With temperatures soaring to unbelievable heights in the UK right now, how many of us are doing that panicked dive towards the back of the wardrobe to pull out the clothes we usually reserve for foreign holidays? As the mercury rises, your usual Summer wardrobe [1] of a t-shirt and cropped jeans just won't cut it. What you need are light and airy Summer dresses in lightweight fabrics like cotton and linen, which will see you through the scorching days without melting into a puddle.
We've hit the high street to round up some of the best options, from chic maxis that would work for the office, to strappy little numbers that'll look great thrown on over a bikini if you're lucky enough to be hitting the beach. Just add flat sandals, big sunglasses, and a boatload of SPF [3], and you're ready to face the day, even if it's 40 degrees.
ASOS Design Halter Neck Midi Button Through Linen Sundress With Buckle
ASOS Design Halter Neck Midi Button Through Linen Sundress With Buckle [4] (£25)
Miss Selfridge Mia Mixed Print Wrap Midi Dress
Miss Selfridge Mia Mixed Print Wrap Midi Dress [5] (£20, originally £39)
Pretty Little Thing Red Ditsy Print Bardot Frill Hem Skater Dress
Pretty Little Thing Red Ditsy Print Bardot Frill Hem Skater Dress [6] (£18)
Oasis Ruby Floral Midi Dress
Oasis Ruby Floral Midi Dress [7] (£42)
Cos Frilled Sleeveless Dress
Cos Frilled Sleeveless Dress [8] (£92)
H&M V-Neck Dress
H&M V-Neck Dress [9] (£18)
Monsoon Chica Animal Print Midi Dress
Monsoon Chica Animal Print Midi Dress [10] (£99)
Monki Belted Kaftan Dress
Monki Belted Kaftan Dress [11] (£30)
& Other Stories Spaghetti Tie Strap Mini Dress
& Other Stories Spaghetti Tie Strap Mini Dress [12] (£47)
Free People Charm Your Way Maxi Dress
Free People Charm Your Way Maxi Dress [13] (£428)
Louche Paz Embroidered Tiered Midi Dress
Louche Paz Embroidered Tiered Midi Dress [14] (£65)
Oliver Bonas Light Check Cross Back Midi Dress
Oliver Bonas Light Check Cross Back Midi Dress [15] (£35, originally £70)
Motel Sanna Button-Through Slip Mini Dress
Motel Sanna Button-Through Slip Mini Dress [16] (£40)
Rixo Kate Linear Ditsy Floral Prairie Maxi Dress
Rixo Kate Linear Ditsy Floral Prairie Maxi Dress [17] (£275)
ASOS Curve Jacquard Mini Button Through Tea Dress
ASOS Curve Jacquard Mini Button Through Tea Dress [18] (£30)
Nobody's Child White and Black Spot Rachel Babydoll Midi Dress
Nobody's Child White and Black Spot Rachel Babydoll Midi Dress [19] (£32)
Boohoo Plus Stripe Linen Tie Front Sundress
Boohoo Plus Stripe Linen Tie Front Sundress [20] (£16, originally £18)
Warehouse Tiered Midi Cami Dress
Warehouse Tiered Midi Cami Dress [21] (£37, originally £46)
Boden Bea Embroidered Dress
Boden Bea Embroidered Dress [22] (£90)
Simply Be Ivory Bardot Broderie Dress
Simply Be Ivory Bardot Broderie Dress [23] (£49)
Forever 21 Yellow Tiered Off-the-Shoulder Maxi Dress
Forever 21 Yellow Tiered Off-the-Shoulder Maxi Dress [24] (£28)
Finery Amela Cowl Cami Slip Dress
Finery Amela Cowl Cami Slip Dress [25] (£119)
Whistles Montana Gingham Linen Dress
Whistles Montana Gingham Linen Dress [26] (£69, originally £139)
ASOS Design Off Shoulder Tiered Gingham Mini Sundress
ASOS Design Off Shoulder Tiered Gingham Mini Sundress [27] (£21, originally £30)