Are leggings and a hoodie your go-to look? Here’s how to tweak it for summer

We’re in the tail end of summer but the heat isn’t letting up just yet. For some, that means the thrill of summer dresses, sandals and maybe a vest top or two. For others, it sparks a familiar wardrobe dilemma: what to wear when it’s still so hot?

Many of our go-to casual staples, jeans with a long-sleeved shirt, cosy co-ords or our personal favourite, gym leggings with a hoodie, are perfect for cooler weather. But when these outfits start leaving you feeling sticky and uncomfortable instead of helping you get out the door quickly, it’s time for a refresh. 

Luckily, we’ve got a few ideas to help you stay comfortable, cool and stylish as summer winds down. When it comes to activewear, we’ll be turning to F&F’s bright collection by Kate Ferdinand, which is packed with all the best gym-ready pieces. 

Beyond that, the high street is brimming with fantastic alternatives to leggings, from printed trousers that feel as cosy as pyjamas to lightweight layers we simply can’t get enough of.

The main thing that makes gym leggings such a poor pick in warm weather is the fabric. Often made from plastic-heavy fabrics such as polyester, polyamide or nylon and despite being designed to wick sweat away, their breathability is usually low. 

So, if you’re after a casual bottom that requires little thought yet is still incredibly comfortable, allow us to introduce you to the pyjama pant. Whether you opt for a real PJ pant or a fashion-forward find, these elasticated, wide-leg cotton and linen finds will keep you cool while pairing perfectly with almost anything. 

If you’re a fan of athleisure fashion, you may wish to stay within the realm of lycra-like looks and that’s a-OK. Although instead of ankle-grazing, high-waisted leggings, uncovering your legs will help you stay much cooler. Luckily, three styles of gym shorts are incredibly popular picks. 

Near-knee-length bike shorts shot to fame a couple of seasons ago as the latest chic look – essentially a cropped version of your go-to leggings. The fabric and tight-fit are almost always the same so don’t expect to be entirely free from sweating. 

Short-shorts often feature a knicker-like lycra layer with a thin loose-fitting fabric on top – perfect for those after ample movement while baring a lot of leg. And couch-friendly (but less gym-friendly) cotton shorts come in all cuts and colours and lean more into a tracksuit style. Easy. 

Of course, dressing for warmer weather usually means losing extra layers – no coats, no jumpers, no hoodies. But if you’d still like to cover up and make a more modest outfit, that’s easily done with lightweight layers. 

Think loosely worn linen shirts over vests or mesh tops, both of which will help keep your arms covered while being much less bulky than your classic hoodie. 

Images: Getty; Pexels; Zara