As prolonged heatwaves continue, adjusting wardrobes to stay comfortable and stylish is essential. Fashion experts recommend specific strategies for dressing effectively in high temperatures, moving beyond mere comfort to address aesthetic appeal.
Women's Heatwave Dressing
For women, choosing white or cream garments is highlighted as a top strategy, with celebrities like Queen Camilla's sister, Annabel Elliot, and Carole Middleton opting for white dresses and trouser suits. Monochrome outfits, such as a white top paired with black wide-leg trousers, are also suggested. While sheer fabrics might seem appealing, they are discouraged for maintaining coolness. Instead, light cottons, double cloth, and seersucker are recommended. Man-made fabrics should be avoided.
Loose, 'wafty' garments can be problematic unless styled carefully with features like a deep V-neckline, empire waist, bracelet-length sleeves, and light colors. Prints should be avoided in such styles. Regarding coverage, exposed arms and legs are generally advised against for those over 50, with knee-length hemlines preferred unless at the beach. Heavy or dark footwear can detract from a heatwave outfit; pale-colored or white strappy sandals and slingbacks are recommended. Light leather, tan, basket weave, or raffia bags are suggested over black alternatives. Tights are universally discouraged, and silk is also noted as a material that does not breathe well.
Tailoring is encouraged, with linen jackets worn over dresses offering sun protection and a polished look. The waistcoat, worn with nothing underneath and paired with tailored trousers, is presented as a modern heatwave saviour. Adaptable three-piece suits, like those seen on Sienna Miller, offer versatility. Longer hemlines, such as long-sleeved shirt dresses or maxi skirts paired with short-sleeved shirts, can also contribute to a cooler feel.
Men's Heatwave Dressing
For men, avoiding an all-white ensemble, which can resemble yachting attire, is advised. Cream linen suits, as worn by Dominic West, are suggested as a stylish alternative. Swim trunks are to be avoided in favor of longer shorts, and casual sandals like Birkenstocks should be reserved for weekends, with more coverage recommended for smarter settings. Flip-flops are strictly for holiday wear.
When unbuttoning shirts, two buttons are considered the limit. Rolling up sleeves too neatly should also be avoided. A linen jacket worn over a pale shirt is recommended to cover creases and sweat stains, sharpening the silhouette. Pale colors are essential, with light khaki trousers, white shirts, and tan shoes, or beige jackets over sky-blue shirts being good examples. Hats are encouraged to protect the face from the sun.
Footwear for men should also be lighter in color and weight. Heavy black boots or brogues (unless worn with a suit) are discouraged. Tan leather or brown suede shoes are a better option, with plain tan or cream trainers suggested for smart-casual wear. Light, long-sleeved shirts made of cotton or linen are preferred over polo shirts or t-shirts.
Several public figures, including Katherine Jenkins, Queen Camilla's sister Annabel Elliot, Carole Middleton, Poppy Delevingne, Daisy Edgar-Jones, Naomi Watts, Sam Taylor-Johnson, Sienna Miller, Nicole Kidman, Jodie Foster, and Anna Wintour, have been observed demonstrating various approaches to heatwave dressing. On the male side, Dominic West, Jack Whitehall, Oli Green, Andy Burnham, Harry Styles, Bear Grylls, Joseph Fiennes, and Tom Hiddleston's attire has been noted.