London heatwaves don’t ask for permission—they demand a wardrobe shift. When the city swelters, I turn to sheer layers and pastel shirting. They breathe, they blend, and they beat the heat with style. Here’s how I stay polished, cool, and effortlessly put-together through sticky summer commutes and rooftop evenings.
Why This Look Works in London Heat
London heat hits different—especially when you’re trapped in a tube car with zero breeze and a crowded platform that feels like a sauna. With minimal AC in offices and sticky commutes the norm, dressing cool becomes a survival tactic, not just a style choice.
That’s where sheer layers and pastel shirting come in. Sheer fabrics feel like second skin—light, breathable, and never clingy. Pastels? They reflect light instead of absorbing it, making them a visual and literal cool-down. Together, they’re the ultimate summer duo.
What I love most? The real-life flexibility. A pastel blouse works for both a 9 AM meeting in Soho and a 2 PM iced latte in Hackney. Whether I’m heading to the West End or a rooftop in Shoreditch, this look carries me through the city heat without melting my vibe.
The Fabrics That Breathe
When London’s heatwave kicks in, your fabric choice makes or breaks the day. I’ve learned the hard way—what looks sharp at 8 AM can feel suffocating by noon. That’s why I swear by materials that let my skin sip air, not sweat.
Top-tier choices? Think cotton voile, chiffon, mesh, crepe, and linen blends. They’re breezy, featherlight, and give your body room to breathe. On the flip side, polyester traps heat like a clingy ex, and tight knits or heavy silks turn any commute into a personal steam room.
Here are my go-to picks for staying fresh and polished:
- Cotton poplin pastel shirt → structured but airy
- Organza or mesh button-down → layering with bite
- Linen-blend shirtdress → the ultimate heatwave hero
With these breathable beauties in my wardrobe, I can step outside with confidence—even when the city feels like it’s boiling from the pavement up.
Casual Looks: From Brunch to Borough Market
Casual in a London heatwave doesn’t mean careless—it means cool, clever, and camera-ready. Whether I’m grabbing brunch in Hackney or weaving through Borough Market for fresh berries, I need outfits that feel light but still look sharp.
One of my go-to combos? A sheer kimono tossed over a crop top and linen shorts—breezy, effortless, and chic with every step. On hotter days, I reach for a pastel button-down and wear it solo as a dress, layered over bike shorts for comfort and confidence.
Matching co-ords in powder tones are a heatwave lifesaver. They look intentional, feel featherlight, and work from late-morning strolls to golden-hour drinks without a single outfit change.
Styling Tip: Tie a pastel shirt at the waist over a bralette and flowing trousers. It’s the easiest way to balance polish and airiness without melting into the pavement.
Office Appropriate in a Heatwave
When London turns into a sun trap, office dressing gets tricky. The goal? Look sharp without suffocating under stiff fabric. I’ve found a sweet spot with breathable pastels and sheer accents that keep things polished but practical.
Start with a classic button-down—but make it modern. Sheer panels or mesh sleeves add airflow without sacrificing structure. Layering a sheer blouse over a silky bralette or a sleek cami gives you coverage where it counts, while still letting heat escape.
Tailoring still works in the heat—you just have to tweak the formula. Think cropped pastel blazers, sleeveless blouses, and wide-leg trousers that move like a breeze. These pieces strike the right balance of boss energy and breathability.
Pro Tip: Choose monochrome pastel sets for elevated simplicity. Lavender or sky blue can light up warm-toned skin and give your outfit that cool, composed edge—no sweat, literally.
Smart Layering Without the Sweat
Layering in a London heatwave sounds like madness—but hear me out. It’s not about piling on, it’s about playing smart. From tube to terrace, smart layering turns sweat into swagger.
I reach for sheer overlays like organza trenches and chiffon shirt jackets. They add dimension without the weight and float perfectly over tanks, camis, or even bare skin. It’s all about that barely-there feel with maximum visual impact.
Underneath? Lightweight vests or bandeau tops give just enough coverage when I’m slipping on something sheer. And when I want to throw in a little drama, I tie a silk scarf into a halter top or wear it draped as a wrap—it’s breezy, stylish, and fits in my bag if the heat kicks up.
Layering doesn’t have to be sweaty business. Done right, it’s pure city-cool alchemy.
Accessories That Keep You Cool (and Chic)
When the sun’s blazing over London’s skyline, the right accessories can make or break your outfit—and your mood. I stick to pieces that feel light, look elevated, and won’t leave me overheating by lunchtime.
Translucent sunglasses are my secret weapon—modern, moody, and perfect for squint-free city strolls. A raffia bucket bag adds texture without bulk, while open-toe sandals or mesh flats let my feet breathe on baking pavement.
Don’t underestimate the power of a breathable bucket hat or a silk hair scarf either. They tame frizz, block sun, and add that ‘off-duty editor’ vibe in seconds.
Quick Picks:
- COS: mesh sandals that feel like walking on air
- Arket: pastel cotton caps for easy sun coverage
- Mango: sheer shopper totes that carry it all, stylishly
With these accessories in rotation, I’m cool, collected, and ready for anything the London heat throws my way.
My Heatwave Style Formula: Lookbook
Every time the temps rise, I rely on a go-to lineup that blends comfort with city-slick style. These three outfits are my summer saviors—each one built to breathe, move, and turn heads from café queues to gallery openings.
- Outfit 1: Pastel shirtdress + mesh flats + low bun
- Outfit 2: Sheer blouse + cotton tank + midi skirt
- Outfit 3: Sleeveless pastel suit + bralette + woven clutch
Style Trick: I always stash a travel-sized mist spray and a swipe of baby powder in my bag. It’s the quickest way to stay fresh between tube rides, rooftop drinks, and everything in between.
Where to Shop the Look
When I build my heatwave wardrobe, I don’t just shop for style—I shop for survival. These are the brands I turn to for pieces that keep me cool, polished, and perfectly pastel.
- COS: airy pastels and smart tailoring that nail the balance between professional and breathable
- & Other Stories: sheer tops, light layers, and those subtle statement pieces
- Arket & Mango: dependable staples—think breezy shirts, relaxed suiting, and summer-friendly silhouettes
- Ninety Percent, Reformation, Lucy & Yak: eco-conscious options with soft pastel palettes and relaxed fits
Tip: When browsing online, always filter by “lightweight” and “natural fabrics.” It’ll save you from ordering anything that looks cute but feels like a sauna.
Final Thoughts: Dress Light, Look Sharp
London heat may be rare, but when it hits—it hits hard. The city’s mix of humid commutes and sweltering afternoons can leave you feeling drained. But with sheer layers and pastel shirting, you’re equipped to face it with ease and style.
Sheer + pastel is the city-cool antidote: breezy, stylish, and versatile enough to take you from office to after-party without missing a beat.
Don’t sweat it—literally. Let your clothes do the talking (and the cooling). With the right fabrics and a sharp eye for summer styling, you’ll be cool, collected, and effortlessly chic in every London heatwave.
