10 High Street Summer Outfits to Survive a UK Heatwave in Style
Image by: Rixo
Discover our top 10 UK high street summer fashion essentials for a heatwave - from breathable linen dresses to lightweight trousers, stylish sandals, and must-have accessories from brands like Arket, COS, Zara, and M&S.
When the UK summer heatwave hits, the city pavements shimmer, iced lattes become a daily ritual, and the air feels thick enough to slow you down. But looking stylish while the mercury soars? That’s an art form. Whether you’re navigating a sticky London Tube commute, heading to a rooftop brunch in Manchester, or spending an afternoon in the park, the ultimate UK high street summer staples are the ones that keep you cool, comfortable, and effortlessly chic.
At For Living, we believe great style should work hard for you, especially in a heatwave. This season’s hottest (pun intended) buys aren’t just trend-led - they’re functional fashion heroes. Think linen dresses that let the breeze through, cotton blouses that won’t cling, wide-leg trousers that float rather than stick, and accessories that double up on style and practicality. All rounded off with a timeless raffia basket bag roomy enough for SPF and a paperback, and paparazzi-worthuy sunglasses to shield tired eyes after last night’s one-too-many Aperol Spritz.
The best part? Every single piece in our “heatwave hero” list comes from the UK high street - affordable, accessible, and available now. So when the temperature hits the high 20s or even nudges into the 30s, you're ready for whatever comes your way.
Looking for the best UK high street fashion buys for a summer heatwave? Scroll on for our pick of 10 breathable, stylish, and affordable pieces - from linen dresses to lightweight sandals - perfect for keeping your cool.
Discover For Living's Top 10 Heatwave Heroes – Our Best UK High Street Picks
Full Of Sunshine Cotton-Linen Mini
Freepeople
£60.00
The it girl's summer staple of choice? The linen shift dress. With low-cut armholes to keep sweaty pits to a minimum, and convenient pockets so you can ditch the bag, this Free People dress is perfect for sun-drenched styling.
Linen Shirt Dress - Black
Arket
£87.00
Breathable, minimalist, and perfect for work-to-weekend summer outfits. Just add mesh pumps.
H&M Oxford shirt
H&M
£199.00
Oversized, wafty and crafted from cotton, this H&M shirt is a true warm weather hero. Current obsession is the sky blue colourway paired with tomato red Adidas sprinter shorts.
Orange Stripe Sprinter Shorts
Adidas
£35.00
These are the sprinter shorts in question, ready to see out the last days of Tomato Girl Summer in style.
Chocolate Blue Lace Top
Never Fully DresseD
£79.00
Heatwave dressing is all about keeping your arms aerated and cool - and for moments where you need to elevate your look to boot, this delicately textured scarf top from Never Fully Dressed is the answer. Just add shorts, or some slouchy linen or satin trousers.
Satin Drawstring Trousers
& Other Stories
£79.00
If you always feel too holiday-ready in your linen trousers but can't bear the thought of jeans, you need some satin trousers like this pair from & Other Stories. The chocolately tone will work well into autumn too.
lilo mini dress- butter spot
Damson Madder
£75.00
Is it a dress? Is it a top? Oh honey, it's both. We've spotted (get it?) this butter yellow top on some of our favourite Instagram faces like as Katherine Ormerod. Style as a super short mini or, our favourite, as a long top over slim black capri pants.
Raffia Bag
Zara
£79.99
Roomy, lightweight, and perfect for park picnics or beach days, this see-through raffia bag will put your life on show so make it chic.
White Cotton Midi Skirt
ASOS
£30.00
Loose, easy-care, and ideal for casual hot-weather dressing - there's no top that won't go with a simple white midi skirt.
Red Cotton Crop Top (Set)
Mango
£17.99
Playful, easy-breezy, and doubles as holiday or occasion wear too - we're in love with this hot red set from Mango.