7 Summer Outfits to See You Through This Week's Heatwave

As anyone living in the unpredictable English climate knows, dressing for spells of warm weather can be challenging. If you've ever asked the age-old questions Will I need to bring a jacket? and Is that… rain? you'll know that consistency isn't Britain's forte, but judging by the current forecast in the UK, the next week is looking optimistically sunny, and I am ready for it. 

As someone who has now had plenty of experience in strategic layering, I thought I would take some time to share my knowledge of how exactly to dress when the mercury rises (and it does involve some sensible sleeves, just in case).

From clever co-ords to reliable dresses, there's no one formula when it comes to dressing for warm weather. And at the end of the day, it's all about what makes you feel cool and comfortable, as both factors are a top priority when outfit planning.

Think breathable fabrics, fluid silhouettes and plenty of print and colour, as seen on the fashion set. In fact, between the linen separates, versatile accessorising and sun-smart tailoring, it seems several of our favourites have perfected warm-weather dressing. Keep scrolling for seven summer outfit ideas for what to wear in a heatwave. 

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1. The Linen Co-Ord + Sandals
(Image credit: @cassandra.cadwell)

Style Notes: For the hottest days when you want the easiest outfit, look no further than the linen co-ord. An airy, light shirt and comfy shorts make a surprisingly chic option that is guaranteed to keep you cool. Just add slides or sandals for your new weekend uniform. 

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2. The Waistcoat + Linen Pants
(Image credit: @ruerodier)

Style Notes: Okay, hear me out. Yes, it's more linen, and yes, the thought of tailoring in summer might sound hot, but far from a stuffy three-piece suit, a simple waistcoat with shorts or wide-leg trousers adds polish to an otherwise casual look, and keeps you cooler for longer.

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(Image credit: @hannahlewisstylist)

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3. The Silk Resort Shirt + Shorts
(Image credit: @mimi.orere)

Style Notes: Nothing says summer like dopamine dressing. Cue the bold and beautiful printed silk shirt. The short-sleeve bowling style is taking over my feed right now, and the loose silky feel is a welcome change from a clingy jersey tee.

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(Image credit: @rosieannbutcher)

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4. The Nap Dress + Block Heels
(Image credit: @therealina)

Style Notes: The dreamy nap dress, so known for its proximity to a vintage nightgown, is one of my current obsessions. There is almost no styling required with this bed-to-brunch option, saving you valuable time getting ready in the morning. 

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5. The White Tank + White Shirt
(Image credit: @tylynnnguyen)

Style Notes: For an exercise in understated layering, simply add a white shirt over a tank top to channel the cool-girl brand of less is more.

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(Image credit: @dominiqueedangelo)

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6. The One Shoulder Dress + Statement Heels
(Image credit: @_jessicaskye)

Style Notes: For the perfect summer wedding guest outfit, add party flats to an asymmetric dress, and take your daytime look up another level.

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7. The Silk Scarf + Split-Front Leggings
(Image credit: @carodaur)

Who What Wear's Emily Dawes is already sold on this trouser trend, but the latest way to wear it? With the scarf top of former Y2K glory. This look might not be for the fainthearted, but fear not: The scarf can be stylishly repurposed as a headscarf as seen on Emili Sindlev.

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(Image credit: @emilisindlev )

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Next Up, I Won’t Wear This "Outdated” Sandal Style, But These 3 Others Get a Free Pass

This piece was published at an earlier date and has since been updated. 

Fashion Editor

Remy Farrell is a London-based shopping editor with nearly 10 years of editorial experience covering fashion, beauty and lifestyle. After graduating with a journalism degree and working on the editorial and fashion teams for titles such as Grazia, Elle, Cosmopolitan and British Vogue, she moved into the luxury e-commerce sector, working as fashion assistant at TheOutnet.com styling for the social media channels and helping to develop the collections for the in-house brand Iris & Ink. After expanding an assisting and styling portfolio that includes shooting talent such as Gigi Hadid, Victoria Beckham and Miquita Oliver, she also branched out into beauty, creating tried-and-tested reviews and diverse beauty content.

In her role as shopping editor at Who What Wear, Remy is interested in discovering new and exciting brands to share with the Who What Wear readership and particularly loves uncovering hidden gems at affordable prices to make shopping accessible to everyone.

Born and raised in Sheffield, Yorkshire, Remy moved to London in 2014 and lives in the Docklands with her partner and pug Billie.