Summer cover-ups

Some of us are body conscious and are not about to spend the summer with bare arms, tums or anything else for that matter. Covering up is also necessary when the heat of the sun is too strong.

Here are some suggestions for modest summer dressing.

Cover your rear

Kimonos are now very fashionable. This might seem a strange choice but actually a long kimono-style silk coat is the perfect cover-up for summer evenings.

Plus, they look lovely over dresses for summer parties and weddings. The style streamlines one’s middle to make one look and feel slimmer.

Brands to buy from: look at vintage websites and high street brands such as cosstores.com and uk.monsoon.co.uk that offer a more alternative style of clothing

Cover your arms

Shrugs and shawls are go to pieces if worried about how upper arms look. Very short shrug-style cardigans are now available that just cover the upper part of the shoulders and arms and won’t make one too warm.

For day, a striped large scarf shawl can also be draped on; for a stylish evening look then opt for a fringed Spanish-style shawl.

Brands to buy from: marisota.co.uk; very.co.uk

6 easy ways to cover your arms in summer

Cover your chest

Sometimes covering a décolletage is required as one is attending a formal event but often the chest is an area of concern due to sun spots or lines.

The key is to opt for round-neck and not V-neck styles, plus cool linen shirts also hide all manner of worries for summer.

Blouses with Princess collars are having a moment too but these only work on ladies with small chests.

Brands to buy from: boden.co.uk; johnlewis.com

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Cover your legs

The best alternative to those that prefer to not wear shorts is culottes, khaki trousers or palazzo trousers.

Culottes are on trend again for this season, and palazzo trousers are a great stylish alternative for evenings – plus if you are in foreign climes they will help keep the mozzies away.

Or of course you can always opt for a maxi dress, or a jumpsuit.

Brands to buy from: yoursclothing.co.uk; asos.com

How to make the jumpsuit work for you

Cover-up summer coat

The Duster coat has come back around again and it is perfect for the British summer when weather can be unpredictable. It is practical, lightweight, outerwear fashion.

Similar to a trench coat but unbuttoned and looser, it is a key essential for a British summer holiday wardrobe. It will also keep you covered from head to toe (nearly).

Brands to buy from: laredoute.co.uk; wallis.co.uk

Expert advice on summer cover-ups

Georgina Davies, personal shopper and stylist from brightonstylist.co.uk says“There is a huge trend at the moment for nightwear worn as daywear and there are some stunning kimono style wraps around. There are some gorgeous prints available and they are quite often silk so perfect for a summer cover up.

“A loose cotton shirt in a chambray style is also a chic cover-up option as they come down mid-thigh and hide arms.”