It feels like spring has barely begun, but these soaring temperatures have meant I'm straight into planning what to wear in the heat. With some parts of the country set to hit 28 degrees this week, understanding key silhouettes and fabrics that contribute to your microclimate will mean you can keep looking stylish, without breaking much of a sweat.
When selecting outfits for 22 degrees plus temperatures, there are two main areas to think about. The first is fabric choice. For warm weather styling, look to breathable fabrics such as cotton and linen that will help to keep you cool as they allow air to pass through, so you don't overheat.
The second thing to consider is the cut of the garment, relaxed, looser fitting clothing will be airier and help to keep you from overheating, while very form-fitting, or clingy items can increase sweating. Make sure to think about both of these things before adding items to your summer capsule wardrobe.
What to wear in the heat: Chic outfit ideas to keep you cool
Some people absolutely love hot weather, but as someone who struggles with the heat, I've worked out some chic outfit formulas that help me to enjoy the sunshine, without over heating.
1. Dresses to wear in the heat
The best dresses are a smart go-to when thinking of how to beat the heat. With a rapid rise in trapeze and A-line fits, a striking dress will make you look effortlessly put together, even when all you want to do is climb into your fridge.
As with every item in this piece, you'll want to look for natural fabrics, such as the best linen dresses, or cotton iterations (but not silk - as this stains with water and sweat easily) to keep you breezy as temperatures soar. While black dresses might be your preference most of the year, in hot weather, you're better off in lighter and brighter hues, as these absorb the sun less than black.
Relaxed fits will allow for air flow and stop you feeling trapped and clammy, with sleeves offering upper arm coverage and added sun protection. Look for designs that flare out over your lower torso - not only will they be most comfortable in hot weather but they're also universally flattering.
If you're worried about thigh-rub as temperatures go up, I understand, but a dress will still be one of the coolest options - think of the air flow. Try a pair of the best anti-chafing shorts (in a breathable fabric) under your dress to help protect your thighs without compromising on the rest of your outfit.
British clothing brand, Boden, make great dresses that are ready to tackle any rise in temperatures. Crafted from 100% linen, this V-neck dress has a polished but breezy feel that's ideal for hot weather, and linen is breathable too. Team with sandals or your best white trainers. This smart enough for the office dress is also great for poolside style.
Making some of the best summer dresses, M&S is nailing it this season with a steady stream of wearable frocks that can be dressed up or down for different events. This simple cotton number has a flattering flared skirt. While we don't usually advocate for black dresses in the heat, the cool fabric, full skirt and sleeveless cut make this a winner.
Crafted from organic cotton, this abstract print kaftan is the definition of warm weather clothing and the loose shape is guaranteed to keep you cool. The blue and white combo makes this one feel a little nautical and is certainly one to pack for any impending holidays. One of the best midi dresses this one will pair up nicely with tan sandals or white trainers.
2. Tops to wear in the heat
Once again, cotton, linen and other natural fabrications are your warm weather heroes when it comes to tops. From the best t-shirts to great shirts - natural fabric iterations will offer greater breathability that you'll welcome in a heat wave.
When it comes to t-shirts, fitted designs (a little added jersey for contour is fine) will still be comfortable in rising temperatures, but more relaxed silhouettes do allow for added airflow.
For the best shirts, try 100% cotton or linen shirt styles will, as previously mentioned, help to keep you cool, and picking more oversized iterations will be more comfortable for a full day out and about.
While silk is a natural fabric, when it comes to what to wear in hot weather, it's not always the best option. Silk marks easily, and degrades with heat and perspiration, meaning that sweat marks are likely to show and will leave a stain on the garment - and no one wants that.
A great staple to see you through the summer months, stock up on cotton t-shirts in a selection of neutral hues to help underpin more statement skirts and trousers in your wardrobe. Look for 100% or high percentage cotton designs for maximum breathability. Once you have the basics, you can add some bold colours to up-style your favourite jeans too.
I'm a big fan of this blouse, so much so I have it myself. A great one for adding a touch of boho style to your look this summer, pair with linen or wide leg trousers, or try tucking it into an A-line skirt in white, denim or tan and cinch in your waist with a belt - that's how I'll be wearing mine as the weather heats up.
Nothing quite beats a classic linen shirt, and this relaxed white iteration is a wardrobe staple you will reach for time and time again in hot weather. When it comes to how to wear a linen shirt for the office, pair this classic design with the best white jeans, and a blazer, or some wide-leg linen trousers, to minimise that sticky mid-afternoon feeling.
3. Skirts to wear in the heat
Less isn't necessarily more when it comes to what to wear in the heat. So while wearing a mini skirt might feel like the ideal choice for climbing temperatures, you might be better off donning a maxi or midi skirt instead. The additional length offers extra coverage and shade (keeping you a little cooler in the process), while selecting more A-line or circular skirt shapes will help with maximise airflow, which will naturally help with beating the heat.
Skirts are of course more airy than trousers, but wider silhouettes and breathable fabrics will still keep you cooler than say a synthetic slip skirt - although these aren't totally off the table if that's your preferred shape, just maybe reserve these for outfits in 22-24 degrees.
As with all of the best hot weather clothing, avoid synthetic fabrics, which can leave you feeling extra warm and sticky.
With a huge array of summer-ready skirts, this gorgeous, printed Boden number has plenty of colour to usher in those dopamine dressing vibes. The bold print also makes it easier to pair with any number of colourful tops, or just a simple white shirt. The A-line silhouette will help to nip in your waist.
A sarong skirt immediately conjures up visions of warmer weather, making it a perfect answer to what to wear in the heat. This design has a tailored feel, making it smart enough for the office, but wearable for weekend drinks. Team it with a tucked-in, crisp cotton shirt and pumps for your nine-to-five.
As with the white jeans, a white summer skirt is hot weather staple. The bohemian and floaty design is ideal for smart casual outfits, and we love the way Phase Eight has paired it with a tee and denim jacket, for a laid back but still pulled-together finish. Keep it classic and team white with navy.
4. Trousers & shorts to wear in the heat
While fabric is important here, you will also want to consider the weight of the fabric. Plenty of the best jeans are made from 100% cotton, but in a heatwave, denim is far too heavy, despite its fabric composition. Opt for lighter fabrics, in more relaxed fits to help increase airflow, and with wide leg trousers still being a key summer silhouette, there are some great options available.
When it comes to shorts, while Daisy Dukes might feel seasonally appropriate, looser, straighter cut Bermuda shorts will be more comfortable in hot weather.
If you're looking for summer outfits for work, opt for tailored trousers in neutral hues and natural fabrications. Swap skinny fits, for high-waisted, wide-leg styles for a torso lengthening look that will keep you feeling professional without overheating - team with silky cotton t-shirts, or light cotton blouses.
Linen is a great fabric option for trousers, although be aware it creases pretty badly, particularly around the crotch area once you've sat down, so you may want to look for a linen-blend that will crease less dramatically - or wear a longer, tunic-style top over them. If you're wondering how to wear linen trousers for work, opt for a slightly more tailored fit and keep your top half neat and relatively contoured.
Elasticated waists are also more comfortable in hot weather as they're less constricting and give you that little bit more breathing room in sweltering heat.
Machine washable, cotton-rich chinos are a brilliant option for hot weather. This tailored pair comes in multiple colour ways, so if they fit well, invest to help underpin your summer wardrobe. Team with t-shirts for the weekend, before adding polish for work with shirts and loafers.
The fullness of these shorts delivers a more culotte feel, ideal if you're not quite used to wearing this leg length, this is a great way to start. Tailored enough for the office, paired with smart sandals, a shirt and a belt, they can be reworked for beachside climes with a t-shirt or floaty top later in the season.
Whether you need smart summer work looks or want to solve what to wear to Wimbledon, these chic, pinstripe, tailored trousers will solve multiple style dilemmas. Elegant and smart, they're ideal for hot weather wear when you need to up the luxe factor. For extra polish pair with a shirt, or for a more casual feel, add a tee.
5. Shoes to wear in the heat
When it comes to shoes to wear in the heat, open-toe shoes or your best sandals are an obvious choice. Similarly with clothing, material still plays a role here, with natural cork and leather much better at regulating body temperature than vinyl or plastic designs, which can contribute to sweat build-up, making for a rather uncomfortable experience. If you want to wear closed-toe shoes or trainers, then look for trainers that have mesh panels to help with breathability, and make sure to opt for cotton socks as these will help with airflow.
One of the most comfortable flats you can buy, these dark brown leather sandals feature the infamous anatomically shaped cork-latex footbed for a really supportive wear. With a patent finish these sandals are smart enough for the office.
We all love our white trainers, but a pair of metallics will sparkle in the sunshine and this mesh body design really delivers. A great hot weather shoe if you're always on the go, they're built for performance and style, with plenty of eco qualifications too.
A summer classic, the espadrille gets a 2025 update with this directional flatform sole. The neutral colourway, or tan and cognac, make these pairable with other neutral hues, as well as with navy for added polish. They're also available in a black and khaki combo
What not to wear in the heat
Avoid synthetic fabrics in a heatwave as they will trap air and make for a much hotter and sweatier environment. Synthetic fabrics do not allow air to easily pass through, meaning a potential build-up of perspiration - not something any of us want.
Tight fitting clothing will also stop air flowing through your clothes and reaching your skin, so where possible, avoid tailored clothes or anything too bodycon.
Is it better to wear shorts or trousers in the heat
Shorts will expose more of your lower leg, giving greater opportunity for airflow. However, it is largely down to personal preference, as fabric and silhouette of both the trousers and shorts play a key role in how cool or warm they are.
It is best to avoid tight-fitting clothing and heavy or synthetic fabrics. While jeans are made from cotton, due to their weight, they are best avoided in hot weather. On that basis, while denim shorts are associated with summer, they could end up being warmer than a pair of linen palazzo trousers.
When choosing between shorts or long leg trousers, regardless of length, look for breezy, looser fits and light and breathable fabrics to stay as cool as possible.
