Easy pieces to buy now.

Summer dressing provides endless discussion because it is, in fact, quite difficult. For those of us who don’t live in sweltering climes all year round, the hot weather often catches us off guard and leaves us wondering what to wear without a) sweating ourselves into oblivion and b) looking like one of those dads on the beach who never really figured out how to wear sandals. So, in the interest of making things as painless as possible (and before the heatwave deserts us and we inevitably begin complaining about the cold), here are three blueprint-ready ways to dress for the heat.

No outfit says “summer” like a combination of shorts, a T-shirt and sneakers. Tried and tested, it’s the easy option to be sure, but that doesn’t mean it has to look unimaginative. These shorts from J.Crew are the kind of thing that will last you for years – they’re casual and comfortable, but can also be dressed up when the occasion demands. If you’re sticking to a T-shirt, though, this one from James Perse is perfect – it’s cut in a slim fit from cotton-jersey, and gives a nod to that CEO-casual style that’s become popular in recent years. Keep things classic with a pair of Acne Studios sneakers – they hit the mark between vintage and contemporary, and will see you right with shorts and a T-shirt in the summer, or jeans and trousers when the mercury starts to dip.

If you’re in search of a little more refinement in the heat but are unprepared to pull on some trousers lest you drown in sweat, a pair of shorts straight out of The Talented Mr Ripley might be what you need. Slim-fit, stretch cotton and in a pleasing pastel pink – this pair comes with an air of sophistication. Switch out your T-shirt for a grandad-collar shirt, like this one by Club Monaco, to elevate things even further. Remember: a shirt with a regular collar can often look incongruent with shorts, so a grandad is your friend. Finish things off with espadrilles (smarter than sandals, more subtle than, say, loafers) and you’re good to go.

Dinner dates and other social events often require something a little more serious than shorts. And, despite the heat, things start to cool off after the sun goes down anyway. So you will likely need to pull on some trousers at some point. Chinos, in this case, should be your go-to. Not only are they more breathable and softer than, say, jeans, they are also more versatile and can be dressed up or down with ease. This slim-fit pair by Polo Ralph Lauren will work well with a smart shirt or, alternatively, this bright blue T-shirt. Tuck it in, if you like. But make sure you keep cool with some invisible socks. Your ankles will thank you.