Tea-time

Dress: £38, Asos. Sunglasses: £98 with prescription lenses, Bailey Nelson. Sandals: £135 in the sale, LK Bennett. Tubular earrings: £20, French Connection. Photographs: Christopher O’Donnell

I’ve never been one for a tea dress, they always felt too girly, too short, too low-cut and just not me. But I saw this frill sleeve shirt dress last week and thought ‘this I could do’. The long sleeves are perfect for those like me who get a bit chilly as soon as the sun disappears behind a cloud for even a minute or two, and they make it feel less done and easier to wear. There’s something underdressed I like about it, plus the colours are that little bit autumnal so will take me through the awkward warm September when we buy coats but can’t actually wear them.

Yes, it’s a little short but as I’m a total anomaly in the fact my legs are the first to tan and last to fade, I’m getting them out when I can. And it’s in the fashion Highway code, if you’re covered up top, go all out with the bottom half (or something like that). The earrings are my little nod to next season, I’ve been wearing the same H Samuel mini rose gold hoops everyday for the last 2 years and thought it was time for something new. The new styles are shoulder grazing and add a bit of oomph to even a t-shirt (plus the High Street have picked up on it big time, so a double yes from me).

Dress: £38, Asos. Sunglasses: £98 with prescription lenses, Bailey Nelson. Sandals: £135 in the sale, LK Bennett. Tubular earrings: £20, French Connection.