What to wear to work when it's roasting outside

There are certain things you can't really wear to work when the weather is nice, like Bermuda shorts. And singlets. But there are plenty of things that you can

Let's get one thing straight; we're not Duchesses, so the tights rule does not apply. Tights in summer are a style abomination. Kate Middy-style (and now Meghan, sad face) 'nude' tights are one thing, at least they give the illusion of bare legs and they can actually flatter the leg - really. But it's 22 degrees today, and I saw too many people wearing black opaques on my walk to Beaut HQ. I also passed people wearing scarfs and winter jackets. OK, I get it. Ireland is hard to dress for. But it's June this week, which means it's really summer. Black tights are anti-summer. Black tights want the weather to be chilly, so they stay relevant. Don't let the black tights win. Put them at the back of your sock drawer until October, where they belong.

Dressing for the office is hard to do at the best of times, not least when it's sweaty season. We're not prepared for a summer of sun because Ireland is not that kind of place. But let's look on the bright side; Ireland's relatively mild climate means we're experts in the all-weather clothes department. You can wear clothes you have already without buying a whole new work wardrobe for a couple of days of sunshine. (Although there are some pretty nice new things on the high street right now.)

I've come up with three easy peasy outfit combos that will work during the warm spell without making you look like you're playing at 'going to work in the South of France'. These outfits make sense; you won't feel like you need to explain to your boss that you're wearing what you're wearing because of the weather. They'll get it. And you'll be the best dressed Sweaty Betty in the office.

Narrow pants and a shirt

Mango Striped linen-blend trousers €29.99 / Polka-dot print blouse €29.95  

Narrow, cigarette style trousers and a shirt is Vogue Paris editor Emmanuelle Alt's work uniform. It works for every season - throw a cashmere jumper over it in autumn - but it's great for summer. Go with a pale colour palette, and you'll look professional and polished but cool, too, in both the temperature and attitude senses of the word. A paper-bag waist is this season's It style, and you can afford to go with a looser fit (even cooler!). Make sure the hem is above the ankle.

Shoes: wear grown-up sandals if your work allows them. Backless mules if they don't. Switch to loafers when it gets colder.

Mid-length skirt and t-shirt