There’s no denying it – the muggy summer heat is upon us, and even here in Blighty, there are days when I can’t even go out into the garden without breaking into a sweat. Every year we have a new crop of summer trend articles to tell us what’s in this season (hint: usually a combination of safari prints, nautical themes, and neons or brights), but which one of those are actually worth following?

First and most important, let’s not forget hats. Wouldn’t the world be a nicer place if we all wore hats? I have no evidence to prove either way, so I’m going to go with a hearty YES. The boho trend is big this year, and big, floppy hats look absolutely gorgeous paired with floaty summer tops – think cream fabrics, lace and embroidery. I, on the other hand, like to err on the more formal side of the hat equation!

Of course, you can also channel the ‘floppy hat’ trend into something a bit more formal too – go for a stiffer material, and something with a darker colour, like this hat from Hobbs I wore to the Coronation Festival at Buckingham Palace:

The other great love of my (fashion) life is nautical style, especially Breton tops. These stripy sailor tops have been in fashion since Coco Chanel translated them from peasant garb to couture in the early years of the last century. They’ve been catapulted into the spotlight recently by some high profile appearances in the wardrobe of the Duchess of Cambridge. Kate has been spotted wearing ME + EM’s Breton tops in both white on navy and cobalt on white – it might not be on the runways this year, but you can always count on a Breton top to take you through the seasons year after year. I love J.Crew’s St James top (here) and Joules’ Harbour tops (here), while the ME+EM tops are available here.

Finally, if it’s shoes you’re after, don’t forget that the ghost of ’70s fashion is still haunting the runways. You can channel this with some cool wooden effect wedges – perfect for summer, easy to walk in, and not so ’70s that the ghost of Farrah Fawcett will rise up and snatch them off your feet…

I love these two part closed wedges from Next – and if you wait until Saturday, they’ll be half price in the sale!

What’s your favourite summer trend this year?

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