How To Keep Wearing Your Summer Wardrobe Even Though The Weather’s Rubbish

It was only a week ago that we were bringing you the heatwave hacks endorsed by celebrities, in a bid to help you get dressed for boiling weather. Now? Well, you don't need me to tell you that the summer has taken a turn for the worse. In fact, as I write this, I'm wearing a jumper and slippers. Help.

Well, sartorial help is at hand, thanks to a very well-dressed selection of people. From some of Instagram's most recognisable faces to the likes of Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner, there are some excellent suggestions of how to keep wearing your favourite summer pieces without contracting a cold.

So, don't put away your dresses, shorts and T-shirts just yet. You just need to follow one of these examples and make your wardrobe work for this terrible spell of weather we're having. Then when the sun comes back out? Well, it's back to those heatwave hacks for you.

Wear an oversized blazer with your denim cut-offs

Let me tell you, every woman and her dog is trying this combo. Makes sense, as it suits a variety of climates and, of course, you can always add more layers under your blazer if things get really bad.

Hailey Bieber was the first to make the most of this outfit back in April, teaming her tiny Levi's shorts with a neon green blazer from Kwaidan Editions, complete with green shoes and bag both from Bottega Veneta.

More recently, Alessandra Ambrosio wore her cut-offs with a neon orange blazer and the very stylish Ellie, of @slipintostyle fame, chose a pink cover-up for her denim shorts with – wait for it – neon accessories. Well, at least the colour will distract you from the grey skies.

Layer a sweater vest over your summer dress

Light, floaty dresses are one of summer's unending joys. But what are we supposed to do when we've got goose pimples on our legs and arms? Welcomethe sweater vest. This trend has been gathering speed for a while now but, while it may seem more like a winter staple than anything, it might actually be your summer saviour.

Take Lucy Williams, who layered her SEA vest over a white puff of a dress, giving her the best of both worlds. It'll add extra warmth and you still get to give that summer dress you've been waiting to wear some extra outings.

Throw a lightweight coat over your summer separates

Yes, I know – nobody wants to hear the 'c' word until at least October. Sadly, the UK climate doesn't agree. That doesn't mean you need to start unpacking the winter wardrobe you so carefully stashed into airtight bags, instead look for lightweight outer layers that you can throw over your summer outfits.

Given it's a lightweight coat, if the sun comes out and you need to take it off and carry it, it won't feel like a burden.

Make use of an oversized shirt

For anyone who doesn't already have an oversized shirt in their wardrobe, now's the time for me to tell you they are a truly wonderful thing. They go with everything, they're comfortable and they look smart enough to go from WFH to IRL meetings without a thought.

Also, right now, they're a great extra layer when you find yourself shivering at your desk but can't quite bring yourself to reach for a fleece. In June. Don't worry – a shirt will save you.

Get a great knit

I'm aware that this is not groundbreaking advice but I'm also aware that most of us didn't think we'd be knitwear shopping at the end of June. In fact, last week, as we all slurped rosé in any outside space we could find, giggling as our cheeks turned red, we would have laughed in the face of wool.

Well, now we must all eat humble pie and admit that actually, a jumper might feel quite nice. Again, don't feel you need to find your thickest, chunkiest jumper. Just look for lighter styles that you can wear over skirts, shorts (you're brave) and dresses as well as jeans.

Swap sandals for boots

If you're determined to keep wearing your flimsiest dress in this chilly weather, one way of adding warmth would be to swap your sandals for a pair of boots. Luckily, fashion has been endorsing such a juxtaposition for ages, so you won't look like you don't know what you're doing. You'll actually look entirely on-trend.

Take Ganni as your lead. The brand has been showcasing its floaty minis and excellent midis with stompy boots for a couple of seasons now. You could opt for knee-high boots and bare legs or, if that feels a little daunting, choose your favourite ankle boots.

Alternatively, you could take a leaf out of Kendall Jenner's book and pull on a pair of cowboy boots with your silky dress. Just bear in mind that Jenner wore this outfit in LA, so you might be in need of the aforementioned lightweight knit while on UK shores.