This May has brought some of the highest temperatures on record across Western Europe, with cities like Paris, London, and Berlin sweltering weeks before summer officially begins. For those stuck in offices rather than lounging by a lake, the question of what to wear has become a daily dilemma. We asked fashion professionals from London to Milan for their advice on looking professional while staying comfortable.
Loose silhouettes are your best ally
Laura See, founder of the London-based luxury shoe brand Laura See London, notes that the key is adapting to your workplace's culture. “Choosing outfits for the office when it is really hot can be tricky and rather depends on how strict your workplace is about what you wear,” she says. Even in traditional corporate environments, she argues, it's possible to put away close-fitting suits until autumn.
Caley Henry, a buyer at the British retailer Marks & Spencer, recommends sticking to a simple colour palette if your structured clothing is hanging in the wardrobe. “Playing with proportions is an easy way to get monochromatic dressing right – a voluminous blouse adds lightness to belted shorts and chunky sandals,” Henry explains. She suggests completing the look with a roomy tote to carry essentials like iced water and a facial spray.
This oversized-bag trend, seen on catwalks from Louis Vuitton to other major houses, is practical for heatwaves: you can stash multiple fans and a water bottle without worrying about pockets.
Shorts: acceptable with tailoring
Shorts have become a staple for women's office wardrobes during heatwaves, though Henry advises avoiding anything cut too far above the knee. Paired with a loose blouse, they offer maximum airflow. For men, Alexandra of Alexandra Wood Bespoke, a tailor on London's Savile Row, agrees: “During a heatwave it's also acceptable to wear shorts, just make sure they're tailored and cotton.”
The recent record-breaking May heatwave across Western Europe has made such adjustments necessary even in conservative offices.
Footwear: leave flip-flops for the beach
“As a rule of thumb: reserve flip flops for poolside settings only,” says Caley Henry. Susie Nelson, style expert and founder of Modes and More, adds: “Heat escapes from our head and feet but that doesn't mean that flip flops or possibly even sliders are suitable footwear for summer. There are lots of smart sandals, espadrilles and loafers that can be worn in the office.”
Laura See recommends natural materials: “When it comes to choosing shoes I would always recommend wearing a pair that are made from natural products like leather, as they will allow your feet to breathe and not sweat as much as they would if you wear a pair made from manmade materials.” For men, she suggests smart light suede loafers or, if acceptable, smart sneakers. For women, open-toed mules are ideal because they allow air to flow over the feet. If your office has a strict no-toes policy, closed-toe mules are a good alternative.
Natural fabrics are non-negotiable
Avoid polyester at all costs. Synthetic fabrics trap heat and moisture, making you feel worse. Alexandra Wood Bespoke advises her male clients to choose cotton, linen, and wool blends that breathe. The same applies to women: linen trousers, cotton shirts, and silk blouses are far more comfortable than synthetic alternatives.
With record May heat across Europe signaling a summer of extremes, investing in a few key natural-fabric pieces is a practical move for the months ahead.
Ultimately, the goal is to stay cool without looking like you've given up. As Laura See puts it: “No one wants to see hairy toes at the best of times.” A little planning goes a long way.
