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.
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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H&M's linen shirts are the kind of premium quality that don't go sheer or crease easily. Pair one with the brand's matching shorts to double up on this easy, breezy style (no ironing required).
A slouchy tote big enough to hold everything you'll need for work, shopping and anything in between.
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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If black feels too heavy, swap in neutrals like camel, cream or white that will work just as well with jeans and loafers when the weather gets cooler.
Balance the structured tailoring of a waistcoat with soft linens.
Add retro cool with this pair of sunnies, my favourite from Le Specs.
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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Less "dad" shirt and more tropical graphics and florals, these ultra-comfortable shirts are the stylish evolution of your favourite pyjamas.
A classic pair of khaki shorts is a summer staple, and investing in a pair like these from Ralph Lauren will keep you covered for years to come.
We're calling it: platform flip flops are set to be the sandal of the summer.
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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If the reviews are anything to go by, the fit and fabric make Sleeper dresses a surefire winner.
A buttery leather top-handle makes the perfect shoulder bag.
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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Made from organic cotton and treated with peppermint oil to help you stay cool and fresh.
A midi skirt goes with everything, and I'm swapping out the dark jewel-toned satin skirts I wore through autumn for this summery, pastel iteration.
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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From David Koma to Gucci, the red hot colour palette is a mainstay for spring summer 2023.
Add the finishing touch to this dressy look with a pair of this seasons hottest earrings.
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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Bright prints and logomania? What's not to love about Loewe's cotton and silk scarf.
COS has thought of everything, these clever zips provide the perfect ventilation during a heatwave.
Just when you thought you'd seen all of the best basket bags on the market, Dragon Diffusion changed the game.
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.
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.
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