Cool under the collar

This summer, the shirtdress is the easiest thing to wear. It's no longer a matter of borrowing oversize men's shirts, worn billowing over leggings. The latest crop are cool and elegant - just the thing to show off a light tan

Above

Lilac suede shirtdress, pounds 350, by Scooter, from Way-In at Harrods, Knightsbridge, London SW1; white satin ankle-strap shoes, pounds 185, by Christian Louboutin,

19 Rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Paris 75001, mail order 00-331-42-36-05- 31

Opposite page

Lilac fine cotton shirtdress with double cuffs and embroidery detail on hem, pounds 235, by Paul Smith Women, 40 Floral Street, Covent Garden, London WC2

Photographer Garth Meyer

Stylist Emma Sanchez

Make-up Alan Milroy for Faces

Hair Siegfried for Atlantis

Model Melanie Karch from Marilyn Gauthier Below

Off-white cotton drill shirt with button-back short sleeves, and button- down military breast pocket, pounds 125, by Equipment, 21 Sloane Street, London SW1; stockist inquiries, 0171-629 4774; fuschia satin slingbacks, pounds 165, by Christian Louboutin, as before

Opposite page

Eau-de-nil cotton drill dress, buttoned to waist with two pockets on hips, pounds 75, by APC, 124 Draycott Avenue, London SW3