SUMMER ESSENTIALS

Kaftans

Forget sarongs, this simple garment has fast found its way into summer wardrobes. Usually made of soft fabrics such as silk, georgette or chiffon, it's a great cover-up for the beach.

'The most important thing when buying kaftans is the fabric,' says Tania Mohan, owner of IndoWestern boutique Tabla. 'It should be rich and loose, skimming the body. I'd suggest buying a size larger. It's a flowing garment as opposed to something figure-hugging.'

Mohan suggests pairing this versatile top with white trousers or jeans, or wearing it on its own with a funky belt and a pair of flat shoes (metallic sandals or embellished thongs). 'But don't wear them with heels,' she says. If it's too short, knot it to one side or belt it over a sarong.

Where to shop Designer-label kaftans at Roberto Cavalli (the Swank, Alexandra House, tel: 2868 2017); Tabla (Shop M31, Prince's Building, Central, tel: 2840 0513) has moderately priced kaftans, with embellishments; Amandarling (Shin Hing St, Central, tel: 2581 0968) has a range of bright peony-printed kaftans; for high-street prices, head to Zara (shop 1065, IFC Mall, Central, tel: 2234 7305) and Marks & Spencer (Queens Rd Central, tel: 2921 8323).

Swimwear

The spring/summer catwalks saw a return of retro prints, although styles were also inspired by the 1950s and 60s, with plenty of swim dresses, ballerina-inspired skirt bottoms and suits with shorts, in a variety of materials.

'As a general rule, women with bigger busts should opt for halter tops, which provide slightly more coverage but show off your shoulders,' says Sabina Wong Sutch, owner of Sabina Swims. 'Small-busted women should go for a sweetheart neckline to accentuate curves and create the illusion of fuller cleavage.'

Skinny women can get away with the cut-away one pieces that are so popular this season. The tankini can be more flattering for bigger women, especially styles with low-rider bottoms. 'Mixing and matching is also fun, as you can play with prints and solid colours,' Sutch says. 'In general, darker colours are more slimming.'

Shorts

The summer catwalks were awash with nautical looks and shorts cropped up everywhere. The skinny knee-length style, as seen at Narcisco Rodriguez, is proving the most popular. But you might want to stay away from cuts that will make you look like an American tourist.

'You need good legs and a figure to wear shorts outside of a beach or country club environment,' says Rutson-Pang. If you've been working hard at the gym and are desperate to show off, go for hot pants (a la Daisy Duke), in light jersey or terry cloth to keep you cool. Colours are safari-inspired, from khaki to brown.

Where to shop Jersey shorts at amandarling in a range of colours; other styles and materials at Paul & Joe (Seibu) and Michael Kors (the Landmark, Central, tel: 2523 0998); most high-street brands also stock shorts, but there are good bargains at Stanley Market.

Capris

These are perfect for hot weather and come in a range of fabrics. Go for linen or cotton, although denim is a major trend. 'Denim capri styles generally are tight and sexy or gaucho-style or culottes,' says Eizelle Taino, owner of Soho boutique Indigo.

Stick with a denim that's stretchy and soft. Avoid whiskers (faded lines on the thigh area) or distressed denim - it looks too trendy and seasonal. Taino suggests a cropped version of your favourite jean style because this can be worn as a summer basic, but transitions nicely into autumn, worn with boots or stilettos.

A longer leg (below the knee and calf) flatters most figures, although women who want to draw attention away from their thighs should try a cropped trouser or gaucho (wide, calf-length trousers), which is looser on the leg. 'Shorter women will benefit from a cuffed leg - wear it on the shorter side - that shows more skin than fabric,' says Taino.

Where to shop Indigo (G/F, 32A Staunton St, Central, tel: 2147 3000) stocks the likes of Paige Premium Denim, Rock & Republic (Janice jean) and Citizens of Humanity (cropped Kelly jean), which are pricey, but worth it; also try Salt Jeans at Seibu (Pacific Place, Admiralty, tel: 2971 3888); for more affordable linen and cotton cropped trousers, go to Mango (Times Square, Causeway Bay, tel: 2506 1130), JDC (22 Russell St, Causeway Bay, tel: 2575 8805) or Esprit (Festival Walk, Kowloon Tong, tel: 2265 8222).

Polo T-shirt

Once categorised as rugby wear, the polo shirt makes a big comeback this summer. Although many prefer the old-school Sloane look (collar up with a pair of capris), this lightweight T-shirt looks great with jeans or even a miniskirt. Go for hot pinks, vibrant reds, oranges, yellows and the summer's hottest shade: blue. Also hip right now are rugby shirts, spotted at Burberry and D-Squared.

Peasant skirt

Sienna Miller made her mark with her signature Boho style. Her trademark skirt can be spotted everywhere from Causeway Bay to Central. It can be worn with a T-shirt and flip flops for a casual look, or dressed up with a slinky top and belt.

Although loose, unstructured clothing is comfortable, it doesn't suit everyone. 'I wouldn't suggest long peasant-tiered skirts for a larger customer because it only shortens and widens the body,' says Rutson-Pang.

Stay away for prints and opt for solid pastels such as light blue, purple or white. Many styles come shaded (from white to pink, for example), or with tiers or ruffles, which add a gypsy vibe. Embellishments such as sequins add a bit of sparkle, but avoid looking like a Christmas tree. A final tip: don't wear them with heels.

Where to shop Juicy Couture (Lane Crawford), Marc Jacobs (the Landmark, Central, tel: 2810 0784) and Alberta Ferretti (the Landmark, tel: 2118 3483) for high-end; Zara has the best mid-priced selection.