This Is The Secret To Getting Dressed In The Bank Holiday Heat – And It’s Actually Very Easy

Let's all live out the rest of August in style

Pernille Teisbaek, Caroline Issa, Reformation, Zara

by Natalie Hammond |
Updated on

As a nation of alarmists when it comes to the weather, it’s fair to say we’re having a mini meltdown about the fiendishly hot temperatures forecast this bank holiday weekend. If you’ve got an electric fan, or at least have easy access to a fridge and aren't too proud to stick your head in it, there’s only one question you need to answer. What the hell does one wear when it’s 37 degrees and feels like even hotter than that on any form of public transport? Or, indeed, in any room without air conditioning.

There’s a time and a place for artful layering - now’s not it. What you need is to go back to basics and, thankfully, the latest high street drops are on hand to help. There’s plenty of pared-back pieces, in pleasingly minimal shades of white and black, that you can mix-and-match together. The Instagram set are all at it, wearing monochrome head-to-toe. Chic, no? Here are the coolest - literally - buys to shop now.

The white cargo pants

me and em cargo pants
Me+Em, Slouchy Cargo Jean, £149

BUY: Me+Em, Slouchy Cargo Jean, £149

A loose-on-the-leg trouser will be your hot-weather saviour this summer. Cargo pants are ideal, but make sure to buy a pair that’s brighter-than-white instead of the more heat-absorbing khaki. Me+Em has the ultimate version in 100% cotton.

The Bermuda shorts

Swap barely-there denim shorts for a pair of super-chic Bermudas. Look for a shape that sits high on the waist and flares outwards on the upper thigh, and just add a tank top.

The slip dress

Zara slip dress

BUY: Zara, Slip Dress, £29.99

If you can't stand the thought of putting on clothes and pretty much want to leave the house naked, then a slip dress is your best bet. Choose a mid-calf length for extra chic points - and don’t forget to slather SPF on those shoulders.

Flat leather sandals

Pernille Teisbaek, Caroline Issa, Reformation, Zara

Obviously, even the mere suggestion of shoes is enough to make you pass out. But that's only because you don't yet have a pair of life changing, strappy flat sandals. Comfy, airy and chic to boot - what could be better?

SHOP: The Best Minimalist Summer Pieces

Gallery

SHOP: The best minimalist summer pieces

Ganni shorts1 of 10

Ganni, Silk Linen Shorts, £170

& Other Stories shorts2 of 10

& Other Stories, Drawstring Linen Blend Shorts, £20

Mango shorts3 of 10

Mango, Belt High-Waist Shorts, £35.99

Reformation dress4 of 10

Reformation, Wisconsin Dress, £225

J Crew sandals5 of 10

J Crew, Cyprus Sandals, £89

Office platform sandals6 of 10

Office, Skinny Flatform With Ankle Ties, £45

Ancient Greek Sandals sandals7 of 10

Ancient Greek Sandals, Morfi Wrap-Around Leather Sandals, £155

Berksha trousers8 of 10

Berksha, Cargo Joggers, £19.99

Zara cargo trousers9 of 10

Zara, Wide-Leg Cargo Trousers, £49.99

Weekday slip dress10 of 10

Weekday, Onna Dress, £45

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