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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Lifestyle
Sabrina Carder

How to dress in a heatwave, according to a celebrity stylist

On Thursday we are set to experience the hottest July day in recorded history, with temperatures in London reaching 37C.

Although our emotions currently switch from 'isn't this bliss?' to 'can't it blooming rain already?', there is one way to help those sweaty and stressy moments, and that is to dress accordingly.

Whether you're struggling with what to wear to the office, finding a fabric that doesn't highlight sweat patches, or just how on earth to survive a tube ride without your sun dress sticking to your body, the warm weather is a fashion dilemma.

We spoke to celebrity stylist Aimee Croysdill, of The Wall Group, about her best tips and tricks...

Wear breathable fabrics

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"Linen and cotton are simply the best," says Aimee.

"There are some incredible oversized voluminous cotton dresses on the market at the moment, which will keep you cool whilst looking very on trend. Mango also have a brilliant linen range that covers the safari trend perfectly.

"The key is to make sure it's a loose cotton fabric with bare legs so you keep that breeze billowing on your skin."

Flowy fabrics not your thing? "If you're not a lover of loose fabrics, just make sure the tight fabrics you wear are a cotton jersey."

Lean on light hues

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Although colour doesn't matter half as much as fabric type, it can still help.

Light colours, such as white and subtle pastel shades, are the best at resisting heat, not to mention, covering up sweat patches. However, sun UV rays can still easily penetrate light fabrics. So, if you are wearing bright whites, it's a good idea to still be slathered in sun cream underneath.

What about those of us who literally live in all-black everything? Aimee says, "I still wear black because I love it! Just make sure I'm always walking on the shady side of the road."

Choose the right footwear, especially for work

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"I find the right shoes are key to staying cool and comfortable in this heat," says Aimee.

"Pointy slip on sandals or a simple mule can still look smart enough for the office and are super chic, without feeling like you're stuffing your swollen hot feet into a heeled court".

Heed caution when layering

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Victoria Smith, Director of Aesthetics at Absolute Aesthetics, and expert in excessive sweating previously told Standard: "It may seem obvious but adding extra layers of clothing to the body when they are not needed will make you more likely to produce sweat. For example, some people dress inappropriately with very warm clothes in conditions where they are not needed, which forces their body to sweat excessively. Losing those unnecessary layers of clothing and maintaining a regular temperature will instantly reduce your sweat production."

With that in mind, Aimee suggests: "There are lots of linen duster coats and oversized blazers on the high street which are perfect for day to night attire without feeling like you're carrying lots of layering around."

Or, if you want to look really high fashion: "Cape them on your shoulders to get a breeze through to your arms."

That's tomorrow's outfit sorted.

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