Our co-founder answers your most-asked summer-in-the-city questions
Dressing for the heat when you’re heading to the beach is one thing, but staying cool in the city is another challenge altogether. My top tip is to stay true to your personal style. Don’t be tempted to overhaul your wardrobe; instead, make subtle summer tweaks. Minimal dressers can still look pared-back, just switch to lightweight fabrics in a monochrome palette. Love all things bohemian? Now’s the time to embrace dresses with florals and frills. When the mercury rises, it’s all about keeping comfortable – which means dressing like yourself. To help you do just that, here are my outfit solutions for seven of your most-asked summer-in-the-city style dilemmas.
What can I wear in the heat that doesn’t show my arms and legs?
The secret is to make your outfit all about the fabric; by choosing lightweight, breezy material you’ll stay cool in more covered-up silhouettes. My tip is to reach for linen. Avoid anything synthetic and even poplin cottons, as they don’t have the same breathable quality. Opt for classic buttoned-down shirts with coordinating skirts or trousers. Dresses are, of course, always an option, or even a lightweight jumpsuit. Build up a linen section in your wardrobe that suits your style; from prints to block colours, earthy tones to brights – the possibilities are endless.
How can I dress for the office in the summer?
A midi or maxi dress is a foolproof go-to on super-hot office days. Spaghetti straps are the freshest option and can be worn with a linen shirt or blazer for more formal settings. If you’re likely to be in and out of air-con, choose something with a little bit of a sleeve, like a chic shirt dress.
Where can I find an office-appropriate jumpsuit for under £100?
COS
This wasn’t easy, but I think I’ve found the perfect one. I love the relaxed cut, which sits off the body, meaning that even in the heat you’ll never feel it cling. The cropped leg will work with both flats and heels, plus classic navy can be dressed up or down for office-to-evening wear. Layer a blazer on top for meetings, then pile on gold accessories or even a waist-cinching belt for after-work events.
Which summer shoe styles are smart enough for work?
For more formal dress codes, my suggestion is to go for closed-toe shoes, which look that bit more polished. A slingback will keep things feeling summery. Try a contemporary flat, pointed-toe style. For casual environments, flat leather sandals are always a good option. Black looks smarter than tan, and avoid strappy or embellished styles, which are evocative of beach holidays. Stick to slightly thicker straps or chunkier styles that are more substantial on the foot.
What is the best summer jacket to invest in?
I consider a linen blazer a summer staple and love its slick effect when worn over dresses. The lightweight fabrication means it’s comfortable to wear in the heat, while tailored lines will make outfits look more city-appropriate. Go for timeless off-white hues – oatmeal, ecru, beige – that work well with what you already have. And don’t worry about creases – they’re all part of the look.
I want a simple workwear look that isn’t boring. What should I go for?
I would suggest an outfit of summer white with a hit of sunshine yellow. Wide-leg trousers look fresh with a simple T-shirt or bodysuit and provide the perfect backdrop to a statement blazer. Add all-white accessories – from shoes to bag – and you’re all set.
What are the must-have wardrobe basics for heatwave dressing?
Start with lingerie. In the summer, switch Lycra and lace fabrics for cotton blends, which will make sweaty days more comfortable. Build a small section of seamless and nude shades that will work well under lighter or transparent fabrics. It’s also worth having a variety of simple racer-back vests and thin-strap camisole tops, which can be layered underneath a lightweight linen blazer in place of a shirt. Finally, a sleek cap and sunglasses will make the heat (and those UV lights) that little bit more bearable.