Resident Style Director Jade Sprowson answers this week’s pressing fashion questions.
Q.) I’ve got a work-outfit dilemma. It’s hot so I want to bare my legs, but I want to be modest too. I want to avoid anything too girly, like full midi-skirts and nothing to figure hugging like pencil dresses. Can you suggest anything?
A.) Two words: shirt dress. It’s timeless, classy, hot-weather friendly and super-chic. Belt it up to show off your waist, opt for knee-length hemlines to keep it suitable for the office and choose lightweight fabrics such as silk or 100 per cent cotton to keep cool.
Main image: Banana Republic S/S14; Top right: Silk loose fit shirt dress Dhs1,025 See by Chloé at theoutnet.com; Bottom right: Print shirt dress Dhs550 Karen Millen
Q.) Is it true, are Birkenstocks on trend again?
A.) Yes, yes and yes. I can clarify as a born-again wearer of the sensible footwear staple. Wear the double-strap in black or white with everything from leather skirts to floaty chiffon dresses and city-slicker culottes. Treat them like your ballet flat, as they really do look cool worn with pretty much everything.
Arizona sandal Dhs305 Birkenstock at asos.com
Q.) I’m going on safari in South Africa this summer, what can I buy that’s warm, stylish and that I’ll wear again?
A.) Going on safari will see you jump aboard a Jeep in the early-hours of the morning. Fight that chill with a cosy cashmere cardigan – it’s thin enough to roll up in your day-bag for when the sun is blazing. Slip on Birkenstocks (see above) for easy footwear and wear silk trousers for extra comfort.
Fine-knit cashmere cardigan Dhs4,000 Donna Karan at net-a-porter.com
Utility trousers Dhs230 Topshop
