4 white maxi dresses to rule summer in

Summer in the city can be a thing of cruelty (Central line = *shudder*). But if your weekend plans call for brunch in the sun, keep your cool in a light column dress with barely there straps. Loose fitting but with a dressy feel, add white sneaks and oversized shades for a contrasting finish.

Wear it at the weekend, pack it for a holiday or pull it on as a beach cover-up – Elle Fanning’s shirred bandeau dress has some serious summer mileage. But remember, it’s a blank canvas. So keep the accessories interesting: think sleek sliders, a cross-body bag and some tinted shades.

For your fancier ‘dos (garden parties, big birthdays etc), Poppy Delevingne has the right idea with an ankle-grazing broderie anglaise gown. Things that immediately up the ante? Oh-so-pretty cap sleeves, cut-out detailing and tiered skirting. Oh, and some cutesy platform heels.