Our favourite summer looks: light, breezy and bright

Linen and cotton do the hard work

When the Gulf summer arrives, fabric matters more than anything else. Linen, cotton and cotton-viscose blends let the air move and dry quickly, so you stay comfortable between the car, the office and the mall. Look for wide-leg trousers, long shirts with side slits and loose midi dresses that skim rather than cling.

Keep the palette light: sand, white, sage and soft blue reflect the sun and are easy to mix. One pair of linen trousers can be worn with three different shirts across the week.

Layer lightly for cold interiors

Air-conditioned offices and malls can feel cold even in August. A thin open cardigan, a cotton kimono or an unlined blazer solves it without adding weight, and it is easy to carry when you step outside again.

Add colour with prints and accessories

Summer is the season for brighter prints: florals, small geometrics and tie-dye on a long shirt dress or a pleated skirt. If you prefer neutral clothes, bring in colour with a printed scarf, a straw tote or a pair of coloured sandals.

Evenings out

For dinners and family gatherings, swap cotton for a fluid satin or crepe in a deeper shade such as emerald, navy or terracotta. Add one statement piece of jewellery and you are ready to go.