7 Dresses That Will See You Through The Heatwave In Style

Let's not bang on about it but it is really hot. So hot, in fact, that even the thought of putting fabric next to your skin might make you feel slightly nauseous. That is unless you're wafting in billowing material, feeling as smug as can be. What can elicit such smugness? Dresses, that's what.

Even if you're a die-hard denim fanatic, you have to agree that there's few things quite so horrifying as the feeling of wet jeans against your skin after sitting/standing/attempting to move in 30 degree heat. And if you're usually averse to dresses of any kind, I guarantee spending a few hours in one in the UK (otherwise currently known as The Sun) right now might change your mind.

The trick is to always go floaty. You don't want anything tight or uncomfortable because you might lose your mind and/or contract heatstroke. Instead, opt for loose, flowy styles that you know won't cling or make you feel disgusting after just a few minutes.

Luckily, there are plenty to choose from. I would start with SIR, which makes pieces that are beautiful in their simplicity without being in any way boring. Case in point is the label's crossover back linen maxi dress, which will work just as well in the city as it will by the beach.

Worried about not being able to wear a bra? I swear by this M&S bra, which is so versatile you can wear it a whopping 100 different ways, including with anything backless.

Another excellent material which will keep you cool (but which has the least sexy reputation) is hemp. But bear with me – Omi Na Na is a sustainable and ethical online boutique which I've completely fallen in love with, largely because this Pozruh dress followed me around the internet until I finally gave in and bought it. And thank goodness I did because not only is it beautifully made with intricate embroidery, it's also proving to be something of a life saver in this heat.

One very positive thing about social media is the exposure it can give to small and independent brands, something which is more important than ever after the last year and its impact on the economy. One I've found recently – and which is full of dresses made for the heatwave – is Springtime In Brooklyn, a brand which makes all of its pieces to order from deadstock.

Founded by Zoey Tzfanya, Springtime sprung (sorry) from her frustration of the lack of 'boob-friendly' clothes she found after having children. Based in New York, Tzfanya's husband tragically died shortly after she started her brand, leaving her with two children and a fledgling business to contend with. Now, she donates profits of the dress sales to a charity established to help her fellow widows.

You might not think knitted dresses would go hand-in-hand with heatwave weather but according to the likes of Kendall Jenner and many, many influencers, House of Sunny's Hockney dress is a summer dream.

There are great dresses on the high street, too, from primary brights in oversized (thank God) silhouettes at Kitri to a whole host of dresses from Warehouse, currently being worn by every influencer and their friend.

You'll be laughing all the way to the beach with these hero frocks. And just think: online shopping means you can do it in front of the fan.