Style inspiration

How to keep cool in a heatwave

Phew, it has been a hot couple of weeks here in London. I thought I would demonstrate how to keep cool in a heatwave. I have been staying as cool as possible in these high temperatures. My answer has been to keep it simple and floaty. No tight restricting clothes. Colourwise I feel that white is a good colour if you want to look chic and cool. Here I am wearing my loose white linen trousers (a few years old from Eileen Fischer). They were pricey however they have washed well and kept their shape. On top a simple short sleeve tee. I usually replace my white tees every year but this one from People tree is into its second year. I have several pieces from People tree. They are a sustainable fashion brand and use excellent materials.

Once you have got the basics sorted. With a blank canvas to play with it is time to add some colour, Choose a tone that flatters your natural colouring. Then waft and float and make the best of the sunshine.

My tie fronted cotton printed kimono is from a selection at Chicatanyage shop (also available in blue).

We never go away at this time of year preferring to stay at home and explore the local gardens. For these photos, we visited Strawberry Hill House near Twickenham. We have plenty of choice of beautiful gardens within about half an hours drive from our house. Check out a previous post featuring Kew Gardens.

This outfit would be ideal if you are planning a summer holiday in warm climes. The kimono could be slung over a swimsuit for lunch by the pool or dressed up with some jewellery for an evening out.

The photographs were taken by Laura Hines. Follow her on Instagram

Chicatanyage

I write a fashion and beauty blog for women over 50 with the aim of inspiring mature women to continue to enjoy and have fun with their fashion choices. I have spent most of my working life in some way connected to fashion. I started my career in Fashion PR and then trained as an Image Consultant when my children were young. I subsequently worked in the corporate world running seminars, doing private coaching and speaking at conferences. I started my blog in 2009 as I wanted to share my years of experience working in the world of fashion. I truly believe we can continue to have confidence in the way we present ourselves. Our style may evolve with time and changing lifestyles, yet with a little knowledge and inspiration, we can all continue to have fun with fashion. As women of a certain age we are a growing demographic let us prove that we can also be a chic one.

View Comments

  • Very pretty kimono. For me it would still be too many clothes when it's hot. I find linen dresses that just cover my knees are the best solution for our northern New Zealand summers.

    • I also live in NZ Angela. Where do you buy your linen dresses from and how do you counteract the see-throughness of linen without overheating? I have some linen blouses from the Kathmandu store last season but found I need to wear a cami underneath them.

      • Hi Kathryn
        Most are from Blue Illusion starting from 4 or 5 years back. I always check their new range to add to my collection. For wearing at home I've bought linen mix shift style from Marks and Spencer online keeping in mind that their sizes are different to NZ (our 12 is their 14)

  • Sent for the Kimono you're wearing and received it so quickly - excellent service. Love it - looking forward to wearing it on my holiday and here if we get some more lovely weather. Hope I look as elegant as you do!

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