What to wear to every type of summer occasion

When the weather is glorious, there’s no better place to be than celebrating in the sun with friends. Ginnie Chadwyck-Healey, a fashion consultant and presenter, is an authority on how to tackle the semi-formal occasions that fill our diaries come summer. Here, she shares her tried-and-trusted tips.

When you’re invited to a barbecue lunch or a smart afternoon get-together, ‘looking overdressed is far better than adopting a casual approach,’ says Ginnie. ‘Generally, it’s better to smarten up rather than downplay the day.’ Look to floaty, floral dresses or jumpsuits and espadrille wedges (a saviour when it comes to grassy terrain). These are pieces you can wear again and again. If the party goes on into the evening, pack a square scarf to knot across your shoulders to fend off any chills.

‘Look for something that will cover your shoulders in church,’ advises Ginnie. A dress with ruffled sleeves offers ample coverage if you don’t want to go for full sleeves – but don’t overlook a jumpsuit. An all-in-one is a savvy choice as you won’t feel restricted should you end up running around with the little guests.

If the party venue is more informal, Ginnie suggests opting for minimal jewellery. ‘A good tip I’ve learned is that details such as pussy-bow collars mean you don’t need a necklace. Similarly, a floral headband or bright adornment in the hair means you can pare down your jewellery. So if you are travelling and don’t want to take valuables, such details work a treat.’

Betting or not, there’s little opportunity to sit down when you’re at the races. ‘Shoes that fully support your feet are the first port of call,’ says Ginnie, who recently spent five days hosting the Style segment at Royal Ascot. ‘Comfort is key to looking and feeling great, standing taller and lasting the day. Grass can be tricky so choose a shoe you can walk in that won’t get stuck in mud.’

The solution lies in block heels, and luckily there is plenty of choice when it comes to varying styles, heel heights and finishes. Once you’ve chosen your footwear, it becomes much easier to compose an outfit. Why not consider fluid co-ords, such as a pastel suit or printed separates, which will enjoy a second lease of life when worn separately into autumn?

Choosing a dress or an all-in-one for a wedding is surprisingly easy – it’s the extras that can make your outfit, especially if the weather’s changeable. Ginnie suggests a dress with long sleeves if you feel the cold. ‘It will avoid the need for a jacket, which can sometimes detract from the elegance and prettiness of a dress,’ she says.

Block-colour styles can be refreshed in a multitude of ways throughout the season with chunky necklaces and a change of footwear. Or, look to a printed maxi style that could be worn with trainers after the event.

Worried about coming across a fellow guest in the same outfit? ‘Laugh it off,’ says Ginnie. ‘Don’t compare yourself, just embrace the fact that someone you don't know clearly has the same good taste as you!’