From maxi dresses trailing along grubby pavements, to a daring pair of flip flops in a corporate office, dressing for summer is no easy feat. Don’t ask us why: we just know that, whenever the thermometer hits 29 degrees, a sense of sartorial panic is released. However, getting dressed during a heatwave doesn’t have to lead to you having a meltdown. All you need do is look to the street-style set, who seem to effortlessly navigate hot days without breaking a sweat. 

Here are five of our favourites:

On hot and humid days in the city, a little white dress (LWD) will keep you looking chic and effortless. Just make sure you opt for natural fabrics, such as cotton, to keep you cool – and try to showcase interesting little details, like broderie-anglaise, for that added smart touch. Just make sure that you avoid drinking coffee whilst wearing. It’s not worth the stress (or the inevitable dry-cleaning bill). 

From ditzy to tropical, floral prints always look great when a yellow weather warning hits. Set to become one of the hardest working items in your summer wardrobe, it’s worth spending the time finding both a shape and print that works best for you. Caroline Issa’s Mother of Pearl dress looks great paired with flats and a cross-body bag, but come evening time will work just as well with a pair of strappy sandals and a clutch bag. 

If the mere thought of saccharine pastels is enough to make you feel queasy, don’t panic. Lilac and pistachio shades may be trending, but that doesn’t mean you have to ditch your favourite black staples. Instead, just swap your accessories for lighter hues. A cream bag in an interesting shape like, the Wandler one pictured above, is a good starting point if millennial pink makes you nervous. 

Make your usual go-to of jeans and a nice top still work for you with a couple of summery tweaks. We love stylist Yoyo Lu’s choice of a lighter wash plus the wider leg style and giant knee rip allow plenty of ventilation. She ups the easy, breezy look even further by teaming with a plain white cotton tee and a wafty kimono style jacket. 

If your fave slip dress looks a bit too slinky at 9am, dress it down by layering over a white t-shirt like Tamu McPherson (pictured above). This trick also works for those summery dresses featuring cut-outs that pool side in Greece look great, but leave you feeling a little too exposed at your desk doing spreadsheets. 

Images: Getty