Dresses don’t need to be “dressy”. While frocks are my first choice for formal occasions, there are plenty of casual, comfortable and practical dresses that can be worn to work and play every day.

Day dresses are best…

• in durable, casual fabrications like thick cottons, jersey knits and viscose blends
• in A-line silhouettes because they allow you to stride feely. Straighter styles restrict your movement. 
• when they cover up enough of your upper body that you don’t feel exposed.

The best thing about a dress is that you can slip it on with a pair of shoes and possibly one accessory and you’re done. You don’t need to worry about layering, mixing-and-matching or pulling clothing straight. If you can get your head around the fact that dresses needn’t be saved for special occasions, you’ll enjoy them as another practical daily ensemble (especially when it’s hot). Pretty pear body types look particularly good in A-line frocks and should make the most of our dress season this Summer.

An assortment of A-line day dresses in jersey and cotton from Macy’s and Dillard’s.

Colourful plastic or patent watches are in line with this seasons’ bright accessory trend. Fun and functional, sporty watches are great items for making a statement in a casual way. Price ranges vary from $49 to $400 depending on the brand. They’re ideal for Summer when forearms are bare and colours are cheerful. And don’t think that you need to match the colour of your watch to your outfit. You don’t. Like a pair of specs or sunglasses, watches are a statement piece all on their own.

Some favourites, ranging from sophisticated (Marc Jacobs, top left) to athletic (Adidas, bottom right).

By answering a few simple questions, Zafu.com will “find the perfect jeans for you”. I had read about this site in InStyle magazine and decided to give them a bash. I was skeptical, but to my surprise their recommendations for my body type were rather accurate. Their comprehensive recommendations covered 3 brands and cuts of denim that I actually have hanging in my cupboard. If you are at a complete loss when it comes to buying the best jeans for your body type, try this completely free site. It’s frustrating to try on jeans for hours and feel like you’re never going to get a pair that fit. Zafu narrows down the search before you’ve stepped into a store and that’s fab.

Whether you wear a two-piece or one-piece bathing costume (swimsuit, or “cozzie”), a classy cover-up is essential. It’s stylish to conceal when you head out for a snack at a beach restaurant or poolside bar. There are plenty of slip-on coverage options that’ll have you looking both alluring and appropriate.

• Sarongs and Pareos are simple wraps that tie at the waist and cover the tummy and thigh area. It’s my favourite choice on a very hot day.
• Slip dresses are mini frocks that slip over the head. Empire, halter and strapless styles are most common.
• Tunics and Kaftans remind me of St. Tropez and the Bahamas. These collarless long sleeved tops are made of flimsy fabrics and are usually embellished or exotic in pattern.
• Tie front tops or robes are made of jersey knit, terry cloth or crinkle cotton and have some sort of front tie detail.
• Board shorts or cropped pants are much like surfing shorts and yoga pants. They’re probably the most practical option if you intend to do lots of walking.

A great cozzie can last for years and changing your cover-up is an excellent way of renewing it’s look.

Top row: kaftan, cropped knitted pants, tie-front top and halter slip dress.
Bottom row: sarong and tunics.