Thanks to the UK's relative humidity and lack of air conditioning, 25 degrees in a city like London can feel immeasurably warm, so warm dressing like you're in Mallorca in August is a logical conclusion. And separates are no good when you're feeling this sticky, neither are closed toe shoes, or anything with a heel for that matter: be it in the boardroom or the beach, sandals paired with a summer dress is sometimes the only solution to warm weather dressing.
But staying cool doesn't mean you won't look it: thanks to the one-and-done dress making a resurgence on the catwalk in recent seasons there's a plethora of natural fibre dresses available to shop now. As for sandals, the Olsen twins and their brand, The Row, almost (double) handedly ensured flip flops, fisherman and even hiking sandals are more than front row appropriate.
And if you're still unsure as to how to style your summer dress and sandal combination in a considered way, we've done the hard work for you, starting off with the mini dress.
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Try largely covering your foot and toes with a caged, fisherman or jelly sandal if you're hoping to bring a little polish to this casual ensemble (and forgot to get a pedicure).
Summer Mini Dresses And Sandals
Arket Sculptural Mini Dress
M&S Pure Cotton Mini Drop Waist Dress
Chloé Scalloped Broderie Anglaise Mini Dress
Urban Outfitters Marlow Jelly Flats
Camper Dana Black Leather Sandals
Next Red Self Jelly Fisherman Sandals
The feminine look of a floaty midi dress can take the might of some hardwear on you sandals - just be weary of keeping the metal out of direct sunlight.
Summer Midi Dresses And Sandals
Matteau Strapless gathered organic cotton-poplin midi dress
Cos Petal-Sleeve Cotton Midi Dress
Rixo Jocelyn Broderie Cotton Dress
Zimmermann Wild Leather Sandals
Tu Black Strappy Sandals
Mango Leather Sandals With Eyelet Straps
Play with contrast by minimising your sandals with a maxi-length dress.
Summer Maxi Dress And Sandals
Mango Semi-transparent dress with puffed hem
Cos Wrap-Front Silk Maxi Dress
Leset Laura recycled cotton-jersey maxi dress
Jil Sander Leather Sandals
MANGO Rubberised slingback shoe
H&M Leather flip-flops
These simple outfits can be left as is, or you can elevate them with jewellery and accessories; headscarves and sun hats will further keep you cool, while anklets and arm cuffs add further edge.
Now, the only thing left is to remind you to wear your SPF and keep hydrated. Good luck.
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Daisy Murray is the Digital Fashion Editor at ELLE UK, spotlighting emerging designers, sustainable shopping, and celebrity style. Since joining in 2016 as an editorial intern, Daisy has run the gamut of fashion journalism - interviewing Molly Goddard backstage at London Fashion Week, investigating the power of androgynous dressing and celebrating the joys of vintage shopping.
