We hate to be that person and complain about the weather, especially after we spent much of January and February doing just that. But after months of lamenting the grey skies, wind, and rain, finally some sun has arrived – and with it, temperatures exceeding 25 degrees, which we in the UK are just not built to thrive in. You don't need us to tell you, it is hot out there!
Along with stockpiling ice, panic ordering fans from Argos, and opening and closing windows in an effort to distinguish which actually keeps our homes feeling less stiflingly hot (the jury is still out), the main struggle of navigating a heatwave is knowing what to wear. Sure, a bikini is one option, unless you need to nip out to the corner shop to pick up the aforementioned ice. But what about if you’ve actually got plans? Brunch with the girls, a picnic in the park, or maybe even a wedding.
Enter: a 100% cotton summer dress, the secret to staying *and* looking cool in a heatwave.
Known for being soft, lightweight to wear, and highly breathable, a cotton dress allows air to circulate while predominantly existing in loose-fitting silhouettes that don't trap the heat against your skin. Cotton is also a natural fibre that is renewable and biodegradable, making it a highly sustainable option. Unlike synthetic fibres, it doesn’t shed polluting microplastics during washing, so you can look good while knowing you’re doing good for the planet, too.
Independent clothing brand, Pink City Prints, launched in 2018 with collections comprising entirely of block-printed cotton dresses and separates, the beautiful printed pieces matched by the quality of its fabrication. Designed in London and handcrafted in Jaipur, around 90% of the label is made from GOTS-certified organic cotton (with linen and hand-loomed cotton comprising the remaining 10%).
The high street, too, has plenty of 100% cotton dresses available to shop right now. Our favourite is M&S's Pure Cotton Tie Neck Midi Waisted Dress.
With short sleeves, a V-neck, a ruched waist, and a flowing A-line skirt, it promises to be a super flattering fit. Coming in two on-trend colourways, the classic black iteration will last a lifetime in your wardrobe, but it's the punchy orange marmalade hue that's top of our wish list. Easily dress it up or down depending on whatever occasion is on your summer social calendar. And we haven’t even mentioned the purse-friendly £45 price tag!
M&S Pure Cotton Tie Neck Midi Waisted Dress
Race you to the checkout…
Follow Alex on Instagram.
Alexandria Dale is the Digital Fashion Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. Covering everything from the celebrity style moments worth knowing about to the latest fashion news, there’s nothing she loves more than finding a high street dupe of a must-have designer item. As well as discovering new brands, she’s passionate about sustainable fashion and establishing the trends that are actually worth investing in. Having worked in fashion journalism for six years, she has experience at both digital and print publications including Glamour and Ok!
