Here comes the sun: the definitive summer style guide

Heatwave dressing hero image
Editorial team

Finally, the sun is here. From the breezy sundress to the perfect shorts, here’s how to look hot while keeping cool

Great news: the impossible has happened. The sun is shining! Time to crack out the rosé, throw some sausages on the BBQ and spend an hour working out what you need to do to transport your WFH set up from the kitchen to the garden. (Tip: you need a privacy screen, an internet booster, and a tolerant boss.)

But what to wear now that the heat is on? A summer wardrobe with a distinctly practical edge is essential. From the perfect cool-down shirt to a dress to take you from picnic to pub lunch and beyond, here’s your summer style guide.

Clothes for summer

The breezy sundress

The most common misconception about hot-weather dresses is that you have to bare all to stay comfortable. The truth is, everything hinges on fabric choice. Seek out soft, lightweight textiles such as cotton or linen, and you’ll find you can experiment more with silhouette and structure. A billowy sleeve with a smocked neckline is the en point dress shape of the season. Add sandals, and you’re good to go.

Summer clothes for women

The keep-your-cool shirt

A shirt is an excellent addition to your high summer dressing armoury: namely because it’s so versatile. Seek out oversized shapes and neutral colours and team with everything from long skirts to swimwear. For anyone navigating a stuffy commute or an office that’s lax on air-con, try a shirt worn tucked into a pair of tailored city shorts, and you’ll find the ultimate summer-in-the-city look.

The swishy skirt

The wearable equivalent to a light ocean breeze – or highly functioning air-con – ankle-skimming skirts are everywhere this season. Got somewhere to be? Dress yours up with a crisp white shirt and a sprinkling of gold accessories – oversized earrings are essential. Or for a day in the park, wear with lightweight gladiator sandals and a silk camisole or T-shirt.

Shorts for all

Whatever your preference – from Bermuda to bicycle, paper-bag waist to print – there is a pair of shorts to suit everyone. It’s just a matter of figuring out what works for you. For fans of a laid-back aesthetic, all routes lead to denim – try slightly tapered shapes for a look that feels modern. If you’re after something more polished, a knee-length city short is your friend. Offset short-shorts styles with an oversized top or shirt.

A high-summer basic

The humble vest is a high summer failsafe – it’s just a case of finding the shape that works best for you. Having a silk camisole in your collection is never a bad idea – wear yours tucked into a pair of lightweight trousers for a ‘put together’ look that says understated elegance. A scoop neck vest is also a wise addition. Seek out super-soft fabrics – a linen mix is great – and opt for oversized fits where possible: this vest looks best when worn tucked in. Lovers of neutrals who are bored of black and white should explore summer basics in warmer shades of biscuit and caramel, which look excellent with denim.

The extras

The warm weather tends to ignite an insatiable demand for high-summer accessories. A timeless pair of shades is a wise place to start, as is a baseball cap you’ll keep returning to for years to come. If you need a new pair of sandals in your life, seek out high-quality styles and shapes that will work with everything from your most-worn pair of jeans to the bikini of your dreams.

Related Articles

The best summer PJs
The best summer pyjamas, sleepwear sets and nightdresses
Read more
Capsule wardrobe essential pieces
5 key pieces to include in your capsule wardrobe
Read more
Occasionwear dressing for 2024
5 rules for occasion dressing
Read more
More stories