What to wear to keep cool during the heatwave as UK set to hit 31C

Summer has finally arrived in Britain with temperatures set to hit up to 31C this weekend, let's hope this glorious heatwave is here to stay.

While enjoying the sunshine in the garden is lovely, it can be a bit of a nightmare if you have to to go to work or pick up the kids when you'd rather be basking in a bikini or a beer garden.

It can be even harder if you work in an office - making sure you look smart in soaring temperatures is no mean feat and throws up all kinds of sartorial dilemmas.

It's definitely advisable to make sure you apply sunscreen and drink plenty of water if you're out and about, but what clothes should you be wearing to keep yourself cool?

From maxi dresses and chic sliders to embroidered tunic tops, here's our guide on what to wear to ensure you don't completely melt in the scorching sun and still look fabulous...

Cotton on

Obviously thick fabrics like denim and wool are no-nos in this heat. Lighter materials like cotton, linen or other breathable fabrics are super comfy and will help air flow to your body.

How to stay looking stylish whilst keeping cool. (H&M)

Shop the look: Cotton dress with embroidery, now £50.00, H&M

Wide-leg trousers

If you're a fan of keeping your legs covered up, don't shy away from wide-leg options because you're worried they might be unflattering. High waisted culottes and jumpsuits look stylish on all shapes and sizes.

Balance out wide-leg trousers with a fitted cotton top. (Asos.com)

Shop the look: River Island crop wide leg trousers in check, £40.00, Asos.com

Floaty dresses

Long, floaty gowns will help keep you cool and are a great option for the office.

A long dress will create maximum style credentials. (Next.co.uk)

Shop the look: Warehouse Black Cowl Floral Split Maxi Dress, £65 Next.co.uk

Chic sandals

Your feet are one of the parts of your body that retain the most heat, so wearing open-toe shoes is a sure fire way of cooling yourself down.

Invest in classic styles will never date. (Birkenstock)

Shop the look: Arizona Platform Natural Leather, £75.00, Birkenstock.com

Tunic tops

Loose fitted tops that will cover you up from the sun. They can be teamed with casual shorts or are chic enough to wear with culottes to the office.

How to look stylish in a heatwave. (John Lewis)

Shop the look: Hush Madeline Embroidered Top, Skydiver Blue/Ecru, £69, Exclusive to John Lewis & Partners