How to dress for a heatwave without sacrificing style

Choose fabric carefully “Polyester, thick denims and heavy satin can be quite intense and should be avoided. You want to select breathable, loose and thin fabrics to keep yourself cool. Linen is a great failsafe choice – it is not going anywhere and never will, also cotton and silk. “As you’re going for lighter fabrics , they are more likely to be transparent, so when I’m shopping, I always put my hand under it to see how much I can see through it, so I don’t get caught out. If you still want to buy it because you love the design, then consider heading to your local dry cleaners and paying to get it lined. It will cost between £20 and £50, depending on the job size, so it would only be worth it if it’s a special item you will wear a lot .” Less isn’t always better “People may be inclined to believe that wearing minimal clothes will be the best for staying cool, but actually, covering up can keep you chill. For instance, a loose linen shirt over a vest will feel nice because your arms aren’t in the sun and getting direct exposure. “But do keep it baggy because when something is tight and fitted, you are more likely to feel uncomfortable, and that’s going to translate to you looking uneasy, too. Luckily, we’re in an era where oversized is trendy, so you won’t be sacrificing style by choosing looser fits.” Ellis is drawn to bold colours (Photo: Supplied) Consider colours “I’m drawn to bold colours and prints, and naturally, brands push those aspects more now. So walking into a store becomes more of an exciting experience. I love that this is the season to really have fun and be playful with your wardrobe, and I encourage my clients to embrace that. When you’re open to trying different things you wouldn’t usually, it can put joy back into dressing that may have been lost during colder months. “If you’re not feeling bold enough to go crazy, you can introduce colour in a really simple, low-pressure way, by just getting some new basics. Go into a store like Zara or Uniqlo and purchase colourful vests – go for pastel options because they don’t absorb as much heat. “During evenings when it’s cooler, don’t be afraid to wear darker tones. In general, we forget that black is still great for summer. We all feel great in it, and it looks lovely with a tan, so as long as it’s lightweight and loose, it’s perfect. A word of warning, though – grey is the worst for sweat patches, as it tends to completely change colour so it stands out.” Pick footwear wisely “It’s so important to pick cool shoes because as soon as feet get hot, the fabric rubs more, and they can swell. Anything plastic isn’t ideal. Ballet flats in a woven style are breathable, and even loafers are great if you wear a little sock. I’m personally so happy that flip-flops are loved again, but, to be honest, I’ve never let my Havaianas go anyway. They elevate outfits and give a low-effort cool girl vibe. Minimal sandals return to stores every year for a reason, but make sure you’ve worn them around the house before spending hours in them, so they are broken in. “This surprises people but Ugg boots are designed for summer. The sheepskin lining regulates your body temperature by acting like an insulator, keeping feet cool and dry, so that’s exactly why mine get worn all year.” Don’t overlook accessories “Skip backpacks if you can as they trap heat in one spot on your back, and instead opt for anything else you can put on one shoulder. A crossbody is great because there’s nothing more annoying than getting hot and bothered, and your bag keeps falling down. Inside the bag, put a bottle of facial mist – I recommend Sculpt by Aimee . You could even spray while you’re choosing your outfits, so you’re less flustered while dressing and can think more clearly about what to wear. I always have a nice bobble, scrunchie or claw clip in my bag too, because getting the hair off your neck can feel so good. “I know not everyone is on board with hats, but I love them, especially now I’m in the over-30s category and need to be extra careful about protecting my skin from the sun. H&M do great caps, but also the random ones you pick up from holiday gift shops can be just as chic. If that’s not your style, lean into the Western trend with a straw hat, or a cute bucket hat. I love that you can throw on a hat with anything and often, it just works.” Don’t underestimate the power of the hat – it’s a great way to keep the sun off your face (Photo: Supplied) Outfits start with what’s underneath “You want to have loose, cottony, lightweight options in your underwear drawer – ideally made from natural fibres. Those thick satin bras are an absolute no, they are going to be too heavy and make you hot. Boux Avenue sells a really great, simple T-shirt bra, and as another option, Uniqlo have created a vest top that has a bra built in so you’re reducing a layer but still feel protected. “If you’re someone who chafes between your legs, add an anti-chafing stick, such as Megababe Thigh Rescue or Body Glide Anti Chafing Balm , into your daily routine, so you’re not put off wearing dresses or shorts.” Invest in holiday clothes “I know some people may feel guilty for spending money on clothes that they only wear on holiday, but even if you only take one each year, it’s worth it. If you don’t go too trend-led with them, if it is just a really lovely, colorful dress, or a perfect maxi dress, then you will get the price-per-wear down because you’ll pack it every year. I’ve got a vintage Chanel dress that I’ve had since I was in college, and it comes on every single holiday with me. I know it’s comfortable, I feel good in it, and it’s almost a safety blanket. “The clothes you wear on holiday will also work for other occasions, like a barbecue or party, so don’t discount them just because you’re in the UK. Some will translate more easily like tailored long shorts – you can wear them on vacation but also in settings where you need to be more professional.” Find what makes you feel confident “Everyone’s very different with what makes them feel good, and it’s about figuring out what this is for you. One way to do this is observe the shapes that you love wearing during your favourite season to dress in – for a lot of us that can be autumn and winter – and almost mimic them into the summer styles and fabrics. New Look does this really well – they’ll have the same dress shapes in sequins for winter, and then in the summer it is turned into a silk version. “One style of dress that seems to be universally popular is the milkmaid, as it cinches in at the chest and waist, but skims over the midsection and hips. If you don’t have one in your wardrobe, try some on and see why they are so loved. “Other things I always turn to are a good co-ord because they instantly make you look put together, and require minimal thinking, and a white dress is undeniably great. You don’t wear white all year round, so when the sun’s shining, it feels special, fresh, and it is the whole package.”