M ay starts with a bang, in fashion. The Met Gala, which happens on the first Monday in May every year, is the most outrageous, most high-concept red carpet of the year. The Met looks don’t offer much in the way of real-life style, but they are a nice reminder that fashion in the summer should be fun.

Bank holiday weekends are the perfect time to road test your holiday-season style, and longer evenings make a breezier kind of dressing up feel doable. There are some gems out there right now: read on for the Cos trousers that might just be your new wardrobe staple, and the high-street flats that I’ve had compliments on every time I’ve worn them.

A summer bag with swag

M&S canvas tote bag

£43 at M&S

Cream canvas with tan leather trim is a perennially classy summer colour combination. This tote would look at home being carried on to a yacht, but it will also bring the vibes if you are queueing for the ice-cream van.…