Beat the Heatwave in Style: How to Stay Cool at the Office

Summer’s here, and while you may be dreaming of beaches and breezy dresses, reality (a.k.a. your office) probably has other plans. The oppressive heat can make dressing for work feel like an impossible mission: How do you stay stylish without melting into a puddle by lunchtime? Fear not! We've got the ultimate guide to keeping your cool (literally and figuratively) in the office.

1. Keep it Light and Breezy

The number one rule of dressing for hot weather is to pick the right fabrics. Fabrics like linen, silk and cotton are light and breathable making them the perfect choice to survive the office sweatbox in style. A crisp cotton shirt or a linen sundress can be both professional and heat-friendly, ensuring you look polished without breaking a sweat. Our cotton-linen blend Malibu shirt is a great pick for a laid back lux look.

2. Loose Fitting Luxury 

When it’s sweltering outside, tight clothing can feel like a personal sauna. Loose, flowy pieces allow air to circulate, keeping you cool and comfortable. Think wide-leg trousers, midi skirts, and an oversized shirt. Plus, the relaxed fit adds a touch of effortless elegance to your look. Pair a billowy blouse with light, high-waisted trousers for a chic, yet comfortable outfit that’s perfect for the office. Our floaty Montpellier linen blouse is a great contender for adding some flowing romantic styling to a scorching day. 

3. Cool Foundations

The wrong bra can make the heatwave office experience around 50x more intolerable, so choosing your underwear with care is an essential survival tactic. Bamboo underwear is ultra soft, moisture wicking and breathable making it the perfect cooling foundation. BAM makes a selection of bralettes with varying levels of support and they are sustainable too. 

It’s also worth making sure you don’t get dressed in the dark and view your outfits in full sunlight before you hit the commute. Light fabrics in light colours have more of a tendency to be a bit see-through in beaming sunshine, so a quick mirror check with the curtains drawn can avoid any embarrassment. 

4. Footwear Focus 

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There’s nothing worse than sweaty, claustrophobic feet sweltering under your desk. Feet swell slightly in the heat, so open-toed options, like chic sandals or stylish mules, are perfect for letting your feet breathe while still looking professional. Smart trainers are also a great option as they are light, breathable and can give your outfit a little edge. 

5. Power Off

Turning off electronics in the office during a heatwave can be an effective way to stay cool and reduce the overall temperature. Electronic devices like computers, printers, and photocopiers generate heat while they are running, contributing to the ambient temperature of the room. By powering them down when not in use, you can minimise the heat output. 

6. Heed the Hydration Otter 

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Keep a water bottle at your desk and sip regularly throughout the day—it’s easy to forget when you’re caught up in work, but trust me, your body will thank you. You might even want to jazz up your water with some slices of lemon, cucumber, or berries for a bit of flavour and an extra hydration boost. 

If you’re a sparkling water fanatic and want to cut down on your plastic usage, invest in an office soda stream and buy an extra bottle so you can always have one chilling in the fridge. I have never been so hydrated. 

Oh, and bringing everyone ice lollies never goes amiss either. An office morale boost and a cooling hydration hit all in one!

7. Light Bites

@f5hs_ Kim is simply the queen of salad 🥗 #kimkardashian #thekardashians #foryou ♬ Original Sound - Unknown

When it's hot, you are far better off sticking to light, well-balanced lunches. Make like a Kardashian and get a giant salad to shake. Think food with a high water content like tomatoes, cucumber, celery, and lettuce. Not only will you feel as wholesome as Gwyneth Paltroe, fresh, crisp lunches will also help to keep you hydrated and cool in summer weather.

8. Suns out Buns Out

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Whether it's a chic bun, a playful ponytail, or a sleek top knot, keeping your hair off your neck can make a world of difference in staying cool. Plus, it's a great excuse to get creative with hair accessories—think colourful scrunchies or elegant clips. Not only does an updo keep the heat at bay, but it also adds a touch of flair to your office look, turning a blistering day into a fun style opportunity.

9. The SPF Factor 

While it won’t strictly keep you cool, a good sun cream is a must have for a sweltering sunny day. The SPF in your moisturiser isn’t enough to give gold standard sun protection, so a lightweight facial sunscreen is essential. Chemical formulas are more weightless and hydrating and will protect your skin from sun damage. The Japanese classic Biore Aqua Rich Watery Essence is my top pick.