Considering the weather we've been enjoying all over Ireland this week, all trends go out the window and into the washing machine. It is hard to adhere to the style scripture when walking down the street involves an unpleasant wade through pockets of hot, moist, muggy air.

The floral tea dress is a universal life-saver. Universally flattering due to its floaty fabrics, slightly nipped-in waist and discreet, shallow V-neck, it's a perennial classic that is second in versatility only to the little black dress. This emblem of 1940s style can be hard to find on the high street; Topshop does one. But instead, why not scour online vintage market Etsy. com for gems from vintage reproduction companies such as Stop Staring. US brand Band of Outsiders also does a nice line in muted but not droopy florals.

(L-R) Stop Staring Dress, $158, stopstaring.com. Band of Outsiders, €320 at net-a-porter.com. Topshop dress, €64. Topanga's Treasures vintage, €160 at etsy.com