Summer event season is officially here, and whilst I love a wedding, garden party or day at the races, dressing for them in a heatwave can feel like a bit of a challenge when all you want to do is stay in your garden in shorts and flip flops! However, there are a few style essentials and things to bear in mind when dressing for an event in hot weather which will really help to keep you cool (physically and visually!). Here are some of the warm weather favourites I'll be relying on this summer...
Open shoes
It may sound obvious but the perfect shoes for hot summer events need a fairly open deign- so definitely a peep or open toe, and preferably open sided. You want a shoe which gives enough support but isn't too closed in so it doesn't trap the heat. That said, if it's really hot I'd avoid anything too strappy- you don't want anything to dig in as your feet swell, whereas something open but with a little more coverage will give more with the heat.
Natural materials
The last thing anyone wants- especially when you're at an event- is sweaty feet! Aside from the very unpleasant prospect of badly smelling shoes, sweaty feet also move around a lot inside your shoes making you feel unsupported and a little wobbly (and that's before champagne!). Always go for shoes with a natural leather lining, which is breathable so prevents your feet getting hot and sweaty, as well as absorbing any tiny bits of moisture. If you can go for a natural leather upper too, even better!
SPF & water mist spray
Stay safe in the sun kids and don't forget your spf! Pop a little bottle of facial SPF50 in your bag so you can reapply if you're outside for a long period of time. Go for a non-greasy one to avoid the sweaty look- I love Gruum's ultra lightweight Daily Defence Lotion. I also swear by carrying a small bottle of facial mist for an instant wake up throughout the day- can highly recommend Daily Defence Moisture Mist by Evolve Organic Beauty, and they do a handy travel size to fit in your bag!
Decent sunglasses
Great for shielding your eyes from UV rays as well as preventing you from squinting when talking to relatives or posing for photos. Also good to hide streaky mascara if the speeches get a little emosh! For that reason I will forever be a fan of the oversized sunny or a classic pair of aviators.
Clockwise from top- Tortoiseshell | Aviators | Slim Aviators | Blue | Oversized | Green
Clutch bag big enough to hold everything
It's no good me recommending the above if you don't have the correct sized clutch bag to fit everything in. Whilst I love the idea of a tiny little box bag, in reality I basically carry a bag and a tote bag most days, so I need something a little bigger. For summer events you can't go wrong with a natural raffia or metallic leather clutch- they're versatile and go with everything! Go for a medium size that will fit all your heatwave essentials as well as your phone, which will also help prevent your phone from overheating. I'd recommend a bag with an optional strap too, so you can sling it over your shoulder later in the day when you want your hands free for dancing/ drinking/ taking photos.
Clockwise from top- Gold leather clutch | Raffia clutch | Raffia handle clutch
Wide brimmed hat
Depending on the event, if you can take a wide brimmed hat to wear when you're outside I'd highly recommend. Not only will it protect your face from burning and prevent sun damage, you can also channel Kristin Scott Thomas' character from Four Weddings and a Funeral, and be the most stylish guest there!
© Gramercy Pictures/courtesy Everett CollectionEverett Collection Inc / Alamy Stock Photo
Bright pedicure
And last but by no means least, if you're wearing an amazing pair of peep-toes, don't forget to go for a suitably amazing pedicure! I'm a big fan of natural nails, but when it comes to toes in the summer, the brighter the better! You can't beat bright shades of coral, red, orange and pink for the perfect summer finishing touch- Nailberry do an amazing range of colours!
Check out our full range of occasion shoes here, perfect for keeping the style levels high when the temperature is too! I'd love to know what your top tips for dressing for an event in a heatwave too- let me know!
Stay cool,
Rachel xx
