Know how to keep your cool as the weather hots up? By wearing vintage-style whites and creams that conjure up the romance and nostalgia of Colonial times. Think Brideshead Revisited, croquet on the lawn, high tea, village summer fetes and strawberries and cream - all have a terribly British sophistication. Make like a Merchant Ivory heroine and go for empire elegance and pretty it up in a cotton lace dress for balmy days out; go dandy with a smart mix of cropped trousers teamed with an antique-style lace blouse and tailored waistcoat; or go for understated casual chic in cricket-white wide leg palazzo pants worn with a simple white vest. Pimms anyone?

This feature was published in June 2006.

Game On

Cricket season’s about to start so get into the patriotic spirit with a cool combination of loose-fitting white linen palazzo pants and cotton vest top. Complete the look with a jaunty hat and straw bag. Red Herring vest, £6, GS by Gharani Strok white trousers, £45, Red Herring thin belt, £10, Collection sandals, £44, all from Debenhams, 08445 616161.

Take a Short Cut

For a dandy lady of the manor look wear these chic and cheeky cropped trousers with a feminine frilled blouse. Cream silk blouse, £20, striped cropped trousers, £23, cream suede court shoes, £22, chunky beads, £15 and £10, New Look.

You Know You Got Sole

Put your best foot forward in these dainty vintage-style high heel brogues, £55, Faith, 0800 289 297.

Brim and Proper

Keep your cool with this elegant oversized natural wide brim hat, £15, House of Fraser.

White Heat

Conjure up the romance of the Colonial Raj with this exquisite and ladylike Broderie Anglais dress, £35, white ankle tie flip flops, £15, Dorothy Perkins, 0870 606 9666.