On sunny summer days when I’m working from home (or the nearest cafe with wifi and outdoor tables) I can get away with wearing a vest top, denim shorts and flip-flops. However, with a month ahead that’s packed with meetings, launches and nights out, I need to seriously upgrade my summer look. Here’s five buys that have caught my eye, none of which is over £40.

The Date-Night Dress, £25.99, Zara

From a picnic in the park or dinner at the newest pop-up restaurant, to drinks at a rooftop bar or watching a film on an outdoor screen, the city is full of potential for summer dates. This pretty printed asymmetric dress would work whatever your evening holds.
You can buy it here

The Shirt That Doubles As A Jacket, £30, Topshop

I bought a similar shirt from Topshop earlier this year and it’s been one of my best-ever buys. I’ve worn it with patterned miniskirts and shorts. I’ve thrown it over the top of vests, t-shirts and strappy dresses to transform it into a jacket. I’ve even done the double denim thing, wearing it with a pair of Topshop Leigh jeans in a darker shade of blue. You need one of these in your life.
You can buy it here

The Dressy Top, £19.99, Mango

Is it a blouse? Is it a t-shirt? No, it’s somewhere in between. When you want to wear jeans but you don’t want to look sloppy, a top like this is the answer.
You can buy it here

The Perfect Grey Marl T-Shirt, £9.99, Mango

Some women spend their lives looking for the perfect red lipstick. My mission is to find the perfect dress-it-up-or-down grey marl top. In terms of colour, shape and fit this one is ticking all my boxes. The search could be over.
You can buy it here

The Office-Appropriate Shorts, £38, Topshop

Whilst they might not be appropriate for EVERY office if you can get away with it these fabulous floral culottes are a cute and colourful hot-weather option.
You can buy them here

What buys have you made recently to style out summer in the city? Do share in the comments section below!