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It is the hottest May day on record in Britain, with temperatures reaching 33.5C and expected to soar even more on what is set to be the warmest Bank Holiday ever. But far from simply worrying about whether you have got enough sun cream on, there are other, more societal, challenges to be aware of this season.
Thankfully, Laura Windsor, known as the Queen of Etiquette, has revealed the ultimate guide to summer manners, sharing the do’s and don’ts of heatwaves. The expert, who advised Netflix on Regency-era social graces for Bridgerton, suggested that wearing a bikini in a park is a serious no-no, for instance, while men can wear shorts in the city, but only if they are tailored. And if you do not have a garden, so want to enjoy your local park? Do not set up tents, a BBQ and 10 coolers, insisted Laura.
Heatwave etiquette...
- Never wear a bikini in the park, no one wants to see that much flesh whilst enjoying their picnic.
- Enjoy a swim at the local pool, installing an inflatable version in your garden is never going to look good.
- A handheld fan is very chic but the whirring of a battery operated device from Temu that annoys your fellow commuters is not.
- A gentleman will always wear a jacket, no matter the temperature and never complain. It is bad form to kick up a fuss.
- Water in a plastic bottle? A ghastly sight. It is either lemonade or a metal container, chilled.
- Fixed dress codes should still be followed even in a heatwave.
- A summer dress should be loose-fitting but not too voluminous.
- Avoid mule-like sandals with no back strap unless you are on a beach.
- Hats are only acceptable until 6pm for women, then must be taken off. And never fascinators, they are reserved for Ascot and weddings.
- Always wear sunscreen not just to protect your skin but because there is nothing more unseemly than tan lines.
- Do not boast to your friends about your state-of-the-art home air con system. Enjoy the cool and keep it to yourself.
- Keep your dog on a tight leash. Ruining someone's picnic because they could not stay away from the Parma ham is completely unacceptable.
- Men, you are allowed to wear shorts - but they must be tailored. 'Short shorts' are for sailing or swimming only.
- Do not be a DJ for your neighbourhood. Ditch the speaker outside.
- It should not need to be said, but in case of any doubt, do not ogle sunbathers, men or women. They are imagining they are on a Mediterranean island, do not ruin that for them with a leer.
- If you do not have a garden by all means enjoy the local park but that does not mean setting up tents, a BBQ, a trestle table and 10 coolers.
- Do not join the throngs flocking to the nearest electrical store to spend hundreds on cooling devices for the three days of the year when it gets really hot in the UK.
- Make sure your feet are ready for exposure, indulge in a pedicure if necessary.
- Always warn your neighbour if you are BBQing so they can take their washing down.
- To be clear, a top or shirt should be worn at all times unless your feet are touching the sandy beaches of the UK's coast.
- Be mindful of the fact that everyone will have their windows open. Now is not the time for noisy DIY projects or early morning jet washing.
- Do not talk about the heatwave. Definitely do not complain about the heatwave. Even if you are dripping in sweat... stiff upper lip and all that.
- No one likes sticky fingers. If you are going to indulge in an ice cream, do it in the privacy of your own home, rather than demolishing a Cornetto at work.
- Men, make sure you have waxed your back if you must show flesh.
- Using a parasol to protect your face can be chic when the sun is raging. You only have one face so keep it as young-looking as possible. It is the best anti-ageing product out there. Leathery skin at 40 from overexposure is not a good look.
- Wear deodorant (should you really need to be reminded?). Especially on public transport.
- Do not wear heavy makeup that will make your face melt like a waxwork.
- '5pm somewhere' is not cute. Do not drink before 2pm, even on a sunny day.
- Be wary of linens being too see through.
- Picnics should be some delicate sandwiches, fruit and one or two savoury snacks - not 17 different pork products encased in pastry.
- Your children should still be in bed at their normal time and not frolicking with the garden hose past 8pm.
- Avoid spraying yourself with body mist every 12 seconds when on a train.
- Do not go to the beach if it takes more than an hour to get there, it is just desperation.
- There is never an acceptable time or reason to erect a bar in your back garden. Invest in a cocktail shaker if you must.
- Do not rush to B&Q to invest in complicated seating for your garden like egg chairs and sun loungers - they will be used once.
- When you are asked 'How was your bank holiday?' keep it brief, they do not want to know what you had for breakfast every day.
- The warmer weather is not an excuse to wear shell jewellery. That is tacky all year round.
- No greasy top knots allowed. You still need to style your hair, even in this weather.
- Invited to a picnic? Always bring a food or drink offering to add to the host's selection, turning up empty-handed is not a good look.
Plus the products to buy in a heatwave...
M&S Drawcord Collared Shirt, Hobbs Heathfield Floral Dress (was £229), John Lewis Shirred Midi Dress (was £119), Ghost Giselle Polka Dot Dress, Beauty Pie Featherlight UVA/UVB SPF 50 Sunscreen + Primer, La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible SPF 50+, Naked Sundays Cabana Glow SPF Serum in Illuminating, Boden Catherine Linen Dress, WNU The Boyfriend Shirt, Reiss Serena Contrast Pleated Skirt, M&S Pure Linen Pleat Front Tapered Trousers, Head & Shoulders Menthol Fresh, JVN's air dry cream, 111SKIN Cryo De-Puffing Energy Mask.
