At risk of sounding like I'm filling an awkward silence on a first date, lovely weather we're having isn't it? As I write this feature on heatwave-approved outfits, it’s 28ºC, my laptop is overheating, and a Hugo Spritz with my name on it is calling from somewhere across East London.
Heatwave-approved fashion picks:
Still, deadlines remain. And despite the collective fantasy of spending the next four days horizontal in a park with a paperback and a spread of M&S picky bits, most of us still need outfits that can survive the torrid heat of the Central line in summer. Whenever I look to my summer wardrobe for inspiration in a heatwave, my only focus is to avoid sweat patches, but that doesn't necessarily mean I'm going to look chic while doing so.
Naturally, the style set already have the answer on how to tackle this. Across Copenhagen, London and Paris, fashion girls have swiftly abandoned anything restrictive, synthetic or emotionally challenging in favour of breezier floaty dresses, sheer textures and pieces that require minimal effort but still look excellent in direct sunlight. There are capris re-entering the chat, little white dresses replacing dependable black slips, and a healthy dose of lace and florals.
Comfortable, breathable and easy to wear, you will not want to get out of these 8 pairs all summer long.
The key theme throughout? Clothes that allow air circulation, movement, and the possibility of an impromptu pub garden appearance. Below, the heatwave approved outfits the cool girls are actually wearing this summer - because if temperatures are hitting 30C, you may as well dress like the main character while surviving it.
Retro floral prints
There’s something about wearing vibrant florals in hot weather that just makes sense. Perhaps because they already evoke the feeling of being on holiday somewhere in Europe with a cold drink in hand.
This summer’s versions feel less prim vintage tea dress, more slinky ‘90s-inspired slips and sheer scarves in faded hibiscus tones. The beauty is that the print does all the work for you while lightweight fabrics keep things breathable when the pavements start radiating heat.
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Lace, lace, lace
Normally the idea of layering lace might conjure up images of Bridgerton, but during a heatwave it suddenly becomes incredibly practical. Sheer lace skirts, delicate camisoles and lightweight dresses allow actual airflow while still looking infinitely more interesting than another linen co-ord. The trick is keeping it relaxed: think soft cream tones, loose silhouettes and visible skin rather than anything overly structured.
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Little White Dresses
The little white dress has conveniently replaced the little black dress every summer for good reason: black absorbs heat, white doesn’t. Scientifically sound and aesthetically superior. Whether it’s a cotton poplin mini, a broderie midaxi or something slinky and backless, an LWD feels instantly fresh when temperatures soar. Add simple sandals and sunglasses and you’ve basically solved summer dressing in under thirty seconds.
Breezy dresses
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The appeal of a floaty dress in 30-degree weather is fairly self-explanatory. You want fabric that moves, doesn’t cling, and creates the illusion that you’ve made peace with the heat. Loose silhouettes in gauzy cottons and lightweight chiffons are everywhere right now, often styled with barely-there sandals and oversized sunglasses. Bonus points if the dress catches dramatically in the breeze while crossing the road.
Capris
Against all odds, capris are back - and despite being a divsive wardrobe item for some, you can't deny they work in a heatwave. The cropped length feels noticeably cooler than full denim, while still offering slightly more coverage than tiny shorts when you’re commuting or sitting in an aggressively warm office. Fashion girls are mostly pairing them with simple tanks, ballet flats or flip-flops, leaning fully into the nostalgic late-‘90s energy.
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Shorts
For anyone who immediately regrets denim cut-offs the second their thighs touch a Tube seat, Bermuda shorts are the answer. Longer, looser and infinitely less restrictive, they allow for actual movement and ventilation while still feeling put together enough for city dressing. If you prefer to wear a shorter style, linen and lightweight cotton versions work best during a heatwave, particularly styled with oversized shirts or simple ribbed vests.
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Predictable? Yes. Necessary? Also yes. Every single summer we collectively attempt to reinvent warm-weather dressing before eventually arriving back at linen. But there’s a reason it remains undefeated during a heatwave. Linen allows actual air circulation, dries quickly, and crucially, looks better slightly dishevelled - ideal when it’s 29C and you’ve already sweated through the first half of your commute.
This summer, the cool girls are wearing it head-to-toe: oversized linen shirts half-unbuttoned over matching shorts, loose drawstring trousers with tiny tanks, and breezy waistcoats styled with barely-there sandals. The key is avoiding anything too fitted.
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