Top Tips for Looking Chic in a Heatwave

Words by Sophia Miller

Whether you welcome warm weather or err on the hot-and-bothered side, dressing for a heatwave in the UK is the ultimate wardrobe challenge. How do you stay cool without compromising on style? What modest outfits are best suited to temperatures over 30°C? And how do you decide what to wear to work when the weather forecast reads more ‘beach’ than ‘business’? These are just a few of the styling tips and tricks we rely on when summer in the city starts to feel sticky.

If you only live by one heatwave fashion rule, let it be this: stay loyal to natural fibres. Cotton, linen and silk are infinitely more breathable than their synthetic counterparts, meaning they’ll help wick away sweat even if you opt to cover up in long sleeves and maxi lengths. Linen co-ords and cotton summer dresses are staples when it comes to staying cool, calm and collected on toasty days.

You’ll instinctively gravitate toward oversized silhouettes when the mercury rises, and research shows that loose-fitting clothing helps cool you down by encouraging air circulation, especially on a breezy day. We get it – who likes the idea of clingy fabric when it’s already stifling? We recommend swapping jersey vests and denim shorts for kaftans, trapeze dresses or boxy separates that minimise fabric-to-skin contact.

The little white dress says ‘summer’ for a reason – lighter colours reflect rather than absorb the sun’s rays, helping to keep you cool compared to dark hues. Can’t tear yourself away from black? Make sure you lean into looser shapes and lightweight fabrics – or save them for after dark.

Sun safety is a hot topic – and luckily, protective accessories are as much of a fashion statement as they are practicalities. Printed bucket hats, logo caps, sunglasses and scarves all help shield your face from harmful UV, while lightweight shirts are a versatile layering piece to keep shoulders and arms from burning. Last but not least? Never forget your SPF.