15 essential heatwave fashion buys for under £50
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Here we are again, just as we had transitioned back to our miserable weather wardrobes, we're threatened with scorching temperatures once again.
Last week, I didn’t dare leave the house without the protection of a lightweight knit and umbrella to hand. This week, the thought of even having to hold an additional article of clothing is making me sweat. Now my wardrobe is officially in a state of disarray with woolly jumpers and summery dresses battling against one another.
As we're about to hit 30C, once again, it’s essential - this time - that I get myself suitably sartorially organised or my already mad mornings will suffer further. If you’re anything like me, despite having lived through this sudden switch from dreary weather into high summer heat every year in the UK, it still comes as a shock to the system.
And despite managing very well last year, I feel like I have ‘nothing to wear’, or rather, nothing I want to wear - another widely relatable occurrence, I’m sure.
While most of us certainly aren’t on the market for a complete wardrobe overhaul, it is therapeutic to give our cupboards a freshen up for the much-needed warmth. So fear not, if savvy, it can take a mere few sartorial additions to give you just what you need to enjoy and actually function in the mad heat ahead.
I’ve done the legwork for you and scoured the latest high street offerings for the 15 essential heatwave-ready buys for under £50…
F&F Pure Linen Tailored Blazer
You don’t need to compromise on looking smart in the heat. This lightweight linen blazer is perfect to throw on for a polished look while still being able to tolerate the soaring temperatures.
H&M Linen-blend tailored trousers
Was £32.99
A super versatile trouser shape in the most heat-appropriate material - linen. This staple item will also work hard in your wardrobe beyond the heatwave.
M&S Pure Cotton Striped Shirt
Chic, practical and perfect to dress up or down amidst a heatwave. I will be styling this one tucked into a skirt.
H&M Braided-look Ballet Flats
If you’re not a Birkenstock or flip-flop person, nor in the environment to be wearing these, keep your feet cool with a perforated ballet flat. They’re also all the rage right now.
Seaspray Grace Sun Hat
A neutral coloured sun hat is every bit as elegant as it is practical.
A.KJÆRBEDE Winnie Sunglasses
There’s always room for a new pair of sunglasses. This oval pair by A.KJÆRBEDE will update any of your favourite summer looks.
Albaray Tailored Shorts
Was £69
Longer shorts are all the rage this season, and so is butter yellow for another year running. This tailored pair by Albaray could be just the ticket to give your wardrobe the update it needs - get them before they sell out during the temperature hike.
River Island Tailored Waistcoat
Waistcoats are chic year-round, but they’re the perfect solution for smart summer dressing. River Island’s longline tailored style has a super flattering fit for most body types.
Boden Interest Raffia Belt
The simple addition of a raffia belt over your favourite dresses or trousers will instantly inject a summery refresh.
ASOS Design Maxi Skirt
The addition of a bold maxi skirt styled a multitude of your favourite plain tops, is a hack that makes quite the statement. This Asos Design asymmetric skirt offers a dramatic effect while remaining chic.
Mango Natural fibre shopper bag
Switch up your wintery leather tote for a raffia shopper. Super useful and easy to pair with most outfits for work and leisure during the brighter days ahead.
Reiss Stretch-Cotton T-Shirt
Natural fibres are the key to staying cool in the heat. Reiss’ cotton t-shirt is soft like butter and flattering on the waist with its fitted shape. Style simply tucked into jeans or under an open shirt for top style points.
Hawes & Curtis Linen Shirt
In 100% linen, this classic striped shirt at £35 is certainly value for money. Oozing timeless summer-chic, this piece will remain timeless for years to come.
Zara Midi Dress with Belt
A versatile short-sleeve dress, like this belted one from Zara, will take you from the office to pub drinks - just the ticket for the days ahead. This one also comes in an indigo colour-way, too.
Monsoon Charli Lemon Scarf
There’s nothing like tying a softly coloured scarf around your neck, onto a bag or through the loops in your jeans to add a touch of summer-chic to any outfit. Monsoon has a fabulous selection from £25.
Badenoch blasts 'moaning' female Labour MPs over Burnham jobs 'quota'
Kemi Badenoch has told Labour women to earn a job in Andy Burnham's Cabinet instead of demanding they are handed jobs because of their gender.
The Tory leader lashed out today amid reports that female MPs are demanding the de-facto new prime minister introduce a 50:50 gender split 'quota' in his government.
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister also complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts.
But in a scathing article in the Times today Mrs Badenoch told them to 'stop moaning' and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'.
'There are many, many reasons why you shouldn't have any Milibands in the cabinet,' she said.
'But complaining that the boys haven't given them the right jobs or that the boys are taking all the jobs, just shows that Labour's women still don't get it.'
The idea of quotas was also attacked by Baroness Jacqui Smith, Labour's Skills Minister.
Asked by Times Radio if Mr Burnham should reserve jobs for women, she said: 'No, I think what Andy Burnham should be doing is building the very best team around him to change this country.'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband (above, right, in 2010) is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts
But Mrs Badenoch told them to pipe down and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party and seen by the BBC has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs after he succeeds Sir Keir Starmer.
'We are asking you to demonstrate this change from day one and address the toxicity and misogyny within our own party and government,' it said.
Labour has never had a female leader, while the Conservatives have had three, and Mrs Badenoch urged the government to follow its meritocratic example.
'If you run a meritocracy, then you do not have to worry about jobs for the boys,' she wrote.
'Every woman who is a Conservative MP, every woman who has ever won the leadership, has had to fight to get where she is.
'By contrast, Labour women are demanding guarantees from Burnham. But the truth is he doesn't have to give any guarantees.
'If none of Labour's women are prepared to get their hands dirty and challenge him for the leadership, their demands are toothless.'
'In fact, it's quite revealing that the women's parliamentary Labour Party has written to Burnham asking him to commit himself to at least 50 per cent female ministers.
'This has nothing to do with meritocracy. It is yet more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country.'
