10 summer essentials

1 THE PARTY DRESS: One that will get you from Christmas Party to Christmas Party and then into New Year's Eve. Fits the bill: Karen Walker Julie Dress ($340).
2 SOME CUTE TOGS: A cheap bikini that you won't mind rolling around the sand, going down hydroslides or boogie boarding in. Fits the bill: Witchery Bandeau Bikini $69.95 and Glassons' Ditsy Floral Frill Underwire Bikini $29.99.
3 A WHITE DRESS: A white dress will be an essential wardrobe item this summer. Pick one that makes you feel fresh and spirited - and sets off that golden tan. Fits the bill: Storm's Fairy Dress ($189), left, or the Sandra Crochet Dress at Glassons (49.99).
4 A TEE: One to throw on with shorts when minimal effort is all you can give - either because you've been dancing all night or it's just too hot to care. Fits the bill: Cybele Apparition One Size T ($159).
5 SOME SUMMER SANDALS: A pair that will have you longing to get out of the opaques and into the spray-tanning booth. A bit of height for the office, yet casual enough for after-work drinks or barbecue. Must also show off pedicured tootsies well. Fits the bill: Chaos & Harmony's Birdie Sandal.
6 A SKINCARE ROUTINE: It's easy to get complacent about skin in spring. What's there to worry about when heaters are no longer pumping out drying hot air but chlorine-treated pools are too cold to dive into? Summer is the season of looking flushed though, whether it's a result of the heat or irritants like alcohol, so when the temperature rises it's time to rev up the skincare regime. Fits the bill: Dermalogica's UltraCalming range puts an end to the summer flush. It contains a cleanser ($74), mist ($84.50), serum concentrate ($124.50), barrier repair ($96) and relief masque ($96).
7 A PROTECTIVE HAIRCARE RANGE: Just like your skin, hair takes a battering from the sun. It fades colour and makes it become weaker more quickly. So in summer you need a shampoo and conditioner that provides protection and nourishment to keep your hair shining. Fits the bill: The Kerastase Paris Soleil collection is back this summer with a Protecteur spray ($39), a waterproof Aqua-Seal ($39) and UV defence masque ($63).
8 A NAIL COLOUR YOU LOVE: Hide away the dark shades of winter and stock up on brights, pastels and jewel tones for summer. Fits the bill: Orly's Viva collection ($29.99) has four summery shades in one pack. There's a hot pink shimmer, a rich turquoise, a coral creme and midnight blue.

9 A BIG, BRIGHT TOWEL: One large enough to stretch out on the sand and vibrant enough to not look like you swiped it from the bathroom on your way out. Fits the bill: Republic Revolution Beach Towel $ 29.99

10 MAKE-UP FOR SUMMER SKIN: Swap foundation for tinted moisturiser; replace dark eyeliner for white. If you're planning to make the most of warm summer nights you'll also be wanting a concealer that hides the tell-tale dark circles under your eyes. Fits the bill: Garnier Anti-Dark Circles 2 in 1 Tinted Eye Roll-On ($17.39) combines moisturising care, with a UV filter and a tinted concealer.