When the UK heats up, its residents tend to fall into two camps. The first are euphoric at the sight of actual sunshine breaking through the eternal British grey. The second? Already sweating at the thought of packed public transport and the impossible task of dressing for the office without sparking an HR complaint.
Dressing for a heatwave in this country is a uniquely tricky challenge. Unlike Mediterranean countries where sun-appropriate style is woven into the culture, Brits are often left floundering somewhere between beachwear and business casual - neither quite right for a commute through the underground or a client-facing Zoom call.
There’s a fine line between staying cool and staying appropriate, and navigating it often feels like fashion’s equivalent of a tightrope walk.
The key? Clever silhouettes, breathable fabrics, and a shift in mindset around what summer dressing can look like - modest doesn’t have to mean stifling.
© Getty ImagesLabels like Erdem, Leem, and COS are quietly leading the charge in this space, offering designs that feel both elegant and temperature-conscious. Think airy cotton poplin dresses, loose shirt silhouettes, free-flowing skirts, lightweight layers, breezy tailoring and frothy chiffons that offer ventilation without sacrificing polish.
The result? An effortless middle ground that keeps you looking composed even when your weather app reads 29°C by 9am.
So while dressing for a heatwave might never be easy, it’s increasingly becoming more stylish - no panic necessary.
Discover the top ten dresses that are both chic and appropriate for combatting the summer heat:
Work-appropriate dresses to combat the heatwave:
Effy Dress
Khaite
Cut from crisp cotton with a touch of silk, Khaite's luxurious Effy dress is the perfect combination of ease and breeze. Simply thrown on and be on your merry way.
Nadja Pleated Cotton Midi Dress
Skall Studio
Tap into this season's hottest trend, butter yellow, with Skall Studio's Nadja dress - complete with an airy silhouette and sweet tie detailing across the neckline.
Lydia Silk Dress
Reformation
Crafted from lightweight silk charmeuse fabric, this sleek midi dress is ideal for everyday in-office wear. Short sleeves and a frilled collar make for feminine detailing.
Cotton Shirt Dress
Arket
When in doubt, grab a cotton shirt dress. This longline high street option is classic yet conservative in equal measure, ideal for a touch of subtle sophistication in the office.
Round-Neck Pleated Woven Midi Dress
Leem
Leem is a brand that's brimming with modest dresses. Longline cuts merge with earth tones to create elegant options like this round neck number above.
Polka Dot Shirt Dress
Mango
Tap into the trend of the season with a helping hand from Mango. Polka dots are here to stay, and this affordable sleeveless number is the perfect preppy pick.
Spiral-motif Silk Midi Dress
Sandro
Swirling into summer with statement-making ease, this Sandro x Louise Bourgeois silk midi dress is a wearable work of art. Cut from pure silk, the sky-blue silhouette boasts a bold spiral motif, a cinched waist and timeless shirt dress finish.
Linen Waistcoat Dress
Jigsaw
Stay crisp and cool this summer. Jigsaw’s black linen waistcoat‑style midi channels sharp tailoring with a touch of high summer chic.
How we chose:
- Style: We've chosen airy, breezy silhouettes cut from lightweight fabrics to help shoppers combat the humidity - all while sitting under the umbrella of HR-approved.
- Price: We've included an array of picks with prices for all pockets.
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