Every summer, lighter colours make their return. White dresses suddenly feel appealing, linen appears in everything and there’s always talk of dressing “for the heat”. And yet, black outfits never really disappear.
Partly because black remains one of the easiest things to wear. But also because, when styled properly, it works surprisingly well in warmer weather too.
The key is keeping everything else lighter. Relaxed silhouettes, breathable fabrics and simpler styling all help black feel softer during summer, whether that’s through an easy midi dress, wide-leg trousers or a sleeveless top you end up wearing repeatedly.
If you’re wondering how to wear black in summer without overheating, you’ve come to the right place.
THE BLACK MIDI DRESS
Black midi dresses are a year-round favourite, with seasonal refreshes.
In summer, they work for daytime plans, evenings out and last-minute occasions that appear once the weather improves.
For warmer days, looser silhouettes and breathable fabrics make all the difference. Lightweight cotton, linen blends and softer poplin fabrics help keep black feeling lighter, while sleeveless styles and tiered skirts prevent them from looking too structured.
Style with sandals for holidays, whilst flats make a black midi dress versatile from workdays to weekends in the city.
BLACK TROUSERS
Wide-leg black trousers are one of the few things that still feel polished when temperatures start climbing.
Relaxed tailoring naturally feels lighter during summer, especially when paired with sleeveless tops, simple tanks or oversized shirts worn slightly undone. Culottes work especially well for off-duty dressing, while tailored wide-leg trousers feel smart enough for work without becoming restrictive by lunchtime.
Linen-blend trousers are particularly good in black because they hold their shape while still feeling breathable. Softer drawstring waists and lighter fabrics also help black feel easier to wear in warm weather, rather than overly formal.
SLEEVELESS BLACK TOPS
In the height of summer, sleeveless tops just make sense.
Simple black styles work especially well because they balance out lighter fabrics and looser silhouettes elsewhere. Think wide-leg linen trousers, softer tailoring or relaxed shorts paired with a clean sleeveless top that keeps everything looking pulled together without feeling overdone.
Ribbed knits, lightweight cottons and softer jersey fabrics all help darker colours feel lighter during warmer weather, while minimal detailing keeps the overall look feeling more elevated.
The result feels polished enough for plans, but still comfortable enough for the journey there.
BLACK AND WHITE CO-ORDS
Monochrome dressing will never go out of fashion, and that includes during summer.
Black and white co-ords naturally keep outfits looking sharp without feeling too heavy, particularly when the silhouettes stay relaxed and the fabrics remain lightweight. Think black waistcoats with white trousers, oversized shirts with matching shorts or softer tailoring balanced with brighter separates.
There’s also something about black and white outfits that feels quietly pulled together, even when very little effort has actually gone into them.
From easy dressing to the endless outfit potential from mixing and matching, there’s nothing we love more than a good co-ord.
THE BLACK MINI DRESS
An LBD is a classic for a reason.
It’s the style that works when nothing else feels right in the heat. Easy enough for daytime, polished enough for evenings and simple enough to style different everytime you wear it. Which, lets face it, will be often.
The best summer versions feel relaxed rather than overly fitted, with lighter fabrics and softer silhouettes that move more easily in warm weather. Sleeveless styles, subtle volume and minimal detailing all help keep black feeling lighter and more effortless once temperatures rise.
Worn with sandals and oversized sunglasses during the day or layered with jewellery and a better bag after dark, the black mini dress remains one of the few summer pieces that rarely feels overdone.
RELAXED BLACK SHIRTS
Shirting takes a less-formal stance in summer heat.
A relaxed black shirt can be worn loose over linen trousers, half-tucked in denim shorts or as a cover-up with swimwear. Not overly styled, but still considered enough to look intentional.
Popover shirts are a favourite during summer, with their oversized shape and open neckline. Linen fabrics, rolled or short sleeves, and softer cottons help black shirts feel breathable rather than heavy, particularly when styled with lighter separates and flat sandals.
Slightly crumpled also tends to work in their favour. Which also works in yours.
SUMMER ACCESSORIES FOR BLACK OUTFITS
The right accessories make a noticeable different when styling black for summer.
Sun hats, leather sandals and raffia textures all help lighten darker outfits, while belts add shape to looser drsses and tailoring without adding unnecessary layers. Sunglasses can also soften monochrome looks and make black outfits feel more seasonal overall.
Gold jewellery also works well against black during summer, especially with lighter fabrics and more relaxed silhouettes.
Styling your outfits should feel simpler than it would during colder months. Less layered, less polished.
FABRICS IN SUMMER
When it comes to wearing black in summer, fabric matters more than colour itself.
Linen remains one of the best options for hot weather because it’s lightweight, breathable and naturally relaxed-looking. Cotton poplin keeps structure without trapping heat, while lightweight jersey and softer ribbed knits work well for dresses, tanks and everyday separates.
Looser silhouettes also help considerably. Wide-leg trousers, oversized shirts and easier-fitting dresses allow more airflow, which keeps black feeling lighter overall.
The texture of crinkled fabrics, open weaves and softer tailoring stop darker outfits from appearing visually heavy during warmer months.
HOW TO STYLE BLACK FOR SUMMER EVENINGS
Black naturally comes into its own in the evening.
Once the temperature drops slightly, sharper tailoring, satin textures and more elevated silhouettes begin to feel appropriate again. Wide-leg trousers paired with a sleeveless top, monochrome co-ords or an easy black dress with barely-there sandals all work particularly well for summer evenings because they still feel relaxed rather than overdressed.
The key is keeping the styling simple. A good black outfit in summer rarely needs much added to it, no matter the time of day.
Black outfits don’t disappear during summer, they just become lighter.
Breathable fabrics, relaxed silhouettes and simpler styling all help make black feel more wearable in warm weather, whether that’s through a linen co-ord, an oversized shirt or a dress that works from day to evening without much effort involved.
Because while summer trends may change every year, black remains one of the easiest things to wear once you find the version of it that works in the heat.
Shop our New Collection.
Looking for editor's picks or what's trending? Read more over on our blog.
