Every summer there comes a point when getting dressed simply stops being fun. Well… unless you’re lucky enough to be spending your days by the sea. If that’s the case, the answer is wonderfully simple: a swimsuit, an ice-cold drink and the book you’ve been meaning to finish all year.

For most of us, though, that version of summer only lasts for a week or two. The rest of the season still comes with meetings, lunches, events, appointments and all the little errands that somehow never disappear just because it’s 35 degrees outside. The moment temperatures climb that high, all the outfits you imagined wearing suddenly feel completely unrealistic. Anything tight becomes uncomfortable, layering is out of the question and before you know it, you’re reaching for the same dress every single day. Over the years I’ve realised that dressing well in this kind of heat has very little to do with owning more clothes. It comes down to choosing the right fabrics and the right silhouettes. These are the pieces I genuinely rely on whenever I have to leave the house looking polished, regardless of how hot it is.

Linen is breathable, lightweight and somehow manages to look effortlessly elegant even when it’s incredibly hot outside. The fact that matching sets always feel a little more put together is another huge advantage. Whether I’m heading to a lunch, an afternoon event or simply spending the day running around the city, linen trousers or a linen skirt paired with a matching top always feels appropriate.

The same goes for linen dresses. They’re comfortable, timeless and, without exaggerating, some of the hardest-working pieces in my summer wardrobe.

Cotton is another fabric I absolutely love throughout summer, but especially during heatwaves.

Loose-fitting cotton dresses are probably the easiest thing you can wear on a day when the temperature feels impossible. Nothing clings to your skin, nothing feels restrictive and you still look effortlessly put together. They’re usually my first choice for days spent walking around the city, paired with ballet flats or simple sandals.

The minute temperatures reach 35°C, I stop thinking about closed shoes altogether.

Instead, I reach for slides, flip-flops, ballet flats – ideally the softer, lighter styles that almost feel like you’re walking barefoot. I want my feet to breathe just as much as the rest of me. Greek Archaic Kori always has beautiful options that feel polished enough for everyday wear without sacrificing comfort.

This is probably my biggest styling rule for hot weather.

Oversized shirts, relaxed denim shorts, loose T-shirts… anything that moves with you instead of clinging to your body instantly feels more comfortable. There is nothing worse than clothing that sticks to your skin when it’s already unbearably hot outside. If I need to dress a little more modestly, an oversized white shirt layered over a white tank top works perfectly and somehow still feels incredibly light. If the dress code is smart casual, I usually swap it for an oversized linen blazer with wide-leg trousers. The formula stays exactly the same: nothing too fitted, nothing restrictive and nothing that makes the heat feel even worse.

Hot weather dressing doesn’t have to mean boring dressing. Yes, the outfits themselves are usually much simpler, but that’s exactly why I don’t mind being a little bolder with my accessories. Oversized sunglasses, a chunky necklace, a silk scarf tied around the waist instead of a belt, or even a statement belt with fringe can completely transform the look. When everything else is clean and minimal, those finishing touches stand out even more. They’re usually what gives the outfit its personality without adding another layer or making you feel any warmer.

Some things simply don’t earn a place in my wardrobe once temperatures climb this high.

I usually avoid wearing black if I know I’ll be spending hours outside in direct sunlight. Heavy denim is another one that immediately feels too warm, especially compared to linen or lightweight cotton. Polyester and other synthetic fabrics are rarely my first choice because they tend to trap heat rather than let your skin breathe.

And finally, anything overly fitted. Bodycon dresses, tight tops or trousers that sit too close to the skin might look beautiful, but on a 35-degree day they’re simply not worth the discomfort.

Comfort and style don’t have to compete with each other. In fact, I’ve found that my favourite summer outfits are usually the simplest ones. The right fabrics, relaxed tailoring and shoes you can happily walk in all day will take you much further than following every seasonal trend.

I’ve linked some of my favourite pieces below if you’re looking to update your summer wardrobe.

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