Looking forward to summer...

With most of us now eagerly awaiting the summer sun after England's recent spell of great weather, most of you will have shared the same thoughts with me - as the climate improves, how do we dress to keep cool and still look 'cool'?

Having lived in Spain for the past year, this has been a real issue for me as the temperatures soar to almost 40 degrees during the summer months! I find myself rummaging through my wardrobe longing to layer my clothes to suit my body shape, as I would usually, but disavowing every outfit possibility and instead gravitating towards the lightest, and probably least flattering, item of clothing possible.

So as we approach spring, or begin to head off on our Easter and summer holidays, how do we dress appropriately without sacrificing style? It tends to be that as the temperatures rise, so do the hemlines. If you'd rather keep your legs under cover and are looking for something that offers 'breathability', a maxi skirt or dress is a great way to cover up but still stay chic. Their versatility makes them a great option for when the weather warms up and best of all, they are designed to suit almost all shapes and sizes. Pair up a maxi skirt with a simple white top to reflect the heat and add a thin belt for extra shape. Next has a fantastic range of both skirts and dresses in varying colours and patterns.

Pretty pastels are a perfect way to refresh your wardrobe this season! Spring and summer collections are awash with a palette of powder blue, soft pink, spearmint and yellow, from dresses and blazers to accessories. Pastel shades help to deflect the sun's rays and pale hues such as mint green and lavender are a great alternative to white. Check out the pastel collection on the ASOS page using the keyword 'pastel' in the search bar.

As we all know, finding something comfortable to wear in the hotter season depends largely on fabric choice. Opting for cotton allows body heat to escape and is soft and breathable. Linen is ideal for absorbing perspiration and is durable, yet cool and comfortable. A lightweight denim is also a popular choice for the slightly more bearable, balmy evenings! Again, Next has a large range of stylish items in these materials, including these tapered cotton/linen blend trousers.

And finally... the arduousness of accessorizing in the summer season! A hat is the key way to keep the sun off your face and head-wear is the hottest accessory trend for summer, adding an extra touch of style to any outfit. Straw stetsons, woven trilbys and floppy brimmed sun hats teamed with a simple dress is a great look and Accessorize and New Look have a wide online selection at excellent prices. A low, open toe wedge or embellished flat sandal also enables you to stay cool and feel comfortable but still adds impact to your outfit. I love these Zara Jute wedges, although they are a little high for everyday wear!

And one last tip: If, like me, wearing make-up in the sun can sometimes feel like an extra layer of clothing, remember to opt for a tinted moisturiser instead of foundation! 

Signing off for today from guest blogger...Freya Jane, I'll be back!