Like Victoria Beckham, I wear black all year round, even in the summer. Whilst I do love a pop of colour or a bold print, there's just something so eternally chic about a polished all-black outfit.
Victoria proved the heat is no match for her fashion choices when she was pictured in Paris yesterday, wearing a lace-trim pencil skirt by Balenciaga. She rarely deviates from her own designer label, so you know it's got to be good!
In spite of the soaring temperatures, VB's skirt is actually wool. I know, not what you're looking for when another heatwave is supposedly on the way. But don't rule out wearing black altogether - the trick is to find lighter, floatier fabrics, and I actually think a black skirt with a white lace trim like Victoria's would work really well with a white camisole or T-shirt to break things up a bit.
Her skirt is just shy of £1500, but the good news is there are plenty of high street styles that are much more affordable - and cooler - to add to your summer capsule wardrobe.
Shop the look
If you fancy splashing the cash, I recommend buying this wool skirt and waiting until autumn to wear it. The contrast lace frill adds a feminine feel, and the split at the back means it's easy to walk in.
This skirt is a popular style amongst M&S shoppers. One wrote: "Fits like a dream.... perfect length, elasticated waist and beautiful material that is perfect for hiding any lumps and bumps while still maintaining the slinky feel."
Navy is much softer than black, and this satin skirt has got splits in the sides to keep things breezy. There's a matching asymmetric top available, and the full look is a very stylish alternative to a dress for a summer event.
British clothing brand Mint Velvet keeps on delivering, and the intricate detailing on the lace here looks much more expensive than it is. It's machine washable, too.
Victoria is carrying a white Hermes Birkin bag, but if you're saving up for the real deal, this DeMellier handbag will do the trick beautifully. The brand is a celebrity favourite, with Reese Witherspoon, Katie Holmes and the Princess of Wales all in the fan club.
The lack of straps on Victoria's shoes really works to elongate her legs. Hers are the impossibly high 'Harlow' heels from her own brand, but these much more wearable Zara mules are top of my wishlist.
Whilst she did recently embrace a floaty maxi skirt and tan sandals on a family holiday in Ibiza, Victoria definitely tends to stick to much more fitted, polished pieces.
The beauty of a pencil skirt is that it will sharpen up any outfit, so you absolutely can style yours with flat sandals or your best white trainers and a loose linen shirt for twenty-plus temperatures, making this a great formula for smart casual outfits.
