Q I am turning 60 and celebrating with a poolside lunch for about 50 guests. I don’t feel my age and I’m a size 10 with narrow hips. However, it will be a relaxed event and I don’t want to make a sartorial fool of myself. Please help.

A Go for a fashionable colour in a flattering, simple shape. This summer, yellow has been huge — and has proved to be very wearable. Derek Lam has an outfit (top, £790, and skirt, £550, from Browns) that will make the most of your figure, is perfect for poolside and is dressy without being remotely embarrassing. Wear it with neutral shoes (try Kurt Geiger, £140). Alternatively, if you’re not a brights person, go for a more subtle dress. Reiss’s mushroom-coloured Carson dress would be perfect (£135) — make it pop with statement accessories, such as this Isharya cocktail ring (above, £80, from net-a-porter.com). That’s jewellery worthy of a birthday girl if ever I’ve seen it.

Q I have seen a gorgeous metallic skirt by Lanvin, but it’s well out of my price range. Do you know of any high-street alternatives? I want something luxurious I can wear to a wedding.

A Metallic skirts are a great bet for any occasion. I like this champagne number by Austique (above, £150; austique.co.uk). Match with a white LNA vest for day, or a silk shirt for a more dressy look. Whistles also has this great blue number (above, £85).

Q To celebrate my 18th birthday I would like some jewellery. My budget is about £300 and I ideally want a gold necklace with a pendant that is both unique and timeless. Where do you suggest I look?

A Alex Monroe designs modern but whimsical, nature-inspired jewellery. My favourite is this bee necklace (above, £132; alexmonroe.com). For something more chunky, try Asha by ADM’s zodiac pendants (£195, from astleyclarke.com).

FASHION NEWS

Look sharp

There is a new sunglasses brand on the block that promises to blend English style with European pizzazz — or “Zanzan” to be precise. Named after the word used by 1960s Maltese gangsters for that exhilarating feeling you get when wearing something fabulous for the first time, it focuses on beautiful tortoiseshells and retro shapes. So your sunglasses can say “exotic playgirl lifestyle” even if your holiday doesn’t. zanzan.co.uk

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