You know it's hot when....

This week has given us the first very taste of Summer. There were more joggers soaking up the morning sun, more people with an extra spring in their step as they made their daily commute. I, for one, was feeling good. As Nina Simone once sang, 'Sun in the sky, you know how I feel'. I also noticed a few key indicators clothes wise that confirmed, yep, we have reached a turning point in the British weather. How many have you seen?

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1. Sunglasses come out. Even if you're travelling underground. What better excuse to hide those late night bags. Ray Ban's are packed in handbags. Or rather, propped on heads, ready to be worn at every opportunity.

2. White shirts are totally a thing. As we all know, black absorbs the heat. White reflects the rays. Plus, it makes you look kind of effervescent and luminous.

3. The tights come off. So long the days of having to wear tights with that cute dress/skirt. Bare leg season is making a come-back for another year. Pass the razor.

4. As do socks. Which means one thing...hello sandals! From gladiator sandals to espadrailles to open-toe ones, it's time to invest in some new shoes. Either that, or dig out last year's pair.

5. Brighter colours. Somehow, sun solicits wearing brighter colours. Perhaps it's the mood-boosting serotonin (those 'happy hormones') that mean we are more likely to pick that orange top over the grey one.

6. Cardigans draped over shoulders. I love - repeat, love - this look. It is so dainty, so Audrey Hepburn, so goddam summery. Take Alexa Chung's cue below...

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7. Sports wear? Now includes shorts. Forget wearing long leggings for that gym session/run/work-out. Hello, short shorts. Goodbye, chances of a 2018 work-out video.

8. Coats go into hibernation. Trench coats, faux-fur coats, padded coats, gilets.....Archive them as easy as that annoying Whattsapp conversation.

9. Patterns! Just like brighter colours, people tend to choose more patterns when the sun is out. Yesterday alone I spotted: sea shells, oranges, flowers and (I think) monkeys. Really.

10. Smiles. Okay, not technically clothes but as the saying goes, 'The prettiest thing you can wear is a smile' - especially in the sunshine, who could argue with that.

Now to get back outside....sunglasses at the ready.

Top of the crops

The crop top is a love/hate item for most women. Wear it right and it can be oh so chic. Wear it after that three course meal and the bloat is real. Now the weather is (finally!) returning to normality, the sight of Spring - and indeed Summer - is less dream than reality. And that means it's well and truly time to dig out those mid-driff skimming tops. Hurrah.

When it comes to crop tops, there's no one way to style them. These are my favourite options.

Look 1: Classic crop top + high-waisted skirt.

Quite possibly the easiest way to style a crop top. Just find a skirt that'll do the trick. If out for a classy or formal evening, opt for a longer skirt. Pleated versions or the A-line skirt (which made a comeback last year) work nicely. Otherwise, a shorter skirt presents a more relaxed look, perfect for day outings.

Look 2: With 'mom' jeans. 

A bit more chilled. A crop top worn with wider mom jeans looks effortlessly stylish - and is incredibly easy to do too. Pair with chunky belt and oversized shades for major Jessica Alba just nipped to the supermarket vibes.

Look 3: Go quirky with trousers.

And patterned trousers at that. The top just acts as a complimentary piece during this look, so keep it plain and simple. Choose bold printed trousers and let them do the talking. [Click here for some flared options] Feeling more brave? Choose matching crop top/trouser for a high-fashion catwalk look.

Look 4: Under dungarees. 

This is a wonderful way of styling the crop top, because it exposes your torso only from the side allowing a subtle flash of skin. Think denim dungarees worn with a Breton top underneath. Picnic outfit, sorted. Just match with flat pumps or espadrilles for cute, girl-next-door style.

All images, Pinterest