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The most repeated phrase across the UK? ‘It’s a bit hot’ has become a daily mantra, overheard in offices, on the tube and in humid houses over the past week. The only place it hasn’t been uttered is in the frozen aisle in Tesco.
According to the Met Office, the UK May and spring temperature record has provisionally broken for the second day in a row as of yesterday.
Let’s face it, our country’s infrastructure is ropey at the best of times, never mind with extreme temperatures thrown in. Although we lack air con, bikinis beyond your back garden are a no-no. As are Andy Burnham inspired short-shorts (for men and women). And don’t even think about trying to pass your sheer sarong off as a skirt for the office.
From linen that looks like denim, to the ultimate wedding guest dress (that won’t show sweat) and all the handbag gadgets and gizmos that will blast you with cool air on the go, here are five outfits to get you through the heatwave.
The cotton shorts co-ord
This is the ultimate, easy-breezy throw on look. The matching co-ord will help you appear put together – even if you feel as though you’re wilting. And the 100% cotton composition will actually prevent you from melting in the city. Stripes are one of the hottest (sorry) prints of the summer and raffia accessories give a nod to that sought after French-girl aesthetic we all long to achieve. But the best buy you can bag at John Lewis right now? It’s £12 hand fan. You won’t catch me going anywhere without mine.
The breezy midi
Leave flimsy, spaghetti strap sun dresses for the beach. This shirred waist midi with a flowy (aka well ventilated) skirt and a fitted waist look sophisticated enough to be worn to work and can be worn with any bra. Plus, it comes in a trending cobalt blue hue. Finish the look with a pair of Le Specs – every Fashion Editor’s go-to brand for expensive looking, yet affordable, sunglasses – and if you’re feeling boujee, a neck fan, rather than jewellery. Yes, really. These airy necklaces are excellent for commuting or sitting at a desk. Hands-free, cable-free wind machines get a big tick from me.
The summer suit
Tailoring can be tricky. Nobody wants sweat patches! But consider a linen set the answer to summer suiting. This will be perfect for Ascot, a wedding or even Wimbledon. Pair it with a simple crisp scallop edged cami – an elevated take on your (overwashed) basic white vest. And leather finish accessories keep it modern and fresh – see Dune’s excellent slides and the John Lewis raffia tote bag.
The wedding guest dress
Linen at weddings doesn’t bode well for sitting, eating and drinking. You’ll be in crease-city by about 2pm. The top solution is to find a fabric that won’t show sweat patches and won’t sag in the heat. Phase Eight’s elegantly ruched Donna column dress will hold its form throughout a long day, thanks to the added elastane and the sleek navy shade will keep any moisture from your skin hidden. Lean into the gold finish accessories here and throw on a pair of film-star inspired shades for a touch of drama. A good straw hat to keep the sun off your face is a great final flourish.
The faux denim skirt
If you ask Dior’s Jonathon Anderson, denim skirts are back in a big way (see the stonewashed pelmet iterations on his SS26 runway). But this fabric will only make you droop in the heat. Cue imitation denim! This clever co-ord which looks like denim, is actually made from linen – genius! Nail the trend and keep the air flow up, all at the same time. I would dress mine up with the season’s top tread; a pair of heeled flip flops. And a chic little raffia clutch. Don’t forget your big blingy hoops.
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