I'm heatwave-ready in this cool, cotton floral dress by Boden

Rivkie Baum in Boden Octavia floral print summer dress — (Image credit: Rivkie Baum/Boden)

The heatwave returns for a second round, and if there is one thing I learnt in the past month, it is that understanding what to wear in the heat - especially one as extreme as this, is the secret to surviving in style.

Thin, breathable fabrics are the only thing I want to reach for, and while linen sales are soaring, I really hate the admin that comes with it (I avoid as much ironing as I can), and so it's relaxed cotton dresses with easy, breezy sleeves that I'm filling my wardrobe with.

This beautiful Boden dress features a statement print that will cheer up even my warm-weather commute, and the voluminous sleeves, coupled with the A-line skirt and optional belt, help me to keep my look light and airy. In the last round of soaring temperatures, I relied on an old Boden cotton dress, washing and wearing it repeatedly; it was the only thing I could wear in such climes.

Boden

Octavia Cotton Dress-Yellow, Radiant Bloom

I was immediately drawn to the bright colours on this dress. The sunny yellow, deep pink and rosy hue, accented with leafy greens, is such a riot of happy hues that I'm instantly cheered. It looks beautiful in the sunshine, and its tropical style definitely adds a holiday feel that reflects the weather, even if I'm off to the office.

With a high-waisted cut, this dress is ideal for highlighting or creating curves. The self-tie belt means you can nip yourself in more, should you choose to, or lose it altogether for a straighter silhouette. The full sleeves are possibly one of my favourite parts of the design, as the roomy shape helps to promote airflow. There is nothing worse than tight-fitting clothes in a heatwave; skin needs to breathe.

With temperatures soaring to 30 degrees plus again, the best summer dresses are absolutely key to your summer capsule wardrobe. Longer, looser midi and maxi shapes offer breezy coverage that will help to keep you feeling and looking cool.

Easy to style, this dress will work with flats, trainers, sandals or heels. When it comes to cost per wear, this dress is taking you everywhere this summer. From sunny sightseeing to office meetings, glam alfresco dinners, and even summer nuptials, Boden is masterful at versatile dresses that are easy to style up or down.

floral print dress — Boden floral print Octavia cotton dress

In terms of sizing, I stuck with my usual Boden size, which is a 20. I'd say Boden comes up fractionally smaller than some high street brands, such as M&S, which is why this is the size I go for, and I find the fits very consistent.

With unique prints, the brand's use of colour is all part of the draw, and it's why I have a wardrobe full of Boden dresses that I wear repeatedly; the quality really does stand the test of time.

Crafted from cotton, this dress is a breathable choice for the expected high temperatures that are set to last all week, so even if you have the best fans on the market, a natural fabric dress should be on your shopping list.

Easy to care for, I chuck my Boden dresses in the washing machine and hang them to dry. If needed, a quick steam will help get any creases out, so I've got a pristine summer outfit formula that never fails.

Boden

Sarah Cotton Midi Shirt Dress-Navy Ivory Fine Stripe

Shirt dresses are wearable all year, but an A-line, cotton, midi design feels synonymous with summer, particularly in this blue and white striped design. The just above the elbow sleeve length is perfect for hot weather, giving good shoulder and upper arm coverage, but still keeping your look breezy. You can nip it in at the waist with the self-tie belt, or opt for a raffia iteration for a high summer spin.

Boden

Belted Cotton Midi Dress-Multi, Bohemia Dream

This optical illusion-like print creates very subtle panelling that will draw the eye down and nip in at the waist. In a lovely, easy, breezy A-line midi silhouette with a sweet puff sleeve, this vibrant design is an ideal answer to what to wear to a wedding this summer. Pick out one of the print colours for your bag and shoes to tie it all together.

Boden

Embroidered Linen Dress-Woodland Green, Embroidery

Although I love a cotton dress in the heat, because they're so light, I do have my eye on this beautiful forest green number with colourful embroidery and breezy full sleeves. It's probably worth swapping the self-tie fabric belt for a leather iteration, as I think a dress as expensive as this is the ideal candidate for a fancier belt, but in the hottest weather, I'd go belt-free for airflow.

With Wimbledon finals on the way, and a host of summer occasions that won't pause for the weather, it's best to be prepared, and this dress-up-or-down design can take you to almost any moment this summer. From what to wear to Wimbledon to making an appearance as one of the best summer guest dresses for 2026, I do not doubt the power of this floral design.

A lynchpin piece in your hot weather style arsenal, the looks that will cover you through these extreme temperatures will without a doubt be crafted from natural fibres, and when it comes to quality fabrics, Boden has plenty of options.

While I find linen styles a little weightier, there is no doubt that these too have incredible breathability. But when it comes to hot weather, cost effective buys a 100% cotton dress with a happy print will always look glorious in hot weather.

Rivkie is a fashion editor, writer and stylist with twenty years' experience in the industry. Rivkie studied design and pattern cutting at the London College of Fashion, and fell in love with styling and journalism, and has covered fashion weeks in London, Paris and New York, as well as shooting editorial all over the world.

Specialising in plus size fashion, Rivkie has long championed that style is for everyBODY and has appeared on a host of radio stations and television shows, pushing for greater representation for plus size women and fashion throughout her career.