When the temperature soars to unbearable highs, as it has done lately, the last thing you need is the early morning stress of working out how to dress for it.
From treading city pavements that feel like walking through molten lava and descending into the sweltering Underground only to spend the rest of the day shivering the sweat off in the office air-con, summer dressing presents a unique set of challenges - especially if you're looking for something that's office-appropriate too.
Luckily, a solution is here. As warm-weather staples go, a t-shirt dress is top-tier. The relaxed fit piece offers ultimate throw-it-on-and-go appeal, batting away stickiness while often being paired back enough to style with open-toed shoes and accessories.
If you're after something dressier for OOO hours, choose a design with punchy details: think embroidery, sequins or a statement slogan that does all the talking for you.
For basics, high street favourites COS, M&S and Uniqlo offer great quality at a price that won't make you wince.
If you're after something with a bit more flair, head over to Anthropologie, Free People and Stine Goya; all have excellent mini, midi and maxi options to snap up right now.
The only rule? If there are pockets in the mix, don’t hesitate. Add to basket immediately.
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Calvin Klein Oversized T-shirt Dress
With Nineties style still reining supreme, this 100 per cent regenerative cotton dress from one of the definitive brands of the decade is a worthy choice to combat the heat. CK's dress is super loose fit with no frills except for its logo front and centre.
Buy now £29.00, Calvin Klein
Farm Rio off-white tropical organic cotton t-shirt dress
Born in Brazil and ready to take the streets of London, this holiday-ready maxi is ready for trips away - or at least feels like you are. Thigh-high splits allow you to flash a bit of leg and dial down the heat.
Buy now £126.00, Farm Rio
Free People Harlow Structured Mini Dress
Higher temperatures = higher hemlines. Keep cool and carry on in Free People's t-shirt-style mini, made from breathable cotton and available in sizes XS - XL.
Buy now £118.00, Free People
Arket Short-Sleeve Cotton Dress
Trying to figure out what to wear to the office in the summer can be a headache, between battling the sweltering commute and the temperature wars in an air-conditioned office. Arket's solution? This soft cotton jersey striped dress, which can be suited up when needed and brought back down to casual after you've clocked off.
Buy now £28.50, Arket
COS cotton midi t-shirt dress
For a fuss-free one-and-done approach, Cos has your summer wardrobe locked down. We love this simple t-shirt dress which includes hem slits to keep breezes circulating. The regular fit design is made from 100 per cent cotton and comes in a juicy tangerine shade that's easy to style with neutral accessories.
Buy now £45.50, COS
M&S Pure Cotton Mini T-Shirt Dress
Slightly oversized, M&S has nailed the staple that is the t-shirt mini dress. The versatile essential is perfect for balmy weather with a high hemline that exudes a playful look. Equally as good for the beer garden as it will be for the beach. Say hello to your new summer wardrobe workhorse.
Buy now £22.50, M&S
Uniqlo AIRism Cotton Mini Dress (Short Sleeve)
Developed to keep you cool and comfortable, even with sweat running down your back, Uniqlo's AIRism deserves an invite to your warm weather wardrobe. The fabric uses ultra-fine fibres to wick away moisture and keep things airy, all while feeling silky smooth against the skin. This t-shirt dress comes in five muted shades, won't knock your budget for six, and even comes with pockets.
Available in sizes 2XS - XL.
Buy now £19.90, Uniqlo
New Look Silver Sequin T-Shirt Dress
With festival season in full flow, a well-chosen t-shirt dress is a quick and easy option. Dial up the impact with shimmering sequins, per New Look's t-shirt dress. Available in sizes 6 - 22.
Buy now £45.99, New Look
Stine Goya Jersey Tee Dress - Grasshopper
With the FIFA Women's World Cup kicking off this summer, show your support with a football shirt-inspired piece, like this one from Stine Goya. In a gorgeous shade of grasshopper green, the front is left plain while a 'Good things shouldn't take time' slogan brings up the party at the back.
Buy now £200.00, Stine Goya
Fiorucci Lollipop Mouth Maxi T-Dress White
Make a statement in Fiorucci's maxi tee dress, finished with a bright and playful lollipop mouth print. Long oversized sleeves pave the way for your bracelet stack to have its moment.
Buy now £162.50, Fiorucci
