What to Wear in the UK heatwave: Breathable Fabrics and Summer Outfits

Is your summer wardrobe ready for the heat?

With UK temperatures rising into the high 20s and 30s in July, getting dressed can feel like a real challenge — especially if you still want to feel confident, polished, and cool.

As a personal stylist in Nottingham, I know that hot-weather dressing is about more than just staying cool — it’s about wearing breathable fabrics, choosing silhouettes that flatter, and feeling fabulous in what you wear.

In this blog, I’ll share my top tips as a personal stylist for surviving a UK heatwave in style — from the best summer fabrics to simple outfit ideas you’ll want on repeat.

Why Fabric Matters More Than Ever in the Heat

When it comes to heatwave dressing, fabric choice is everything. This is a question I get asked a lot as a Nottingham based personal stylist.  Natural, breathable materials will help regulate your body temperature and allow your skin to breathe — while synthetic fabrics can trap heat and make you feel sticky and uncomfortable. And who wants that?!

My top 5 Breathable Fabrics for a UK Heatwave -

1. Cotton

Cotton is a heatwave hero. It’s breathable, soft, and allows air to circulate, keeping you cool. Whether it’s a classic white t-shirt or a floaty summer dress, cotton is a wardrobe essential for hot weather.

2. Linen

Linen is the ultimate warm-weather fabric. It absorbs moisture, dries quickly, and promotes airflow, making it ideal for sticky days. Creases are part of its natural charm, so embrace the effortless, relaxed look of a linen co-ord, wide-leg trouser, or shirt.

3. Viscose and Tencel

Both are lightweight, semi-natural fabrics made from plant fibres. They drape beautifully, feel silky against the skin, and are more breathable than polyester. Look for viscose midi dresses or Tencel blouses for an elegant yet cool look.

4. Seersucker

A textured cotton fabric, seersucker naturally sits away from the skin, allowing air to circulate. Ideal for dresses, shirts and summer trousers, it’s a practical choice with a stylish twist.

5. Broderie Anglaise

This embroidered cotton adds femininity and ventilation to your summer wardrobe. Perfect for blouses or dresses — you’ll feel dressed up and cool at the same time.

Avoid: Polyester, nylon, and heavy denim. These trap heat, cling to the skin, and offer no breathability.

Your Heatwave-Friendly Summer Wardrobe

When the weather heats up, it’s time to rethink your wardrobe so it works hard for you.  The trick is to focus on easy-to-wear, breathable silhouettes that give you confidence, comfort and style. Here are some key outfit ideas you can shop your wardrobe for  to help you dress stylishly during the UK  in summer — plus a simple style tip for each look to help you elevate your outfit with ease which I love to share as a personal stylist based in the East Midlands.

1. Floaty Midi or Maxi Dresses

A simple, loose-fitting cotton or linen dress is a go-to for hot days. It moves with you, keeps air circulating, and takes minimal effort. Opt for light colours — white, blush, baby blue — which reflect the sun and look beautifully fresh.

Style Tip: Add a pair of sandals for a pop of colour or a bag for a pulled-together, polished finish.

2. Striped Shirt and Shorts

A classic striped cotton or linen shirt paired with shorts is effortlessly chic and perfect for city breaks, beach days or café catch-ups. Choose soft blue-and-white or pink-and-cream stripes for a timeless summer feel. If you'd like to know more about your best colours to wear book a colour analysis - it's such a gamechanger.

Style Tip: Knot your shirt at the waist for a flattering, feminine twist. Pair with coordinating sandals and oversized sunglasses for an easy chic look that’s both stylish and sun-safe.

3. Mini Dress

The mini dress is back — and it’s perfect for keeping cool when the temperature soars. Choose breathable fabrics like broderie anglaise, cotton poplin or viscose, and go for relaxed fits with adjustable straps or flutter sleeves.

Style Tip: Layer with dainty jewellery and a woven crossbody bag to create an elevated casual look. Add a wide-brimmed hat for extra shade and a touch of summer glamour.

Let Your Wardrobe Work for You This Summer

When it’s hot, the last thing you want is to feel restricted, sweaty or flustered before the day has even begun. By choosing breathable fabrics and comfortable silhouettes, you can feel fresh, stylish and completely yourself — even in 30-degree heat.

If you’re standing in front of your wardrobe feeling frustrated by what’s hanging there, you’re not alone. Many of us hold onto clothes that no longer serve us — and that’s where a Wardrobe Edit can be transformational.

Together, we’ll discover what works for you, what to let go of, and how to build a summer wardrobe filled with pieces you love, re-wear, and feel confident in — heatwave or not.

If this blog has inspired you but you’re still unsure how to make your wardrobe work in this heat, that’s exactly where I can help. A personalised wardrobe edit can take the stress out of summer dressing — and help you feel cool, confident and completely yourself.

So if you’re staring at your wardrobe wondering what to wear in this heat, let’s take the guesswork out of it. Book a free style consultation and let’s make hot-weather dressing feel easy, elegant and totally you.