INSPIRATION AND ADVICE
THESE BLACK OUTFITS ARE HOT WEATHER-APPROVED
By Sarah Waldron, 15 June 2026
For all its advantages, black clothes have certain disadvantages once the temperature creeps above 20 degrees. Scientifically speaking, it absorbs heat, and the feeling of slowly broiling on a balmy July day is not the one. But there are ways around it – think breathable fabrics, airy layers and showing a little more skin. Here are a few black summer clothes ideas for my fellow colour-averse girls.
A CHIC DATE-NIGHT 'FIT
This look takes style cues from Mrs. Hailey Bieber – a menswear-inspired shirt, miniskirt, thong kitten heels and a teeny-weeny purse. The key with an all-black look is to mix up the textures – otherwise it's more black hole than wholly black. Here, we’ve got a woven top mixed up with a smooth jersey skirt at the bottom, plus some lace trim for an extra frisson of interest. Lightweight fabrics in cotton and linen are key here – they’re just all-round better for regulating warmth on hot summer days.
GET THE LOOK
01: ASOS DESIGN mini skirt with side split with lace in black, £20
02: ASOS DESIGN Havana trim detail toe thong kitten heel sandals in black, £24
03: Topshop Jade mini loop grab bag in black, £26
THE LITTLE BLACK SUNDRESS
There are very few items of clothing more ‘throw-on-and-go’ than black summer dresses. Pop one over your head and you're practically dressed for the day. Black isn’t the most obvious choice for a summer holiday – it’s that old ‘heat absorbing’ problem again. You can mitigate the effects by choosing something short and airy and, of course, go for the aforementioned cotton and linen. This one is a mix of both fibres, and has a breezy trapeze shape. Accessorise with a headscarf and sunglasses for a Riviera-inspired look (Italian or Thames, you choose).
GET THE LOOK
01: Simmi London Luna woven flat sandals in black, £20
02: ASOS DESIGN slim oval sunglasses in shiny black with grad smoke lens, £14
03: Sister Jane Illume polka dot headscarf in white, £19
04: ASOS DESIGN poplin scoop ruched neck mini sundress in black, £26
A CASUAL WEEKEND LOOK
Pictures: ASOS
It's a sad reality that summer isn’t all holiday, festivals and al-fresco dining, and that life admin marches on. We all need an all-black, off-duty weekend outfit for running errands in (and treating yourself to an iced matcha afterwards). Introducing this summer’s fave shape: the balloon trousers. They’re as sculptural as barrel or horseshoe jeans but that bit more light and billowy. Wear yours with black summer tops, comfy sneakerinas and add statement necklaces for a high-impact, zero-effort finish.
GET THE LOOK
01: COLLUSION XL balloon pant with linen in black, £22.99
02: ASOS DESIGN long snake necklace with large oval pendant in silver tone, £10
03: Puma Speedcat GO mary jane trainers in black metallic, £75
04: ASOS DESIGN ribbed v neck vest in black, £8
