Stylish summer outfits to keep you cool in the heat

The heatwave has arrived! This is brilliant news for most of us but if your work dress code is smart the hot weather can prove a sartorial nightmare. We are a nation who is, arguably, mostly unprepared for extreme weather and our wardrobe’s are generally no exception. Our weekend shorts and casual summer dresses are not appropriate for the office and the heavy fabrics of most formal wear can leave us sweltering. To help you stay cool in the heat here are a few outfit suggestions and tips from a recent ‘lunch and learn’ session I presented. The idea was to move away from dark colours/fabrics and create a modern, professional look that is smart but is also comfortable and cool.

The midi skirt

Having a massive comeback after being in the fashion wilderness for a long time. There are a huge amount of styles and shapes on the high street so you should find one that suits your figure. I’ve deliberately teamed this one with black shoes and jacket as they are a staple of most wardrobes. It isn’t always about buying new clothes but getting the maximum use out of the ones you have. The midi length negates the need for tights which is always a bonus!

Green top, & Other Stories. Skirt, Zara. Black jacket, last season Top Shop. Shoes, last season Karen Millen. Earrings, H&M. Bag, Stradivarius.

Lyocell shirt dress

This dress ticks all the right boxes. Is it a great length, colour and the sleeves finish at the elbow so there is no need for a jacket. Lyocell is a fabric derived from wood pulp so the consensus at the moment is that it is environmentally friendly. It also absorbs moisture better than cotton so it remains odour free for longer and therefore needs fewer washes. The leather mules are cool and comfortable but if you prefer to hide your toes in the office another summer shoe would work just as well.

Dress and shoes, Zara. Earrings, & Other Stories

Loose cotton trousers

As a general rule avoid anything that is made from synthetic fabrics and fits tightly on your bottom half, for obvious reasons! Skirts and dresses are cooler than trousers but I know there are many women who feel more comfortable in trousers so I created this outfit with you in mind. These trouser are made from 100% cotton and contour as opposed to cling so are comfortable and cool to wear. A woven top is another item that gently skims to body so will not generate as much perspiration as jersey styles. If you are not a fan of sleeveless tops you can easily substitute this one with an alternative style. Be sure to choose a natural fabric though if the top has a sleeve and fits under the arm.

Trousers, Cos. Mustard top, last season Top Shop, Jacket, last season Oasis. Shoes, Kurt Geiger.

If you would like a helping hand to achieve a stylish summer wardrobe please get in touch.

Sally is a Personal stylist and founder of Queen Bee Styling. She has spent 27 years working in women’s fashion and will cut through the minefield of knowing what styles flatter you, those to ditch and where to shop. Her aim is to help you discover and develop your own personal style, make the best of your image and ultimately feel confident in yourself.

Love to dress with more style and confidence?

Get my top 10 tips and discover how to transform your style - and dress with confidence. Sign up now for your free copy.