The One Outfit That Always Looks Polished for Work—Even During a Heatwave

The thought of wearing black clothes in the summer probably fills most with sweaty dread. But ever since we discovered that it's actually better to wear them in the summer (the colour absorbs heat, which is more cooling than white garments), we've been feeling pretty smug about our dedication to a near-gothic wardrobe. 

It's not that we don't like bright hues; it's just that darker clothes tend to be a go-to in the UK, what with all that rain and very few very hot days. Plus, it's a super easy way to make any outfit look instantly more polished, which is ideal for work. So what do you do when you have a lot of favourite black pieces but you don't want to look like that moody teenager who's been forced to go on a family holiday?

Essentially, this is all about wearing the right fabrics—leather is pretty much a no-go (you don't want to end up in a leather pants situation à la Ross Geller). Anything too heavy or clingy is going to make you look and feel uncomfortable, so instead opt for cotton, linen in lightweight finishes such a super-summery broderie anglaise, and wear them with your favourite chunky black heels. Don't be afraid to flash a little shoulder or leg either to really ensure that your outfit is summer-ready. 

Scroll through our gallery for outfit inspiration and where to buy their looks.

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This post was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated by Joy Montgomery.