Summer Sensuality

Let’s face it: summer is a difficult season to be sexy. With the exception of those of you who are fortuitously blessed with I-will-look-like-a-Victoria-Secret-model-in-a-swimsuit genes, it’s pretty darn hard. Blame the heat: having to wear as little clothing as possible, and therefore not being able to flatter your figure, combined with makeup literally melting off your face, are not exactly the most inspiring of events when it comes to your self-confidence which is, as everyone knows, the key to sexiness.

And how you feel aside, you can’t rely on the typical sexy fall fallbacks. Leather, corsets, and S&M jewellery are autumn staples, but would be out of place on a tanned summer body, to say the least. So where exactly can we find our summer sensuality?

Our first answer should address our first hurdle: the problem of figure-flattery and looking polishing in high heat. Finding ‘hero’ items for the summer months will be your primary objective: just because it’s hot doesn’t mean you can’t flatter your figure (perhaps loose cropped trousers, or maxi dresses, or fit-and-flare skirts (all of which flatter less-than-model-like stems) will become your best friend) or show the world your beautiful face (invest in anti-shine, oil-control makeup (mineral makeup is god’s gift to oily-skinned women) and remember that a flawless face is all in the preparation – always wear a good mattifier, like Murad’s Oil-Control Mattifier).

Now that the mercury’s rocketing on your ‘Self-Confidence’ and ‘Polish’ metres, what about the encapsulation of sensuality itself? Leather and kink may not fly, but a relaxed, Italian glamour vibe seems like common sense. Pair a simple-but-sexy fit and flare dress (it’s flattering and heat-friendly!) with chic lace-up-the-leg sandals. Finish with piles of gold jewellery (bejewelled cross pendants and panther bangles get extra points), and you’re all set.

Laura Hunter-Thomas,

Ici Fashion