With the first heatwave of 2026 upon London, fashion choices become paramount. Natural fibres like cotton, linen and silk are recommended for breathability, as synthetic fabrics trap heat. Asceno founder Poppy Sexton-Wainwright advises light silks, crisp linens and airy silk-cottons in white, black and earth tones for effortless ease.
The breezy summer dress is a key heatwave piece, inspired by Daisy Edgar-Jones's off-duty Cannes look: a crisp white midi dress from Mango, styled with black flats and a slouchy jumper. The high street store offers linen-blend dresses, capri trousers and Bermuda shorts.
An alternative is the co-ord: a matching shirt and boxer-style shorts in gingham or stripes from WNU. Dress them up with square-toed flats, a chain belt or silk scarf to avoid looking pyjama-like. Accessories like raffia or woven leather totes from Cos or Dragon Diffusion, or bright resin beads from Completedworks's Net-A-Porter collaboration, add a summery touch without overdoing it.
Footwear trends include rope sandals from Miu Miu and jelly sandals in mule form. The key is to keep the base palette neutral and take small risks with accessories, as style writer Leandra Medine Cohen suggests, to embrace seasonal change without losing the plot.
