We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
How The ELLE Editors Dress For Work In A Heatwave
An insider's guide to looking and staying cool during summer.
After years of complaining about some very disappointing British summers, it seems the weather gods have finally answered our prayers, and blessed us not only with some serious sun, but with a succession of heatwaves. Temperatures are continuing to soar beyond 30 degrees celsius in the UK this month, meaning it's time to swap the contingency umbrella for lighter layers.
The only downside? Dressing for work becomes a significantly more tricky (and sticky) affair. Not only is there the hot and hellish commute to contend with, but there's also the matter of ensuring you're dressed appropriately for a professional environment – despite the overwhelming desire to wear as little as humanly possible. After all, even the most laid-back offices might take issue with employees turning up in a kaftan...
So, how do stylish women dress for work during a heatwave? As a general guide, look to loose fits like pyjama trousers and elasticated waists, and natural fibres such as cotton or linen. Co-ords make it easy to create four outfits out of one set, while the revival of mesh ballet flats, fisherman sandals and kitten heel slingbacks offer plenty of wear-all-day footwear options if you can't get away with trainers. From oversized tailoring and Bermuda shorts to breezy light cotton dresses, these are the ELLE editors' summer work dressing formulas, so you too can navigate the heatwave with ease.
Loose Fits
Classic suiting needn't be off the menu for days when you need to look more formal. Luckily, oversized fits and slouchy tailoring are rarely out of fashion. We'd recommend sizing up one to two sizes when it comes to shirts and opting for a crisp white cotton or pale shades to keep you extra cool. Pair with wide-leg palazzo-style trousers, a cotton skirt or loose, silky trousers and you're good to go.
The Shirt Dress
A shirt dress is an obvious option for heatwave workwear. But warning to the wise: beware the see-through factor and plan undergarments accordingly. There's nothing charming about spotting a distracting VPL as you're walking into a meeting. The street stylers' hot tip? Leave it open atop loose matching trousers on cooler days.
The Slip Dress
Try a slip dress with thicker straps and a fairly high neckline, and it feels appropriate for most office settings, not to mention breathable enough for the sauna that is the Tube at rush hour. You can layer up with a cardigan or blazer if your office air-con is on the generous side, and easily switch flat sandals out for heels for evening events.
Tailored Shorts
Yes, you can wear shorts to the office – just make sure they hit just above or below the knee. Not only will you look smart, but they're bang on trend, too. ELLE UK's Deputy Editor Lena De Casparis is a convert: 'This heatwave season I’ve embraced the late 1990s-inspired baggy Bermuda short shape for the office. I’ve been teaming a denim pair with oversized shirting, a tailored waistcoat for days filled with meetings, and a woven brogue or kitten heel depending on the length of the commute.’ And if your office isn't down with denim, opt for a tailored pair.
High Volume
ELLE UK's Commissioning Editor Naomi Pike swears by voluminous pieces to get her through the hottest days of the year – and our Editor-In-Chief Kenya Hunt (pictured) is clearly a fan too. 'For me, volume is key, whether it's a breezy A-line skirt or a puffy blouse,' says Pike. 'This extra fabric, when in cotton poplin, feels un-restricting and liberating against the punishing temperatures outside.'
Clementina Jackson is Acting Site Fashion Editor at ELLE UK, working across news and features, trends, e-commerce and SEO. She was previously Fashion Editor at Cosmopolitan and Women’s Health, and Acting Digital Fashion Editor at ELLE UK, where she was named as a PPA 30 Under 30 award winner for her work on size inclusivity. An experienced fashion, travel and luxury lifestyle journalist, Clementina has also written for Harper’s Bazaar, Vanity Fair, Condé Nast Traveller, Tatler, Red and Italy Segreta.
Esther Coombes is the Senior Ecommerce Editor at Harper’s Bazaar, ELLE and Esquire, overseeing luxury shopping content across fashion, beauty, travel and homes. She graduated from London College of Fashion with a First Class BA in Fashion Journalism in 2010, and has since worked at Marie-Claire, Easy Living, GLAMOUR and Women’s Health.
She held positions as Senior Fashion and Beauty Executive, Senior Lifestyle Executive and Content Lead during her nine years at HELLO! and HELLO! Fashion, creating editorial and branded content across the lifestyle sector and interviewing talent and experts including Lisa Eldridge, Jo Malone and Katie Jane Hughes for print and digital features.
With exacting standards and a critical eye for editing new launches, she enjoys recommending readers best in class products and experiences, be that a glow-giving skin tint, a boutique hotel stay or the perfect slingback stiletto.
In her spare time you can find her at a spin or reformer class or streaming the latest zeitgeisty podcast or television drama. You can follow Esther on Instagram at @esthercoombes.
We're Stealing Zoë Kravitz's Recent Looks
5 Vintage Bag Styles To Buy In Autumn 2025
Dress And Boot Combos To Extend That Summer Feeling
24 Of The Best Handbag Brands To GTK
