YOUCAN LOOK HOT IN A HEATWAVE
Beachwear that works anywhere, summer’s most sought-after sandals — and joyously big bikini bottoms
1 COOL KAFTANS GIVE A TROPICAL TOUCH
FOreIGN travel may still be mired in confusion, but our tropical temperatures mean that this summer many of us aren’t reserving our beachwear for the beach. Take the kaftan. Beloved by the fashion set, it’s a seaside classic, but you don’t have to only wear it by the sea. Try Jigsaw’s easy-to-wear, blue Amba linen-mix design, which is in the sale (£54, jigsaw-online.com).
Zara also has some colourful, long, printed linen dresses (£49.99, zara.com), which are essentially kaftans.
Or, if you feel like splashing out, opt for this vibrant patterned style from Tory Burch, which is made of lightweight cotton voile and has stylish slits at the sides. It is even smart enough for the office.
2 STAND OUT IN ECO-STYLE
PHYLLIS TAYLOR, the designer behind ethical label Sika, has teamed up with Anthropologie to create this season’s most soughtafter collection. Designed in London and handmade in Ghana, Sika’s clothes, with their signature cinched waists and full-skirt silhouettes, tick all the style boxes. The 100 per cent cotton maxi and midi skirts in striking prints will help you stand out while staying cool, so you can wear them all summer long.
3 RETRO BIG BIKINI BOTTOMS ARE BACK
HIGH waists were big news on the spring/summer 2021 catwalks, with everyone from Zimmermann to versace favouring the retro cut.
For some of the most flattering high-waisted bikinis, try Tabitha Webb. A favourite with the A-listers, she has launched her first swimwear collection in collaboration with British brand Poolside Gossip.
The planet-friendly range features three styles — two bikinis and a one-piece — in either blue or pink gingham, and they’re all made here in the UK. This Carrie design screams Hollywood glamour, and the top can be tied however you fancy.
4 SNAP UP THE DAD SANDAL
THIS season’s most desired shoe is the ‘dad sandal’ — chunky, comfy, practical and, yes, anything but elegant. Dune’s Lockstockk design — a High Street dupe of the popular Chanel pair — is available in eight colourways. Be warned: last summer there was an 800-strong waiting list. Demand this year is sky-high, too, but Dune promises it’s constantly re-stocking.
5 DENIM’S FINER TWIN
If you can’t face pulling on a pair of jeans in this heat, try denim’s lightweight sister fabric chambray, which looks similar but has a finer weave.
Not only are these chambray wide-legged palazzo trousers from Bombshell HQ softer and far more comfortable to wear in the sun, they will also look effortlessly elegant when paired with white trainers or espadrille wedges.
6 THE CHICEST LINK . . .
BELIEVE it or not, the humble sunglasses chain is shaking off its granny image and having its moment in the sun. Every label, from Chanel and Gucci to Oliver Bonas, Cos and H&M, has jumped on the trend. Expect vibrant beads, pearls and chic metal chains — the more OTT, the better.
7 BLOCK THE BURN WITH A WIDE-BRIMMED BOATER
you may have noticed an increasing number of sunhats with a uPf number. This means ultraviolet Protection factor and, like SPf in sun lotion, reflects the level of sun protection provided via denser fabrics, higher thread counts and fibres treated with uV-inhibiting ingredients. This widebrimmed boater is uPf50+, blocking 98 per cent of the sun’s rays.
Boater, £75, beachflamingo. com
8 SUN-READY IN ‘SILK’
SLEEK, comfortable and sustainable, Tencel is the go-to heatwave fabric in the fashion world. Not only is it breathable with good wicking properties, it also feels and moves like silk. Head to British eco-label Baukjen for beautiful Tencel shirt dresses and blouses, such as this smock-like style with a chic neck tie.