instance, I have a turquoise and light grey tunic t-shirt and this looks so summery with white pants and sandals.
• If you have striped pants (which can make you appear taller), team them with a plain top, ideally matching the colour of the top to one of the colours in the stripes.
• Look at this picture of Cameron - how cute is she in this horizontally striped dress, but as we know she has a gorgeous slim and slightly boyish figure so she can carry this off. If you are more curved around the hips you should avoid this type of stripe on skirts or dresses.
• Wearing classic shoes as Cameron has done with this dress gives a smart, formal look to the outfit which would not have happened if she had worn sandals.
• Try layering with striped tops, they look great under cropped jackets or cardigans in a solid colour which breaks up the stripes.
• Look for items in solid colours, which have striped trim, this is very stylish.
• Try the classic outfit of a well cut navy and white striped t-shirt or vest and pair it with either jeans or cropped cream pants and wedges for a fun, nautical look.
• For something different, look for items which incorporate diagonal stripes, which can be really flattering.
• Of course, if you want to add some American flavour, look for a cheeky bikini or shorts in a Stars and Stripes design.

"One week he's in polka-dots, the next week he's in stripes 'Cos he's a dedicated follower of fashion!" - Ray Davies, Lead Singer of The Kinks knows his stuff.