At last, the Spring Bank Holiday is upon us, and in some fortuitous act of fate, the temperature is set to cascade across the 30°C mark for the entire long weekend. The rising mercury can only mean the following: you’ve secured your timeslot at the Hampstead Heath ponds to take a brisk dip, have confirmed plans with your girlfriends to sip pét nat at your chic local wine bar and are currently planning a heatwave-approved summer capsule wardrobe to see you through all your sets of plans.
Given the balmy weather conditions, clothing yourself in anything heavy, stiff or cumbersome is not an option. Whilst we’ll make allowances for a fine-knit cardigan or slightly sheer jumper, any pair of rigid denim jeans or functional boots must be overlooked for summer staples that are airy, lightweight and fluid.
Indeed, the scorching climate is a rarity here in the United Kingdom, so you must ensure to take full advantage of it by wearing wispy white maxi skirts, shoulder-baring tank-tops, blissful peasant tops and all the floaty dresses that your heart desires. Now, given that this is our first real foray into summer, we can understand some apprehension in deciding what to wear. For most, this might be the first time you’ve slipped back into your wafty minis and denim shorts since last year, which inevitably leads to the same old questions of "what to wear?"
The answer, however, is relatively straightforward. Looking to a few core basics you’ll find in any well-edited wardrobe, the most tasteful dressers are all going to be dressed in sartorial fundamentals that bridge the gap between keeping cool and, well, looking cool. So, whether you’re ready to embrace the season’s most controversial trends, like two-toned flip-flops and babydoll dresses, or are adhering to the classics, like a boho blouse or satin skirts, we’ve compiled a guide to the 5 summer heatwave staples you’ll see everywhere all over London this weekend. The best part? The only accessories you need to complete these looks are a layer of your favourite bronzing SPF and a bottle of La Vieille Ferme rosé.
5 Heatwave-Approved London Summer Fashion Staples:
1. Throw-On Dress
Style Notes: Make the most of the blue skies on the horizon with an effortlessly elegant throw-on dress. Whether rendered in a blissful silk pastel, like the ones that have quickly become a Chloé signature, a quaint floral style found at the likes of Dôen, or the more nostalgic-inspired prints seen at labels including Faithfull, this silhouette should be held in high regard for the way it makes you look incredibly considered, when all you’ve done is slunk into something and stepped out the door.
Shop the Trend:
Cloud dancer shades really shine in summer time, and they look extra chic in this H&M number.
This charming print feels like wallpaper you'll find on the walls of some decadant French château.
Fluid and effortless, this is a style that does the hard work for you.
Whether you're lounging around or out on the town, this dress will go the extra mile.
From the halterneck to the lace-trim, this dress boasts so many compliment-worthy features.
2. Linen Shorts
Style Notes: It’s officially legs-out season. Whilst there are plenty of shorts vying for our attention—Denim! Satin! Lace trim!—there’s no style more versatile and easy to style than linen shorts. These days, you can find incredibly polished and tailored pairs from the likes of With Only If, Reformation and Posse.
Shop the Trend:
All you need is an equally billowy button-down to make these affordable shorts look extra polished.
Low-effort, high-impact.
Such a dreamy pair.
This entire outfit feels like the quintessential off-duty uniform.
This knee-grazing length has become such a coveted proportion.
3. Minimalist Sandals
Style Notes: Tread lightly into the heatwave in a pair of minimalist sandals. Clean cut and perfectly understated, this shoe trend underscores any ensemble they’re featured in with a languid sensibility and refined ease. Consider this as your official warning, though, you might want to look into booking a pedicure before the weekend’s up.
Shop the Trend:
The A.Emery Jalen sandal is a fashion insider's best-kept secret.
T-Bar sandals always make a comeback in summer.
For those who have grown quite attached to suede, despite the weather, this Zara pair is for you.
The rope accessory trend that debuted in Miu Miu's spring/summer 2024 runway.
Deceptively simple, but oh-so chic.
4. Dreamy Blouses
Style Notes: The beauty of a tranquil forecast is that it leaves room for spontaneity. For those movements when slow mornings shift into sun-kissed afternoons and spirited evenings, you need something that can do it all with you, which is why dreamy blouses make the perfect summer heatwave staple. They’re unfussy but incredibly graceful and pair perfectly with anything you team them with, from maxi skirts to long shorts or even hotpants à la Carrie Bradshaw.
Shop the Trend:
This is one of Rixo's best selling blouses—and for good reason.
A style worth daydreaming in (and daydreaming about).
A covetable ensemble if I ever saw one.
This print comes Bella Hadid-approved. Just look at her recent off-duty looks from the Cannes Film Festival.
I predict this set will sell out before June 1.
5. Basket Bag
Style Notes: Make like perennial summer fashion muse Jane Birkin and complete any look with a basket bag. Raffia and woven styles have swiftly become one of the defining bag trends of the season, for the way they inject a romantic and vintage sensibility into a look. Plus, they’re often spacious enough to hold all your heatwave essentials: a juicy book, a punnet of strawberries and sunglasses to suit any occasion.
Shop the Trend:
From the city to the coast, this style can suit any setting.
It would be remiss of us to exclude this sought-after style.
You can call this star
Ludicrously capacious, making it perfect for all your upcoming park picnics and shopping sprees.
Invest now and take with you on all your upcoming summer holidays.