Let’s set the scene: you, balmy summer nights stretching into (at least three) too many cocktails, views for days and all the confidence that knowing you look hot entails. What are you wearing? Something red, of course.

It’s no coincidence that red is cited as the first color ever ‘invented’. It speaks to love, power, intensity and beauty (as well as the odd bit of danger, natch). But red is more than symbolism. It’s a catwalk mainstay and shortcut to confidence – and the ideal shade to take on your first major vacation moment in years.

From the sizzling siren status of Sophia Loren, to countless silver screen moments in her wake – think Pretty Woman, Clueless, Betty Boop and Jessica Rabbit – the little red dress is guaranteed to be spicier than the picante in your hand.

The key to keeping it chic as opposed to caricature? Fresh fabrics – such as linen –contemporary cuts and an effortless just-stepped-out-of-the-shower aesthetic. Read: minimal make-up, perfectly ‘undone’ hair and informal shoes such as sandals or espadrilles. The right red dress won’t wear you, you will wear it – here is that dress, plus a few other must-haves in our favourite shade.