When July rolls around, it ought to feel too hot to even wear clothes. But alas, this is England. For people who love fashion as much as we do, that means that getting dressed each day can be even more daunting — not because we have no options, but because finding something that has you looking and feeling good when it's 30 degrees but also raining buckets is kind of impossible.
Our secrets for mid-summer dressing are as follows: light fabrics; layering, cuts that allow for peeks of skin; and loose, flowing silhouettes. Oh and a brolly of course.
If you weren't too sold on the whole "polo shirts are back" thing, let this colour-blocked option (paired with a miniskirt) convince you otherwise.
W Concept shirt.
Photo via @alyssainthecity.
Break up an all-white outfit with some fun accessories, like a colourful, woven, top-handle bag.
Photo via @asiyami_gold.
Swap out your jean shorts for a miniskirt, and your white trainers for a pair of lace-up espadrilles. New weekend uniform: complete.
Gucci skirt, Castaner shoes, Ray-Ban sunglasses.
Photo via @katjaschwitzberger.
Not daring enough to wear all-white? Try the next best thing: 50 shades of nude.
Everlane top, Theory of Gaia pants, Creatures of Comfort shoes.
Photo via @troprouge.
A classic white button-down is one of those things you can actually wear all year long. For summer, tie it as the waist to make a cropped silhouette, and pair it with pretty much anything you'd like.
ASOS skirt, Marco de Vincenzo shoes, Lulu Guinness bag.
Photo via @asos_debbie.
Party skirts tend to sit at the back of your closet unless there's a special event on the horizon. Why not break one out and give it a daytime test-drive, by pairing it with a loose white tee and playful slides.
Brother Vellies shoes.
Photo via @aurorajames.
If you're going to live in T-shirts this summer, have fun with a vintage-inspired, on-trend ringer tee.
Photo via @breekish.
Can we just talk about how old-school Carrie Bradshaw this Dior bag is? What's old is new again.
Zara jacket, Dior bag, Amelie Pichard shoes, Reemami by Reema Al Banna scarf.
Photo via @desertmannequin.
As blogger Reese Blutstein suggests, "when you haven't gone summer dress shopping...turn your trench into a makeshift dress." Genius.
Photo via @double3xposure.
For your next summer soiree, consider going full-on retro with a floral dress, cat-eye sunglasses, and a playful topknot.
River Island dress.
Photo via @felicityhaywardcurvemodel.
The prime accessories trio: Drop earrings, a patterned bag, and easy-to-wear espadrilles.
Photo via @jennymwalton.
Want to wear that new slip dress but feel like you can't pull it off for work? Layer a thin long- or short-sleeved shirt underneath, and pair with flats instead of heels.
Photo via @jxxsy.
Toughen up a sundress with a worn-in pair of sneakers, like Converse, Vans, or adidas.
Sincerely Tommy dress.
Photo via @kaiaventdeleon.
You know that cover-up you feel like you can't wear anywhere but the beach? An off-the-shoulder top and crochet shorts combo is one you can wear seaside and anywhere else.
Maryia Swim bathing suit, Storets top, Eugenia Kim hat, La Havane New York necklace.
Photo via @lainyhedaya.
How to wear shorts to work: Pair with a bodysuit, blazer, and stylish flatforms.
Photo via @latelyivebeenme.
Reminder: It's impossible to go wrong with a floral sundress.
LF shoes.
Photo via @liciaflorio.
Sometimes leggings are the only answer you seek.
La Perla top, Outdoor Voices leggings, 3.1 Philip Lim jacket, Ancient Greek Sandals shoes.
Photo via @manrepeller.
A scarf as a top? Just do it.
L'intervalle shoes.
Photo via @maria_bernad.
Dress down a silky skirt by pairing it with its antithesis: the simple white tee.
Photo via @natashandlovu.
Summer '16: The time to finally invest in a little PINK dress.
Photo via @lucywilliams02.
Bikini top as a shirt? Check.
Photo via @nnekaj.
It's no secret gingham is the print of summer. Do it double the justice by doubling up on the patterned pieces.
Topshop top, ASOS pants, Gucci shoes.
Photo via @palomija.
Two words: Bermuda. Shorts.
Caroline Constas top, Lanvin shoes.
Photo via @pandorasykes.
The bigger, and billowy-er, the better.
Photo via @sarah_jane.
We'll be the first to admit wearing jeans in the dead of summer isn't the easiest thing to do. Try integrating your favourite fabric into your accessories, by opting for denim shoes or a bag.
Photo via @sofievalkiers.
Skinny jeans are a going out go-to. Make them feel fresh with a voluminous off-the-shoulder top and mules.
Johanna Ortiz top, Mary Katrantzou pants, Miu Miu shoes.
Photo via @tamumcpherson.
Nothing says the '70s quite like an ultra-wide-legged pair of cropped jeans.
Photo via @thefrankieshop.
Looking for the ultimate outfit no-brainer? Try a bold-coloured, slightly-patterned dress that grazes the floor just so.
Photo via @theserenagoh.
Transform your high-slit maxi dressy to a tunic by layering it over a pair of shorts (just make sure they peek out!).
Stella McCartney dress, Fendi sunglasses.
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