The summer style guide: What to wear in hot weather

From mini to midi, printed to plain, lightweight summer dresses are some of the most versatile pieces of clothing to have in your hot weather wardrobe. The best dresses for hot weather are styles that won’t stick to your skin, forget about anything bodycon and go for loose A-line silhouettes, airy cut-out details and flowy fabrics. Our go-to pattern for summer? Anything gingham.

A natural fibre, cotton is one of the coolest fabrics for hot, humid weather. It’s breathable, lightweight, and more comfortable to wear on warm days than clothing made from synthetic materials. Having a few cotton pieces in your wardrobe is key – the best clothes for summer are cotton short-sleeved shirts, loose summer tops, and wide-leg trousers.

Wondering what colour clothes are best to wear in hot weather? Anything white is the answer. Lighter colours reflect the heat away from your body and keep you cooler on long, sunny days. If dresses aren’t your thing, look for wide-leg trouser styles in cropped lengths or tiered maxi skirts for easy, beachside looks.

We know what you’re thinking, scarves in summer? Hear us out. These lightweight fabrics can be quite cool to wear in warm temperatures, from 30-degree heat to hot, rainy weather or extreme tropical climates. Wrap a big scarf around your waist to use as a sarong on trips to the beach or lay on your shoulders if you’re going out to dinner on holiday. You can even incorporate a neck scarf into your updo to keep your hair off your face, while a women’s cap adds a pop of colour and pattern to your summer style.

What to wear in summer can be a style dilemma, but a co-ord set does all the hard work for you. If you’re wondering how to keep cool on the way to work, we’ve designed these matching sets with loose trousers, mini skirts and relaxed shorts, paired with knitted tops and shirts for smart outfit inspiration. The best thing about co-ords? Mix-and-match with your other warm-weather staples to maximise your summer outfit options.

From sunglasses to sandals, crossbody bags to claw clips and beach totes to shoes, hardworking summer accessories will complete your summer style. Whether you're jetting off overseas or enjoying a local staycation, pack your bags with lightweight clothing for hot weather and accessories to match.