Fashion: Hit the beach, baby

Clothes under pounds 40, fit for a heatwave

Readers, this is our last summer story of the year as autumn begins, sartorially speaking, next week. And I'm leaving you with slightly frivolous buys for the beach, because if this sticky, Streetcar Named Desire weather continues, I think the beach may be the only place to go. But the seaside isn't all about bikinis: most of us look for some cheap and cheerful basics to cover up with while we're there. Everything on these pages (save for the one indulgence of a silk sarong) is less than pounds 40, so it's not the end of the world if you leave it there. If you still want to stay fashionable (although I really think you should give yourselves a break), the key pieces are the print T-shirt inspired by that shown on the catwalk by Stella McCartney for Chloe, and a visor (with wrist bands for the very dedicated). If you live in London, a great place to visit for last-minute summer buys is Urban Outfitters on Kensington High Street (opposite the old Barker's building). Here you can pick up great little gypsy tops and mad multi-coloured flip flops for a tenner. And if you plan on paddling, get to John Lewis's children's department for jelly sandals which go up to an adult size five and cost less than pounds 4.

Clockwise from top left:

Lilac tunic (sizes 8-16), pounds 34.99, Oasis, 292 Regent Street, London W1 (tel: 01865 881986).

Pink vest (sizes s-l), pounds 30, French Connection, 249 Regent Street, London W1. 14-16 St Ann Street, Manchester (tel: 0171 399 7200). Purple silk sarong (one size), pounds 150, Clarissa Hulse (mail order: 0171 375 1456).

Palm print T-shirt (sizes s-l), pounds 35, Giant, Selfridges, Oxford Street, London W1. Giant, 131 Buchanan Street, Glasgow (tel: 0171 255 3007). Denim shorts (sizes 8-14), pounds 35, Miss Sixty, 39 Neal Street, London WC2 (tel: 0171 700 6470). Sun visor, pounds 32, Diesel, 43 Earlham Street, London WC2 (tel: 0171 833 2255).

Pink print top (sizes s-l), pounds 40, Diesel, 43 Earlham Street, London WC2 (tel: 0171 833 2255).

Khaki drawstring top (sizes 6-16), pounds 16.99, Soft Grey, La Redoute (mail order/enquiries: 0500 777 777). White cheesecloth drawstring trousers (sizes 8-14), pounds 22.50, code: 0945 (mail order: 0171 737 7557).

The Independent on Sunday team stayed at the Grand Lido Negril, on the west coast of Jamaica. The resort is set on a two-mile crescent of white sand in 22 acres of grounds. For further information on all inclusive holidays call SuperClubs on 01749 677200.