Most of us spend all year dreaming of sunshine, envisaging our best summer selves looking tanned, chic and carefree. In the UK, when a heatwave hits and we are likely sans aircon and a sea breeze, the reality of summer hits with a dull—and sweaty—thud.
Whether you’re a stifled city-dweller gasping for air on the tube, or having a marginally better time somewhere less densely populated, you’ll no doubt be feeling the effects of the hottest British weather we’ve experienced in decades. All of this to say: it’s time to get prepared. And, no, I’m not suggesting you should go out and invest in AC, but simply to arm yourself with a breezy throw-on summer dress for when that next heatwave inevitably rolls around.
(Image credit: @hannahallen00)
Thankfully, we’re talking seriously low-maintenance looks—typically unstructured smocks that are voluminous in shape, generous in fit and constructed from something light and airy like cotton. For those who prefer a little more coverage, the trapeze maxi is a great alternative that’s no less airy, so long as you’re plumping for natural fibres. And those braving the stuffy commute to take advantage of that sweet office aircon, you can still keep cool in cotton and linen, just opt for smarter, more structured silhouettes and longer hemlines.
From Dôen’s cult cotton midis, to H&M floor-sweeping linen dresses, here’s our edit of the best heatwave-appropriate dresses to keep on rotation when it’s too hot to think for yourself.
Shop The Best Heatwave Dresses
H&M
Ruched Linen-Blend Dress
COS
Pleated Cotton-Linen Maxi Dress