Summer Days, Driftin’ Away - Whoo-ah, Those Summer Nights

Whether it's the weather driving everyone outdoors, or that left-over-from-school-days vacation feeling, but summer always seems to have more events to dress for, and a wider variety, than winter. Sure, autumn/winter brings us Halloween, Guy Fawkes (if you're English), Thanksgiving (if you're American), all those Christmas parties, New Year, Valentine's, et al. (Um, that's actually quite a lot...)

But - Halloween aside, when clothes should be put aside in favour of a spooky costume, no exceptions - I feel winter's looks fall into two categories: Glamorous or Cosy. It-s either a jean-knit-flats combo, or a red dress-metallic shoe-diamante look.

Summer, on the other hand... there's picnics to be had, days at the beach and days at the funfair, days sat in beer gardens, nights sat in pubs (which is the same as the previous option but how many beer gardens are there in jam-packed cities like London and NYC? C'mon), long country walks, punting and boating, camping holidays, fun dates... Where winter sees me refusing to venture out into the cold unless a taxi and dinner is involved, in summer I'll happily rarely set foot in the house.

But oh - what to wear? Here are three looks that can be adapted for a number of different summertime occasions.

Cute Outdoors: Sandy Olssen

Perhaps you're dating a Riley Fynn type who wants to take you on a picnic, or maybe you've decided to go rowing with your friensd. Plus don't forget, summer tis the season of festivals, you can't get much more outdoors than a festival. This year I'm camping at the Hay-on-Wye literary festival in Wales, and I think this look will work as well there as on the aforementioned picnic dates.



Printed dress, $48 Urban Outfitters; Necklace, $290 Wright and Teague; Wellingtons, $60 Peter Storm; Sunglasses, $30 Topshop; 10 powder, $26 Benefit; Hypnose perfume, $60 Lancome.

Yes, I'd wear these wellies on a date! Look if it's good enough for Kate Moss...actually, judging by Pete, lots of bad things are good enough for Kate, so let's leave that argument. Um, the wellies/dress combo is great for festivals and super-outdoorsy occasions; you can throw a pair of cute flip-flops in your tote for hot days and lounging. 10 powder will fake a summer glow, whilst the scent I've chosen is light and fresh without being bland.

Sophisticate: Marty Maraschino

Spring/summer isn't always about bare-faced, bare-foot, mud'n'grass'n'beer chic (not that mud and beer are chic). Sometimes a little glamour is needed - for wine bar evenings rather than pubs, or maybe a business lunch or birthday.



Tulip dress, $69.50 Gap; Edith bowling bag, £1600 Chloe at Net-a-Porter; Rumeur, $90 Lanvin; Gold wedges, $820 Christian Louboutin from Net-a-Porter; Cocktail ring, $2300 Hannah Martin; Jacket, $550 Anglomania by Vivienne Westwood.

The dress is also available in black (up to size US20). The tulip silhouette is totally cute, especially combined with a neat cropped jacket - anything longer disrupts the line. Chic it up with high-end accessories like these fab gold wedges from Christian Louboutin - metallics are still in for summer - and an oversize leather bag. Top everything off with a blinging cocktail ring - cocktail rings are the new big sunglasses, y'all. I love the threat of violence in this one!

Tomboytastic: Stephanie Zinone

Yes, this season is all about the dress. Yes, 90% of my wardrobe has been given over to dresses in all styles. But sometimes a dress can be too, well, dressy. If you're going to be sat in a beer garden until well after the sun goes down, you'll catch a chill in a dress; and nothing says pub like a jean. I've also met a selection of handsome gentlemen recently, and occasionally I like to pretend I can cook. That way I can invite them to my abode on the pretext of dinner, and then partake of the convenience of both bed and sofa to make out with them. Cunning is my middle name. Actually, it's Olivia. But it says "cunning vixen" on my business cards. Is that fraudulent?

If you serve food whilst totally glammed up, boys tend to run away because you seem like a crazy person; but you don't want to look too dowdy and chained-to-the-kitchen-sink either. Casual is the watchword for this situation, and for summer itself.



Jean, $50 Gap; Sneaker, $40 Dunlop; Tank, $100 Stella McCartney for Adidas; Bangle, $63 Lily and Doreen; Lipstick Rose scent, $155 Frederic Malle; Floral ring, $120 Lola Rose.

The jeans are available up to size US20, and have a great fit - definitely not a dress jean but still sexy. Team with this sporty-yet-girly tank by Stella McCartney for Adidas (the perfect mix of girly designer and sportswear). I love the whole Stella/Adidas collection, it's all so cute, and totally wearable. Great sports looks and yet I've never worn them for sports... I would layer a Mike & Chris hoodie (the dernier cris of designer sweatshirts) over this look as well.

Casual enough for pints and Parcheesi at the pub; cute enough for eating in with your honey. This awesome bangle adds a splash of colour along with the sneakers. Finish off with a floral accent like this cocktail ring, for a touch of girliness, and scent . I love the sleek, minimalist design of this bottle, although the scent itself is sweeter than sweet - and a guaranteed man-magnet. Try Sui Dreams by Anna Sui if you're just out with your mates, for a less seductive scent!

This post has been brought to you by Why Has It Been Raining For Two Weeks Solid and Why Won't Summer Start, Already?