Model turned writer and cook, Sophie Dahl, gives her tips on utilising a capsule summer wardrobe.During the summer there's something so lovely about being able to wear fun clothing that you can't get away with in the winter. There's such an ease with dressing and it is really your chance to be bold. You can pick up dresses from a market with crazy prints and still look great. I've got a strawberry-printed dress that comes out every year. But I only started enjoying summer dressing as an adult; I used to dread it as a teenager because I'm so pale. All my friends would go golden brown while I would be shoved under a tree with a bottle of factor-50 lotion by someone's concerned mum.

If you don't want to wear dresses in the summer, you could try my favourite look: a pair of loose denim shorts - I have a pair from Paul & Joe ( cbamd.com ) from years ago - with an oversized men's cotton shirt and sandals. Big cotton shirts are my summer staples, as they are comfortable, flattering and so easy to wear. Be careful with denim shorts, however, as you don't want anything too fitted if you're of a certain age. I have some very short denim shorts that should probably go into retirement. I lived in New York for 10 years and would always admire the amazing women who would go to fashion shows with bare legs and a short dress - even in the snow. I could never be like that, especially with pale skin: my legs would look like corned beef.

Jack Rogers' 'Navajo' sandals (available from cbamd.com ) are another of my staples; they come out every summer. One good pair is perfect, as you can wear them during the day with shorts and a T-shirt and in the evening with a soft, wafty dress. One pair of ballet flats are great, too - I get mine from French Sole - as they work well with jeans.
POST: 2026-08-26