We are no climatologists but it’s pretty hot. Fine if you’re by the sea, less fine if you’re trying to work, eat, sleep or generally live your life. To navigate a heatwave that makes you buckle unless you’re wearing a hat – which should be something big and straw by Jacquemus or Filu – you need the right clothes and shoes. Here are ways to beat the heatwave in style ...
Swap your floral mini for a floral maxi
Floral prints are baked into summer fashion, so the renegade choice is to accept this while wearing them in a different way. The short, strappy summer dress is over. This heatwave, it’s about the loose maximalist version, inspired by Gucci and Richard Quinn; see the consciously shapeless lemon yellow print dress from & Other Stories or something cream by See By Chloe. The latter is ideal, because a heatwave doesn’t always mean nudity, and because a little excess fabric is good to get the air moving. MF
Reacquaint yourself with linen
Linen hasn’t had the best rap over the years, evoking bohemian kaftans rather than haute fashion. But this season it has been given multiple seals of approval by the fashion pack, and is naturally (ooh!) the perfect fabric in which to style out hot and sticky weather. It can also bridge the gap between smart and casual: Albus Lumen’s zip-detailed shirt is meeting-approved chic, while Raey’s beige button-front skirt is a great example of a piece that can be dressed up or down. SC
Trade your LBD for a LWD
It’s not impossible to wear white in winter. But it can feel a little challenging on the psyche. The LWD is short, usually cotton or linen, and usually comes with a little twist (a little broderie-anglaise, a little embroidery). If the little black dress is sexy, then the short white dress is more … prairie? Our money’s on the laced-back cotton dress by Rebecca Taylor or – outsider choice – a nightie by Pour Les Femmes worn as a dayie. As dresses go, it’s not staggeringly practical, so wear something around your waist on the bus to avoid marks. MF
Slide into something more comfortable
For the past few summers, slides have dominated the high street. Understandably so: they are ideal for the heat, to throw on, or wear with socks. Still, they remain absolute hell for people who want their feet to look elegant. Thankfully, a new strain has emerged that barely look like slides, while still definitely being slides. These include leather ones in lilac from Zara, woven ones from Topshop, pebble-friendly ones from Ancient Greek sandals or the ultimate ones: souped-up hotel slippers from Balenciaga. Happy feet etc. MF
Try an all-in-one
Keeping things straightforward is central to successful heatwave dressing, which is why the jumpsuit has pull-on-and-go appeal. Luckily, they are everywhere this season: on the high-street, Asos and Mango both have great styles that are appropriate for work, weekends and weddings, while Norma Kamali at Net-a-Porter has excellent evening options. The main thing is to choose a thin and lightweight or breathable fabric so that you airily saunter, rather than awkwardly squeak, down the street. SC
Get the air circulating
Unless it’s your bikini, anything skin-tight should be avoided in a heatwave (no one wants to peel their clothes off when they get home). Instead, loose layers that will keep you cool are the way to go. Long trapeze silhouettes are great as they circulate air and provide ease of movement. This 100% cotton halterneck style from Arket in black (it also comes in red and a floral print) has a chic V-neck, sculpted straps at the back and is super-versatile, making this a 24-hour solution to the heat. SC
