Close your eyes and try to remember a time when you weren’t sweating. Hard, isn’t it?

We spend all year longing for weather like this, and then the second it arrives, we’re wishing it away. We’re not really built for this kind of heat up here in the North, but we might as well make the most of it. With another heatwave confirmed, temperatures are set to climb well into the 30’s just in time for the Bank Holiday weekend.

This guide’s about to become your best friend for the hot spell ahead, a foolproof way to actually enjoy summer, air con or no air con.

Dressing for the heat

When it’s this hot, your own skin feels like too much to wear, never mind clothes. The key is sticking to light, flowy pieces that let you breathe, think linens, long dresses and anything that skims rather than clings. It is, in fact, possible to stay fashionable and cool at the same time, you just need fabrics that work for you.

Garden glow-up

The forecast says sun, and your friend’s just requested a garden party. You look outside at a garden that’s practical but could do with a makeover. A few well-chosen accessories and furniture pieces can transform even the most neglected patch into somewhere worth showing off, and with the Bank Holiday fast approaching, there’s no better excuse to get it garden-party-ready.

The host with the most

Now the garden’s had its glow-up, we’re ready to invite people over, we just need some stylish serveware to match. Colourful dishes and summer-inspired glassware turn even the simplest spread into something a bit more special, ideal for a BBQ that runs well into the evening. And if you’re after a splash of colour indoors too, check out our guide to colourful homeware for more inspo.

Keeping the little ones cool (& entertained)

Kids don’t do ‘sitting still’ for very long. And when the weather is this nice, who can blame them? But we want to keep them cool at the same time; the trick is keeping them entertained with water activities and staying in the shade. These picks not only look good in the garden but are guaranteed to keep those little ones busy without overheating.

And how could we forget these little ones?

Dogs feel the heat just as much as we do, and then some, these are great to have on hand this summer. Perfect for those pups that find the sun no matter how hard you try to keep them out of it.