I don’t know if you’ve heard, but there’s a heatwave coming. In fact, as I sit here writing this with my face as close to a fan as possible without my hair getting dragged in, I’m pretty sure it’s already arrived. Temperatures are reaching crazy highs next week (does anyone remember a time the UK was 35°? No, me neither), but it also looks set to be really warm throughout the whole month of July, and likely into August and September too. Better late than never, I guess?
Not that I’m complaining, in fact I’m very grateful after summer never really arrived last year. It’s lovely weather for sitting in the garden doing nothing. The problem arises when we’re expected to leave the house and still look polished. Whatever your journey may be, getting to the office, or a meeting, or a date, or drinks with friends without looking like you’ve just come out of a hot yoga class feels like a challenge equivalent to climbing Mount Everest. Not to mention, what the heck to do you wear to stay cool but also appropriately covered up.
Well, that last part I can help you with. I’m not great in the heat, and so I’ve been scrolling through my go-to summer brands this week to find pieces that are not only heatwave-appropriate, but office-appropriate too. Something that I can wear comfortably over the next few weeks, but that I know I’ll want to pull out when the mercury rises next summer as well. I’m a sucker for a good investment after all. Obviously my first thought was to find something linen which, as we all know, is the true secret to looking chic in the heat. And when I came across COS’s Linen Shirt Dress (pictured above), I knew I wouldn’t find anything better.
The under-£100 dress is a short-sleeved, floaty, throw-on button down midi dress which comes in three colours— white (ideal for heatwaves and beach days), navy (very French), classic black, and a soft lilac for the colour fans amongst us. The natural linen won’t stick to your back or show sweat patches, and it won’t make you hotter than you already are. While the midi length keeps it feeling elevated, and suitable for all sorts of occasions. Pair it with heeled sandals for dressing up and with classic leather slides or Birkenstocks for running around in. It even works with trainers and a trench coat, or over trousers when we head into autumn. What more could you really ask for in a dress?
Keep scrolling to shop the dress, and see more of my heatwave shopping picks below…
