Experts reveal what to wear during a heatwave if you want to look stylish AND stay UV protected - and what to avoid
Summer has well and truly hit the UK with soaring temperatures leaving Brits sweltering - and wondering what to wear to stay coolly and stylishly protected from the sun.
With temperatures expected to rise to a scorching 34C in London on Monday, many will be wondering how to balance comfort, style and sun safety - but fret not as there is a way.
Stylists Natasha King and Rebekah Roy told Femail that looking your best this summer doesn't mean sacrificing comfort - or breaking the bank.
King said a breezy maxi dress, an oversized sun hat, strappy sandals and a linen shirt should be among your summer wardrobe staples.
Roy revealed that a cotton bra and t-shirt combination is the 'secret insider tip' for keeping cool in high temperatures.
Materials like linen, cotton and bamboo were given the green light by both fashion pros as they are light and airy.
While it might be tempting to show a bit of skin to relieve yourself in hot weather, Roy advised against revealing clothing.
'The best pieces to wear during a heatwave while still looking fashionable are floaty dresses, oversize shirts and wide leg trousers,' she said.
Rebekah Roy (pictured) revealed that a cotton bra and t-shirt combination is the 'secret insider tip' for keeping cool in high temperatures
'Nothing too short or skimpy as you want to protect your skin from sunburn. You want airflow and you want to avoid anything that traps the heat.'
Natasha added: 'A big myth is that less clothing equals more comfort in the heat; not true! Opt instead for loose-fitting garments with long sleeves for better coolness and UV protection.'
She said synthetic fabrics like polyester should be avoided as they trap heat.
Both style gurus say to steer towards lighter hues like creams, whites and pastels that reflect sunlight rather than dark, heat-absorbing colours.
'Light colours are your best friends in summer. Think whites, pastels, light blues, and soft pinks. These shades reflect sunlight rather than absorbing it, keeping you cooler,' King said.
FLOATY FROCKS
Light maxi dresses are a top choice in summer for their versatility, coverage and style.
They are a fuss-free choice as they can be thrown on with a pair of sandals or sneakers and you're ready to go.
You can also dress up and down for any occasion whether it be a quick trip to the supermarket or brunch with the girls.
Breezy maxi dresses come in all shapes, sizes, colours and patterns so anyone will be able to find a style that suits them.
Cream Striped Puffed Sleeve Midi Dress - New Look £35.99 Shop
Flowing Midi Dress - Zara £29.99 Shop
Striped Tomato Midi Dress - Oliver Bonas £78.00 Shop
Mia Tiered Shirt Dress - Boden £68.00 Shop
TRENDING HUES
Light colours are your best friends in summer. Think whites, pastels, light blues, and soft pinks. These shades reflect sunlight rather than absorbing it, keeping you cooler,' King said.
'Make sure you pick the right shades for your skin tone!'
Colours like butter yellow, powder pink, tangerine and chocolate brown are all trending these summer months according to King.
'Every season has its must-have colours, and this summer it's all about butter yellow.(It's) perfect for brightening your wardrobe with a soft, warm touch,' she said.
'Powder pink adds a timeless grace and chic elegance to any outfit. Tangerine infuses bold energy and a vibrant pop for eye-catching style,' she added.
For those who do favour darker shades, even in the summer, King said chocolate brown is a fantastic solution.
'It works in your everyday wardrobe much like black or navy, but with a richer, more luxurious feel that can instantly elevate even the simplest pieces,' she said.
Tiered Midi Dress in Yellow - F&F £36.00 Shop
Raine Tailored Linen Shorts - Reiss £98.00 Shop
Short Sleeve Linen Blend Shirt in Pink - Stradivarius £19.99 Shop
Brown Colorado Midi Dress - Nobody's Child £69.00 Shop
FRESH FABRICS
Breathable, lightweight and natural fabrics are ideal for summer clothing as are moisture-wicking and won't weigh you down.
'Fabrics like linen, cotton, and bamboo are breathable and comfortable while offering some sun protection. Look for clothing with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) ratings for added security,' King said.
Roy also revealed that a cotton bra is a summer must-have.
'A secret insider tip to stay cool is wearing cotton underwear and a cotton bra. You want the fabric closest to your skin to be able to breathe,' she said.
While cotton and linen are summer no-brainers, bamboo is a material that is often overlooked but both King and Roy say it's perfect for warm weather.
Roxanne Linen Double-Strap Dress - Reiss £158 Shop
Pure Cotton T-shirt - M&S £6.50 Shop
WIDE LEG WONDERS
Trousers with wide legs provided much-needed airflow on hot days and won't cause overheating like tight-fitting garments.
No one wants to feel constricted or be tugging at tight waistbands in 30C but wide leg trousers give the wearer room to breathe.
They also provide modesty for those who are averse to short-shorts and prefer to keep their legs out the the sun's armful UV rays.
Wide-leg bottoms strike the balance between casual and polished and can be paired with a loose-fitting cotton tee or button up shirt.
Somerset Pull-On Trousers: Linen Edition - Anthropologie £98.00 Shop
Red Tile Print Wide Leg Trousers - Tu Clothing £18.00 Shop
Linen Stitch Detail Cropped Wide Leg Trousers - The White Company £98.00 Shop
Dark Crinkled Wide Leg Trousers - New Look £25.99 Shop
DON'T SKIP THE ACCESSORIES
Accessories should never be dismissed as they can transform a plain or casual piece into a curated and complete outfit and be an extra guard from the sun.
'A wide-brim hat and sunglasses are must-haves in your summer wardrobe - not just for style, but for essential sun protection,' Roy said.
'Wear a lightweight scarf to cover your shoulders or to protect your neck, and choose a bright colour especially if you're wearing white or creams to elevate your look.'
She added that a brightly-coloured summer basket bag can be the cherry on the cake when styling a warn-weather look and is as practical as it is chic.
'It's roomy enough to carry your sunglasses, accessories, and sunscreen, while also giving off that effortlessly carefree vibe,' she said.
King suggests a pair of tan brown sandals that are versatile enough to be worn with any number from a flowy dress to an oversized tee and trousers.
Red & Pink Summer Tile Square Scarf - Oliver Bonas £20.00 Shop
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