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Are we alright or are we a little bit hot? Britain does plenty of things well (Glastonbury, the Greggs vegan sausage roll, other stuff probably) but one thing we’re awful at is coping in the heat. Whether it’s the national shortage of desk fans or the lack of air-con on the London Underground, the UK is thoroughly unprepared for the sun each and every year.
With plenty of bright blue skies and humid days on the agenda for July, it’s important to get ourselves sorted as we head into another month of soaring temperatures. We might not be able to install a swimming pool on our balcony this summer but it is possible to get a handle on the heat by curating a weather-efficient wardrobe.
Though we often know how to pack when we head abroad, on home turf we seem to forget the simple rules for dressing in high temperatures. For picnics in the park, all linen looks are an easy win, while cotton dungarees will keep things cool when working from home.
And if sensible hot weather dressing isn’t your thing, we fully support your style journey this summer (no matter how sweaty you get).
To take a look at everything on Team R29’s wish list this July, click through the slideshow ahead…
Refinery29’s selection is purely editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items we love! As part of our business model we do work with affiliates; if you directly purchase something from a link on this article, we may earn a small amount of commission. Transparency is important to us at Refinery29, if you have any questions please reach out to us.Are we alright or are we a little bit hot? Britain does plenty of things well (Glastonbury, the Greggs vegan sausage roll, other stuff probably) but one thing we’re awful at is coping in the heat. Whether it’s the national shortage of desk fans or the lack of air-con on the London Underground, the UK is thoroughly unprepared for the sun each and every year.
With plenty of bright blue skies and humid days on the agenda for July, it’s important to get ourselves sorted as we head into another month of soaring temperatures. We might not be able to install a swimming pool on our balcony this summer but it is possible to get a handle on the heat by curating a weather-efficient wardrobe.
Though we often know how to pack when we head abroad, on home turf we seem to forget the simple rules for dressing in high temperatures. For picnics in the park, all linen looks are an easy win, while cotton dungarees will keep things cool when working from home.
And if sensible hot weather dressing isn’t your thing, we fully support your style journey this summer (no matter how sweaty you get).
To take a look at everything on Team R29’s wish list this July, click through the slideshow ahead…
Refinery29’s selection is purely editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items we love! As part of our business model we do work with affiliates; if you directly purchase something from a link on this article, we may earn a small amount of commission. Transparency is important to us at Refinery29, if you have any questions please reach out to us.Kelly Washington, Social EditorHandmade crochet bags are everywhere this summer and I’m obsessed with this one from Damson Madder. What better way to make an entrance at a park picnic than to arrive dressed like a Battenberg cake? (A sexy Battenberg cake, don’t say we’re never on brand). Pair with light colours such as a white linen skirt and a blue or green cardigan to let the bag have maximum effect.
Damson Madder x Hollie Mercedes Checkerboard Crochet Bag, $, available at Damson MadderI want these Fitflop sandals for three reasons: 1) They’re a dupe for The Row (save some pennies), 2) they’re heeled (I’m 5’2 and while I like being small, sometimes you need longer-looking legs) and 3) they have a luxe, laid-back feel, which means you can dress them up or down. Big coastal grandma energy.
FitFlop Luxe Leather Flatform Toe-Post Sandals, $, available at FitFlopIt’s wedding season and truthfully I struggle to find dresses that feel me. They’re either too long, too wide or too heavy for my small frame, which is why I love that this chiffon midi slip from Ganni has spaghetti straps. I would 100% wear this for a city wedding. As (some) weddings are going down a more casual route, my advice would be to ditch the fascinator and stuffy vibe (especially if the wedding isn’t in a church) for comfort, breathable fabrics and elegance.
Ganni Chiffon Midi Slip Dress, $, available at GanniSusan Devaney, Life Director
Every year I catch Wimbledon fever. For a non-tennis player like myself, there’s just something about the annual tournament. Is it the star-studded seats and the manicured lawns? Or is it the perfectly put-together outfits for court? I think the latter, which is why I’ll be taking style notes and wearing a Wimbledon tennis skirt this summer, just for fun.
Wimbledon Womens Core Performance Skort – Navy, $, available at WimbledonMost days after work, you’ll find me using my indoor exercise bike (I’ve only just managed to squeeze it into my flat). With my personally curated Spotify playlist blasting in my ears, it’s a great way to unwind and keep fit. Is it any wonder, then, that the BOSS x ASSOS capsule collection has caught my eye? While I’m no cycling pro, a pair of shorts designed specifically for endurance in a stylish combination of shades is exactly what I’ve been looking for.
Assos Uma GT Half Shorts, $, available at AssosSummer has certainly arrived in London. The Tube is boiling hot and the city’s green spaces are playing host to us all. Slipping on this Reformation Tyra knit dress with flat strappy sandals and shades will be my favourite go-to look until the heat stops rising come September.
Reformation Tyra Knit Dress, $, available at ReformationSadhbh O’Sullivan, Health and Living EditorI have a broad chest and shoulders, which makes me theoretically great at swimming but terrible at wearing tank tops. I simply can’t go without a bra and exposed straps remind me too much of year 8 discos where my classmates attempted to seduce some gelly-haired boy from another school.
Uniqlo gets that. It gets me. And it has created truly the best item of high street clothing I’ve bought in years: this sleeveless bra top. It’s so comfortable and flattering and keeps everything under wraps without the need for aggressive straps. I wear it with tailored shorts, linen trousers, long skirts, pyjama bottoms… It’s an all-rounder. I have two already and I am on my way to a third.
Uniqlo Ribbed Cropped Bra Top, $, available at UniqloRapha and Shrimps is a brand match made in heaven. Bike ready gear that can double as breathable layering? Please and thank you.
Rapha x Shrimps RAPHA + SHRIMPS BASE LAYER – LONG SLEEVE, $, available at RaphaI love longer skirts but I like them more tailored or pleated than big and swishy. This is harder to wear in hotter weather but Anthropologie has the solution in this poplin skirt. I like that it’s a neutral colour but not black or white as it gives me room to play with colour with my tops and shoes. Plus, the utility options!
Anthropologie By Anthropologie Poplin Utility Skirt, $, available at AnthropologieAll my occasion shoes are built for the majority of British weather — wet, cold, windy. But it looks like summer weddings will actually be summery this year so I’m thinking about investing in this beautiful pair of slip-ons from Miista.
Miista Synthia Brown Sandals, $, available at MiistaAlicia Lansom, Associate EditorLike a grown-up version of the sticky gem earrings, these heart studs are cute to boot.
Hey Harper La Passion Earrings, $, available at Hey HarperAfter a long time avoiding exercise, I’m now a yoga girlie. In this heat there’s no room for full-length leggings so I’m opting for these buttery soft shorts.
Fabletics Sync Seamless High-Waisted 6” Shorts, $, available at FableticsSimon Miller x Mango is the dreamiest of summer collabs. Get it while it’s hot.
Mango x Simon Miller Metallic Mesh Dress, $, available at MangoKristine Romano, Associate Editor, Photo & DesignI’m a bralette girl through and through and this one from Sloggi is a firm favourite. It has a bit more hold than most other bralettes I own but it’s still soft and seamless, making it perfect for everyday wear.
sloggi Body Adapt Twist Bra, $, available at sloggiI love textured tops, especially on hot summer days when I can’t bear to layer and a simple tank-and-shorts combo will have to do. They instantly make an otherwise boring outfit more interesting. The smocked fabric on this one-shoulder tank from COS is perfect — I want it in every colour.
COS Smocked One Shoulder Tank Top, $, available at COSIt’s extremely rare that you’ll catch me in a bodycon dress but the pattern and fit of this is too good to pass up. I love!
& Other Stories Ruched Boat-Neck Midi Dress, $, available at & Other StoriesJacqueline Kilikita, Acting Beauty DirectorI’m planning a relaxing beach holiday and I want some understated, summery jewellery to accompany some of my dinner outfits. These seashell hoop earrings are perfect (and I am very tempted to buy the matching necklace, too).
& Other Stories Seashell Hoop Earrings, $, available at & Other StoriesI have a few raffia bags that I plan to rotate this summer so it only makes sense that my footwear complements them. I like the little platform on these, which’ll give me some extra height (I’m 5ft). The soft material on the inside looks like it’ll protect my feet, too.
EMU Australia Women’s Fern Jute Flatform Slides, $, available at The HutI bought a cute floral dress for a vow renewal service and there are some splashes of orange on it so I’m looking for a matching bag. This little one is exactly what I have in mind. It’s simple but the tie handle gives it something extra.
Ganni Small Hobo Bag, $, available at Ganni
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