Hot weather can play havoc with dress codes. The advent of warm sunny days has a peculiar effect on the British, who are alarmingly eager to discard their normal clothes and garb themselves in summer holiday beachwear, sometimes in very unlikely locations.

Dress codes have certainly got increasingly less formal, and a relaxed, casual look is acceptable in many more situations. But summer is also the peak of the British Season and there are still a number of events that insist on certain standards, no matter how hot the day. Summer weddings may also pose a challenge when the temperature rises: if the bride and groom have opted for a highly traditional wedding, they will expect their guests to conform.

We have put together a guide to hot-weather dressing:

The Shorts Question

Shorts have never been more popular and are seen everywhere; mid-thigh shorts for men are now the height of fashion. But the question is how acceptable are they in certain contexts? 

If you work in a conventional office, you will need to read the runes and proceed with caution. If your colleagues appear in shorts, then you may well have a carte blanche to do the same. But be aware that leading the charge and tossing discretion (and trousers) to the wind, might have embarrassing consequences – nobody wants a ‘talking to’ about their dress choices.

For some bosses, extremely casual dressing is a kind of power play – they are asserting that, with their status and authority, they are free to dress as they please. But this dispensation might not extend to the worker bees, so beware…

If shorts are acceptable in your workplace, it is recommended that you proceed with caution. Tailored shorts that end just above the knee are a good option for both men and women: they show that you are acknowledging that you are at work, not on holiday, and have adjusted your style accordingly. They also have the advantage of not revealing acres of bare flesh, which may be disconcerting for professional colleagues. Teaming them up with loafers or boat shoes, rather than sandals, makes them look more professional.

When you are socialising, you will have to make discerning judgements. If there is no dress code and an event is casual or impromptu, such as a barbecue in the garden, you can wear whatever you want. If there is a ‘smart casual’ dress code, you could probably get away with shorts, but of the knee-length, tailored office variety rather than floppy beach shorts. If in doubt, ask the host, or consult with fellow guests.

If the dress code is more formal, eg ‘Lounge Suits’, it means what it says. Men should wear a suit (a linen suit is ideal in hot weather), and women should wear dresses (flowing day dresses or cocktail attire, dependent on the time of day), loose palazzo trousers, or tailored trousers.

The Tie Question

It is increasingly acceptable not to wear a tie in the workplace and most British people do not do so. Even politicians have adopted the suit and open-necked shirt look because they know that it makes them look less authoritarian and more approachable.  

The result of this trend is that ties, when they are worn, are something of a statement. If a person wants to be taken seriously, in a television interview for example, they might choose to wear a tie. An important meeting, where you are mixing with high status individuals, might call for a tie. You might feel that a tie is a mark of respect, for example at an interview or during a court or tribunal hearing. A tie is a short-hand way of showing that you have respect for an occasion or person; it is also an effective way of asserting your authority.

If you do choose to discard your tie when wearing a suit, be mindful of your shirt collar, and ensure that only one or two buttons are open – you do not want to reveal too much chest. Choose a peak, rather than a rounded collar, and ensure that it is covered by the jacket lapels. Alternatively, you could wear a shirt with a mandarin collar.

Although everyone agrees that ties are dispensable in many contexts, there are still places and situations where a tie is de rigueur. Gentleman’s clubs will insist on their patrons wearing a tie; Season events that operate a dress code (for example the Stewards’ Enclosure at Henley Royal Regatta or the Queen Anne Enclosure at Royal Ascot) will also not countenance entry without a tie. Always check individual event’s websites for dress codes, which will be clearly explained.

If you are invited to an event with a ‘Lounge Suits’ dress code, for example a wedding or a party, you should certainly wear a tie. If you are invited to a ‘Smart casual’ event, you are generally not expected to wear a tie (you should just look as if you’ve made an effort).

If in doubt in any circumstance always err on the side of the tie-wearing. A tie can easily be taken off, rolled off and pocketed; feeling embarrassingly over-casual in a tieless state is less easily remedied.

The Flip-Flops Question

There is a sliding scale of acceptable hot-weather footwear. Many of us will love the comfort of flip-flops when we are on holiday. They are easy to slip on and off and waterproof, which makes them ideal for poolside and beachfront locations. But take them into another, less sybaritic, context and they begin to pose problems; they are noisy, making an audible flapping sound with every footstep, which inevitably conjures seaside promenades, not city pavements. They are also very revealing – only a couple of thin thongs away from barefoot.

For these reasons, they do not conjure up an air of dynamism or professionalism and they certainly do not advertise the ability to distinguish between the world of work, routine and obligation and the heady freedom of a summer holiday.

Sandals with straps and buckles are generally considered acceptable wear for women in most contexts, especially when coupled with well-tended feet. Nail varnish will enhance the look, but it needs to be neatly applied and well-tended (no chips or ‘grown-out’ colour that is badly in need of renewal). If you are not prepared to go for a regular pedicure or up to maintaining your nail varnish yourself, it is best to go without.

Men can also wear sandals, preferably brown (black can make your feet look pasty and over-exposed), with jeans, shorts or lightweight, coloured trousers, when the temperature rises. It is important to ensure that nails are short and tidy, and feet are impeccably clean. Wearing sandals with socks is not a good look. If, however, you are trying to ‘dress up’ your summer outfit, loafers or boat shoes, with or without socks, are a smarter alternative.