As we stare down the barrel of one of the hottest summers on record with anxious anticipation, we’re also staring into the depths of our wardrobes, desperately lamenting, ”What am I going to wear when it's 35 degrees celsius out?”—a highly pressing question which is quickly followed by another even bigger concern: “How can I still dress stylishly when the temperature demands that I wear so little?”.

In the colder months, styling is inherently easier, as we have the freedom to don layers and layers of stylish garb to bolster our looks. All manners of clothes and accessories are open to us, but when everything heats up and even stepping outside is unbearably uncomfortable, our style choices are far more limited. 

But just because a task is harder, doesn’t make it any less possible to achieve—dressing stylishly through the hottest days of the summer season becomes a whole lot more manageable when you know the fabrics to choose and the cuts to opt for, and how to style all these weather appropriate pieces to create either a classic or on trend outfit.

From summer outfits that can be worn to the office to the stylish go-to outfit formulas for a day or night out, these 6 Vogue editors have a collection of tips and tricks for dressing comfortably and stylishly in the thick of the heat this summer. 

Below, find every piece of information you need to pull off your hot summer looks.

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“May I suggest an A-line? Anything that hangs away from the body gives your skin air. A swing shift, or gently flared 90s maxi skirt work for day. Avoid heavy fabric, no exceptions. I’m wearing re-dyed vintage slip dresses this summer and strapless tops—my other top tip—to free the arms. And pay attention to shoes: they really matter when the temperature rises and your feet swell half a size. No plastic or rubber soles (slippery!), no complicated buckles or heavy-duty hardware (blisters!). I’m choosing slim leather sandals for day and wedge thongs for night.”—Alice Birrell, fashion features director

“Luckily for us, as we head into the depths of one of the hottest summers on record, we’re also right in the middle of the underwear as outerwear, pantless summer trend—meaning that wearing less this summer is already a style in itself. Of course, there’s a degree of nuance to pulling off this look, but in general, it means booty shorts, elevated mini skirts and classy singlets, with an overshirt or sheer dress for extra coverage. If this still feels too minimal, accessorising is another way to keep stylish during the summer—you may not be able to wear heaps of clothing, but you can always layer on thick accessories like jewellery, rosettes or belts. Also, handheld fans are chic, very on trend at the moment, and perfectly functional.”—Nina Miyashita, content editor

“This summer, I’m planning to tap into the sheer trend—but in an as elevated manner as possible. I’m anticipating netting, mesh, crochet and breathable fabrics layered over swimwear staples, much like the styles Dua Lipa wore as she island hopped across Europe this year. Take this tank from The Row for example, or Alaïa’s fishnet ballerina flats—because who said sheer was reserved for clothing alone?”—Angelica Xidias, head of shopping

“When the going gets rough—and by rough I mean when the simple act of stepping outside drenches you all-over in sweat—I rely on the same formula: a silk midi dress, ballet flats, and a pair of slim black sunglasses. It’s something that doesn’t require too much thought, but still translates as chic, and in fact, the I-just-threw-this-together effect is part of the whole appeal. Tie your hair up with a ribbon or tuck it under a baseball cap and voila: a look that won’t suffocate you, and is also beach-ready (a key component). Wear a bikini underneath and the recipe is complete.”—Gladys Lai, content editor

“I would love to take this opportunity to talk about bloomers and boxer shorts–the unsung hero of summer dressing and a burgeoning trend for the past few seasons. There are so many ways to style a long line, lace trimmed bloomer or a breezy cotton pair of boxers in our summer wardrobes. I love the idea of a white lace bloomer like Chanel’s cotton voile shorts from their autumn/winter 2023 collection, styled with a long nylon sock and a simple black tank top and pair of flats, which you can easily take to night time by switching flats for slingbacks and throwing on some kind of halter top. For a more masculine option, boxer shorts are endlessly versatile and perfect for sweltering days. Pair with a worn in vintage t-shirt and accessorise with a leather belt bag.”—Ella O’Keeffe, Head of Brand

“I always gravitate towards linen pieces when it gets super hot. Sure, white linen can be unforgiving in extreme temperatures, but black or neutral coloured linen pieces work really well. Think loose-fitting, breezy dresses and tailored pants paired with a singlet—they still look chic enough for the office or nighttime, but aren’t veering into beachwear territory. Last summer I wore this tailored vest from The Frankie Shop to death and will probably keep it on rotation this summer—it adds instant polish to any outfit. Beautiful leather accessories can also work wonders; I find a great belt, pair of sandals or an interesting handbag can really lift an ensemble.”—Yeong Sassall, head of brand Vogue Living

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