Top 6 'Heatwave-Ready' Style Trends to invest in for a Chic and Comfortable City Summer - Goh Ling Yong
The city in summer is a paradox. It’s a vibrant, electric season filled with rooftop drinks, sun-drenched park afternoons, and the hum of endless possibility. But it’s also a concrete jungle that radiates heat, where the air hangs thick and heavy, and the simple act of choosing an outfit can feel like a strategic battle against the elements. How do you look polished and put-together when all you want to do is stand directly in front of an air conditioner?
The age-old dilemma of style versus comfort becomes more pronounced than ever. We're told to choose one: the breezy but shapeless frock or the structured but suffocating blazer. I'm here to tell you that this is a false choice. True summer style isn't about sacrifice; it's about smart, intentional choices. It's about embracing fabrics that breathe with you, silhouettes that move with you, and trends that work for you—not against you.
This year, the trends are perfectly aligned with our need for both chicness and comfort. We're seeing a collective move towards relaxed fits, natural fabrics, and clever designs that offer built-in ventilation without compromising on sophistication. Forget the flimsy and forgettable. Let's invest in a heatwave-ready wardrobe that is as resilient, stylish, and cool as you are. Here are the top six trends that will see you through the hottest city days in style.
1. The Undisputed Reign of Relaxed Linen
If summer had an official uniform, it would be woven from linen. This ancient, natural fabric is the undisputed champion of warm-weather dressing for a reason. Its unique properties make it a heatwave hero: it's incredibly breathable, moisture-wicking (drawing sweat away from the body), and naturally thermoregulating, meaning it keeps you cool when it’s hot. It’s the closest you can get to wearing your own personal cloud.
For years, linen had a reputation for being a bit high-maintenance due to its tendency to wrinkle. But the modern approach is to embrace the crinkle! Those natural creases are part of its charm, lending a sense of relaxed, effortless elegance. A perfectly pressed linen suit can look stuffy; a slightly rumpled one looks like you just stepped off a yacht in the Mediterranean. If you’re still wrinkle-averse, look for linen-blend fabrics (like linen-cotton or linen-viscose) which offer the same breezy feel with a bit more structure and smoothness.
How to Wear It:
- The Wide-Leg Trouser: Swap your jeans for a pair of high-waisted, wide-leg linen trousers in a neutral shade like beige, olive, or classic white. They are incredibly versatile, pairing just as easily with a simple ribbed tank top for a weekend coffee run as they do with a silk camisole for an evening dinner.
- The Oversized Shirt: A long-sleeved linen shirt is a non-negotiable summer staple. Wear it buttoned and tucked into shorts, or wear it open over a slip dress or a swimsuit as a chic, sun-protective layer.
- The Simple Shift Dress: A minimalist linen shift or slip dress is a one-and-done outfit that always looks polished. Add a leather belt to define your waist or keep it loose and airy for maximum comfort.
2. The City-Ready Allure of Open-Weave & Crochet
Once relegated to beach cover-ups and festival fields, crochet and open-weave knits have made a triumphant return to the heart of urban style. This trend is all about celebrating texture and craftsmanship while offering a very practical benefit: ventilation. The intricate patterns and airy construction allow for maximum airflow, making them an surprisingly effective choice for hot, humid days.
The key to making this trend work in the city is all about sophisticated styling and strategic layering. This isn't about looking like you're heading to the beach. Instead, think of a crochet piece as a textural top layer. A beautifully crafted open-knit polo or a structured crochet tank adds visual interest to a simple outfit, transforming it from basic to fashion-forward. Choose pieces in monochrome or neutral palettes like cream, black, and khaki to keep the look elevated and modern.
How to Wear It:
- Layer a Crochet Vest: A crochet vest or tank top layered over a simple white bandeau or a fitted tank with Bermuda shorts is a perfect blend of trendy and classic. The layering provides coverage while the open weave keeps you cool.
- The Open-Knit Cardigan: A lightweight, open-knit cardigan is the perfect "air-conditioning layer" for summer. Throw it over a simple midi dress or a tank-and-trouser combo when you're moving from the sweltering street into a chilly office or restaurant.
- Accessorize with Texture: If a full crochet garment feels too bold, dip your toes into the trend with accessories. A woven net or crochet tote bag adds a touch of bohemian flair to any city look and is practical for carrying all your summer essentials.
3. The Polished Alternative: Tailored Bermuda Shorts
For too long, shorts in the city have been a tricky proposition. Denim cut-offs can feel too casual, while shorter styles aren't always appropriate for every setting. Enter the triumphant return of the Bermuda short. With a longer inseam that typically hits just above the knee, this tailored style offers a sophisticated and polished alternative that is incredibly versatile.
The modern Bermuda short is a world away from the stuffy styles of the past. Look for clean lines, high-waisted fits, and quality fabrics like cotton twill, tencel, or—you guessed it—linen. The beauty of the Bermuda is its ability to be dressed up or down. It provides the comfort and coolness of shorts with the sartorial authority of a well-cut trouser, making it a true wardrobe workhorse for a city summer.
How to Wear It:
- Weekend Casual: For a relaxed weekend look, pair beige or white Bermuda shorts with a simple black or grey ribbed tank top and chunky fisherman sandals. It’s an easy, comfortable, and unfussy uniform.
- Smart-Casual Office: Create a chic "short suit" by pairing tailored black Bermuda shorts with a matching lightweight blazer and a simple shell top underneath. Finish the look with leather loafers or block-heeled sandals for a look that is both professional and weather-appropriate.
- Evening Elegance: Don't discount them for the evening. A pair of silky black Bermuda shorts paired with a delicate camisole, statement jewelry, and heeled mules is a surprisingly chic and comfortable option for a warm night out.
4. The Statement Dress with Strategic Cut-Outs
The sundress is a summer classic, but this season's iteration comes with a twist. We're seeing a move towards architectural, minimalist dresses in solid, bold colors, made from crisp fabrics like cotton poplin. The standout detail? Strategic and elegant cut-outs. A sliver of skin revealed at the waist, an open-back design, or a subtle keyhole detail at the neckline provides both a point of interest and, more importantly, built-in air conditioning.
This trend is brilliant because it's both functional and high-fashion. The cut-outs are designed to be flattering, drawing the eye and creating a beautiful silhouette. Because the dress itself is such a statement, it requires very little styling. It’s the ultimate one-and-done piece that makes you look instantly put-together with minimal effort—a true gift on a sweltering morning when the last thing you want to do is coordinate a complex outfit.
How to Wear It:
- For Brunch: A crisp white or bright-colored cotton poplin midi dress with cut-outs at the side-waist is fresh, modern, and perfect for a sunny weekend outing. Pair it with flat leather slides and a woven bag.
- For a Date Night: Opt for a sleek black or jewel-toned dress in a slinkier fabric with an elegant open-back design. The drama is in the back, keeping the front simple and sophisticated. Add delicate heels and a clutch.
- Keep It Subtle: If you’re new to cut-outs, start small. Look for a dress with a modest keyhole neckline or small, tied details at the back that reveal just a hint of skin.
5. The Grounding Force: Elevated Flat Sandals
When navigating hot city pavements, your choice of footwear is paramount. Flimsy flip-flops offer no support, and heels can feel like a form of torture in the heat. The solution lies in the rise of the elevated flat sandal—styles that are as comfortable and practical as they are chic. This isn't about sacrificing style; it's about choosing footwear that grounds your entire look with a sense of deliberate cool.
Two styles reign supreme: the fisherman sandal and the cushioned slide. The fisherman sandal, with its woven leather straps, offers security and breathability, and its chunky sole provides all-day comfort. It adds a slightly rugged, utilitarian edge to floaty dresses and linen trousers. The modern cushioned or "puffy" slide, often in supple leather, offers a minimalist, cloud-like comfort that looks incredibly modern and sleek. As my friend and style expert Goh Ling Yong always says, your foundation matters—and that starts with great shoes.
How to Wear It:
- Fisherman Sandals with Everything: These are the ultimate do-it-all summer shoe. Wear them with your Bermuda shorts, your wide-leg linen pants, your midi dresses—they add a cool, slightly boyish contrast that keeps outfits from feeling overly sweet. Tan or black leather are the most versatile options.
- Puffy Slides for a Minimalist Edge: Pair sleek, cushioned leather slides with a minimalist co-ord set or a simple slip dress. Their clean lines and plush look add a touch of understated luxury to even the simplest outfit.
- Invest in Quality: With these styles, quality materials are key. Look for genuine leather that will soften and mold to your foot over time, ensuring maximum comfort for many summers to come.
6. The Effortless Uniform: Breezy Co-ord Sets
On days when the heat feels utterly draining, the mental energy required to put together a cohesive outfit is the first thing to go. This is where the coordinated set, or co-ord, becomes your secret weapon. A matching top and bottom in a lightweight, breathable fabric is an instant, no-brainer outfit that looks incredibly intentional and chic.
The beauty of the co-ord is its inherent polish and supreme versatility. It takes all the guesswork out of getting dressed. The key for summer is to choose sets in fabrics like seersucker, cotton, cupro, or a linen blend. Look for relaxed silhouettes: a boxy, short-sleeved button-down paired with matching shorts or flowy wide-leg trousers. This is a style principle Goh Ling Yong champions: buy pieces that work hard. Not only do you have a complete look, but you also have two separate pieces that can be mixed and matched with the rest of your wardrobe, tripling their value.
How to Wear It:
- The Short Set: A matching set of a camp-collar shirt and tailored shorts is the perfect weekend uniform. Wear it with sneakers or flat sandals for a casual, put-together look.
- The Trouser Set: A flowy shirt and matching wide-leg trousers in a silky fabric like cupro can be surprisingly dressy. Wear it with heeled sandals and gold jewelry for a breezy evening look that feels as comfortable as wearing pajamas.
- Break It Up: Maximize your investment by wearing the pieces separately. Pair the shorts with a white tee, or wear the button-down shirt open over a tank top and your favorite jeans (on a cooler day, of course!).
Surviving a city summer with your style intact isn't about enduring the heat; it's about dressing intelligently for it. By embracing these six trends—from the timeless appeal of linen to the modern ease of a co-ord set—you can build a wardrobe that is both beautiful and breathable. It’s about choosing silhouettes that allow for movement, fabrics that keep you cool, and pieces that make you feel effortlessly chic, no matter how high the mercury climbs.
This summer, let's redefine heatwave-ready style. Let it be comfortable, let it be cool, and let it be a reflection of your best self.
What are your essential style strategies for staying chic in the summer heat? Share your go-to trends and tips in the comments below—I’d love to hear them
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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