girl with sunglassesSummer is just around the corner and although the weather is a bit hit and miss, we can still be excited about the prospect of some long, hot summer days to look forward to. For me, summer is the best time of year. Instead of wrapping up in multiple layers every day I get to pull on a sun dress and a pair of heels for the office. So if you are looking forward to summer too, here is my list of must-have items for making the most of the good weather.

A Decent Pair of Shades

It wouldn’t be summer without a cool pair of designer shades to protect your eyes from the glare. Everyone has their own favourite brand of sunglasses but I love French Connection sunglasses because they are stylish and not too expensive.

Pair of Strappy Sandals

I always keep a pair of strappy sandals under my desk at work. They look good with just about any summer outfit and if you get invited out to lunch, a pair of sandals will dress up a plain work outfit brilliantly.

Cute Wedges

Every girl needs a pair of super cute wedges to take her from a day on the beach to a date in a restaurant. Canvas wedges in bright floral prints are the perfect accessory for summer shift dresses, maxis or denim cut-offs. You can wear a pair of wedges to a festival, shopping with your girlfriends or a date with your man. That’s how versatile they are.

A Stylish Beach Bag

There are some fabulous bags in the shops and if you want a bang up to the minute cross body tribal purse, you will be spoilt for choice. But for the beach, a super spacious carryall is a much better choice. My favourite is a cheap straw bag I picked up in Spain, but anything light, bright and colourful is perfect.

A Gorgeous Bikini

As soon as the sun comes out I’m in my bikini soaking up the rays. I have a big selection of bikinis for sunbathing in my back garden, but I prefer to splash out on a really good quality bikini or six for my annual summer holiday in Ibiza. It is important to look good on the beach, so I usually look for on-trend designs that my favourite celebrities have been photographed in. After all, I want to look my best on Facebook.

Denim Cut-Offs

Denim cut-offs are my must-have garment for this year. I always wear my comfy denim cut-off shorts to festivals because they look great with a little white camisole top and a pair of hunter wellies. They also look super-hot with a skin tight t-shirt. I call that one my ‘Lara Croft’ look.

A Bit of Bling

Every girl needs a bit of bling in her wardrobe. Chunky bracelets and tribal necklaces are perfect for summer outfits. I pick up a lot of my jewellery from charity shops, but if you want to spend more, that’s cool.

Let’s keep our fingers crossed for a hot, dry summer this year – or a pair of wellies will be high on my must-have list yet again.