Woman in a red polka dot dress under white arches
by Aylin Hasanli -

One dress, three evenings

I bought this red polka dot dress in June and promised myself it would earn its place. Three evenings later, it has.

For a friend’s birthday dinner it went with gold sandals and my grandmother’s earrings. For a gallery opening, a cropped white jacket and flat shoes. For a walk by the sea, nothing but sunglasses and a scarf for the wind.

The rule I now shop by

If I can’t picture three different evenings in something, I leave it in the shop. My wardrobe is smaller than it has ever been, and I have never had more to wear.

Woman in a straw hat and blue shirt on a terrace above the bay
by Aylin Hasanli -

Packing for a heatwave

July was the hottest month I can remember, and it taught me what actually works in the heat. Most of it is common sense. The rest is a very good hat.

What I wore on repeat

Loose linen shirts in pale colours, one pair of wide cotton trousers, leather sandals that do not rub, and a straw hat wide enough to shade my shoulders. That was almost all of it.

I left synthetic fabrics and anything tight in the cupboard. They are fine in September. In July, they are a punishment.