Laura Whitmore proves you don't need to sacrifice style in a heatwave with this cooling summer dress
An elegant design that won't date
As temperatures continue to soar during the heatwave, you aren't alone in struggling to stay both cool and stylish, but one celebrity who has got what to wear in the heat down to a T is Laura Whitmore.
The TV presenter shared a carousel of photos from a summer's day, wearing one of the best summer dresses for a scorching day. Laura chose a pretty pale blue smock dress from Holland Cooper, which allows for maximum comfort without scrimping on style. While the upper bodice is shirred, allowing for a flattering fit, the billowing maxi skirt and oversized blouson sleeves of the dress allow for air to circulate and keep you cool.
With its soft pastel hue, this dress will slip seamlessly into your summer capsule wardrobe with a variety of accessories, too, allowing you to dress it up or down. For daytime, take a tip from Laura and style it with a pair of sandals, while for evening add a pair of espadrilles or on-trend wedges.
In a lightweight, breathable cotton chambray, this fit-and-flare milkmaid-style dress is the only one we want to wear on hot days. The off-the-shoulder cut still gives airy upper arm coverage, while the defined waist flatters curves.
If you prefer a sleeveless style in the heat, this V-neck dress from Nobody's Child is made from 100% organic cotton for a fully breathable feel. A simple silhouette in one of the biggest summer fashion colour trends of 2026, it's an easy, trend-led win.
Add a jaunty stripe to your look for a touch of nautical style this summer. Add cream or tan accessories for a chic finishing touch to your outfit. The voluminous sleeve will add a lovely airy finish.
If you missed out on Laura's sold out Lulu Guinness bag, snap up this charming suede floral number from Farm Rio for a fun way to add florals to your outfit.
A pair of cat-eye frames is the best sunglasses silhouette to add instant glamour to your outfit. This feminine shape is also universally flattering, narrowing and lengthening your face shape.
Flatform sandals are a great way to add extra inches to your height without suffering the discomfort of high-heeled styles. The neutral palette makes them an easy to wear, and versatile piece.
Thanks to the elasticated edging at the top of the sleeves, this dress is even more versatile than you think. For a glamorous holiday outfit, wear it Bardot-style with the sleeves off the shoulder and your hair up to keep your shoulders cool. Alternatively, try pulling the sleeves up to create a flattering square neckline that will frame your clavicle.
If you're looking for a new date night outfit idea or even heading to a wedding, simply swap your flat sandals for a pair of gold block heel sandals and add a slick of red lipstick for an effortless, pulled-together look
Looking AND feeling cool? That's a heatwave win that we'll happily take.
