Paula says …

The barbeques are still going, the gazebos are still up and we’re ever optimistic that will be eating and drinking al fresco until the end of September.

Dressing for summer parties can be fraught with fashion decisions, especially if they are planned to be outside. Here are a few ideas for those stuck in a party rut!

• The fail-safe maxi dress. Covers a multitude of sins and can be dressed up or down, these dresses work for ladies of any size and age. Good for air circulation underneath if it’s really hot and looks gorgeous with high-heeled sandals, wedges or flat sandals alike. Dress it up with a huge collar necklace and if it’s nippy and you’re going to be outside, wear with a cropped jacket (denim or cotton).

• Get racy with some lacy. Whether you fancy a lace top, skirt (or both) or a dress, lace is super on trend this year as never before. I am in love with the lace two-pieces at Zara. You can wear them together for a matchy look or have two versatile pieces for your summer wardrobe to wear with other things.

• Prints. Go crazy and mix them up. Bright skirts or tailored trousers with different prints on your top. Just keep to similar colour hues so as not to frighten onlookers. You can tone it all down with a blazer, tailored jacket or tux.

• Most importantly, have fun! Fashion doesn’t have to be serious and the more fun you have, the more confident you’ll be. And there is nothing more fashionable than a confident woman.

“Over the years I have learned that what is important in a dress is the woman who is wearing it.”

Yves Saint-Laurent