Dressing for the heat without giving up coverage

Cool, covered and still put-together

A Beirut August or a Gulf summer asks a lot of a wardrobe. Many of my clients want to stay covered for work or family visits, and the answer is rarely fewer clothes. It is better fabric and a looser cut.

Start with fibres that breathe: linen, cotton voile, viscose and lyocell. Avoid polyester linings, which trap heat against the skin. A wide-leg trouser or a long A-line skirt moves air as you walk, while a fitted cut holds it in.

Light colours reflect the sun, but they can show everything. Sand, sage, dusty blue and soft grey look fresh and are more forgiving than pure white. Save darker colours for the evening.

Layer with intention. A sleeveless linen dress becomes office-ready under a long, unlined kimono jacket, and a loose shirt worn open over a fine knit vest works for both the souk and an air-conditioned mall.

Finish with flat leather sandals or woven mules, a cotton or silk scarf and a straw bag. Keep jewellery light: metal warms up quickly in the sun.