Suffering with the heat? Linen separates are your sartorial saviour

There are three great things about linen. The first is that it always looks chic in a very I-didn’t-try-too-hard kind of way. The second is there’s never a need to worry if your linen trousers look a little creased; it’s the nature of the fabric. The third is that it’s breathable, which in these temperatures is essential. Perspiration-inducing synthetic fabrics will do you no favours in this weather. There’s no better time to bulk out your summer basics than now, in the sales, so here are five linen pieces to help you look and feel chic in the heat.

I work in an office with no strict dress code, which makes adapting to the heat a lot easier than it is for those who must be suited and booted all year round. This exquisite linen suit from Massimo Dutti is the answer. It’s tailored but not tight, utterly sophisticated but completely weather-appropriate too.

Linen suit trousers, €39.95 (were €79.95); linen jacket, €69.95 (was €160); both at Massimo Dutti

This is such a cute piece for warm weekends. The ruffle detailing adds a feminine flourish without making the top too girlish. This colour looks great paired with khaki or an earthy biscuit shade, which is an especially good combination for women who are not used to wearing pastels.

Top with ruffles, €12.99 (was €29.95) at Zara

Occasionally I like to wear black in summer because so few people do. Black absorbs the heat though, so the only way to wear it is by choosing a comfortable, breathable fabric like linen. I love this simple tunic dress. It’s a really easy summer throw-on that will work for the office as well as it will at the weekends.

Zipped tunic dress, €45 (was €89) at Cos

A white pinafore-style dress is a summer staple. This piece by Warehouse looks so fresh and comfortable, but it is effortlessly chic too. I like how this simple dress has been styled with statement earrings to prevent it looking in any way predictable.

Button dress, €35 (was €55) at Warehouse