City break, lots of walking; 32+ degrees C - what to wear?

[OMGitsnotgood]

Usually for city breaks I'm packing cropped trousers/shorts if warm or jeans/leggings if cooler with appropriate tops, and walking sandals or trainers.

The forecast for our next city break is 32-33 . I normally associate that weather with beach holidays so mainly floaty dresses or beachwear.

I'm not quite sure what to wear on a very hot city break. I think I'd find shorts or trousers too warm, thin dresses would be cooler. But the sun dresses I have feel too 'beach holiday' .

What would you suggest? I am 5'4 and size 14. I don't like any shade of pink or pastel colours, have a preference for autumnal tones.

The first time I went to Florence, in sweltering heat, I could have won a medal for taking All The Wrong Clothes.

While all the Italian women seemed to be in some variety of simple, spare, short, sleeveless, black linen dress. Often with a cut out back or crossover straps. Just skimming the body. They looked so enviably cool. (In every sense.) Dark sunglasses. Trouble free, non bulky, inconspicuous leather bag. Plain, flat, strappy sandals.

Lesson learned …

It very much depends on the city and the culture and their values, for want of another word.

l travel to/from Singapore fairly regularly for work. Temperature is round about a constant 32c with regular thunderstorms in the afternoons. I tend to live in summer dresses while there, but perhaps not with spaghetti straps. I never take trousers or jeans. Oh, and always have a cardigan with you to slip on when faced with powerful aircon in shops etc.

Yes … A summer dress + some defence against air con would probably be right in both Lagos, Portugal and Lagos, Nigeria.

I don't think anyone else will be paying that much attention to what you're wearing and thinking "she looks better dressed for a beach". Just wear what you feel most comfortable in.

My main pointers would be

1. focus on footwear - cobbled streets? Comfy enough to walk all day in and not chafe even sweaty feet
2. light straw hat with decent but not too-wide brim
3. sleeveless but not strappy I find coolest and avoids issues with cross-body bag strap wiping off suncream.
4. not a raffia or metal strap for your bag

I feel like the shops (sales?) Are full of nice not too tight shirt dresses in olive/sage green, rust, beige and white/cream. Pick 3 colours to base your wardrobe round.

On a hot city break every one except italians will look a hot sweaty mess.

I'd wear cotton or linen, walking sandals and be alert for chub rub even if you aren't chubby.

Suddenly random air conditioned buildings will seem much more attractive than the outdoor attraction you were heading to.

Good footwear, wear before you go so you don’t blister.
Shorts and T shirt. Personally I’d wear daps and a dress but depends if you want to catch the sun and how much actual walking you plan to do.

I prefer t-shirt dresses (otherwise there's always a risk of burnt shoulders) and I always have cycling shorts underneath.

Thank you. I will be wearing walking sandals, they aren't too 'clumpy' so would look ok with dresses. Good point about no one else noticing and just feeling comfortable, but will look for a couple of dresses that are more suited to that kind of break I think. Not much summer stuff in our local shops now but will take a look online, I've time just about

i come from european hot country and I can say what saves you is linen trousers (white or beige) ideally with silk thread and a size larger than usual - you will get bloated in the sun, so do invest in larger sized clothes. Blue long sleeved button down shirt also linen or pure cotton, best if it is thin linen or cotton. Broad straw hat is a must. Go bra-less if it helps. Flip flops are great for bloated feet too. Have only a small and very light bag on you, you don't want anything heavy. Don't forget large sunglasses and a silk scarf is a bonus - useful for wind (in case hat is not applicable) and if wetted with water for cooling yourself down on the back of neck and forehead.

Linen. But don't walk so far in high heat/ midday. Bad for you, especially if not used to it.

I agree-lots of linen in light colours to reflect the heat. I'm on holiday just now and it's 32 degrees-I've got on a white linen dress from the White Company and it's wonderful and cooling. I wouldn't wear anything strappy during the day as I couldn't be bothered applying suntan cream. I'd just cover up in linen.
No polyester whatever! You'll boil!

I’m on holiday the moment and bought this over here (in the sale! Annoyingly not in the UK apparently) and wore it the next evening because it’s nice and cool, and feels chic too.

https://www.stradivarius.com/gb/contrast-mini-sleeve-midi-dress-l02262852?categoryId=1020087495&colorId=552&pelement=399185496

Thank you, lots of great advice. We'll definitely not be walking as much as usual, and willl be up and out early. I think there will be a lot of long lazy meal times !

Skater style light cotton dress that doesn’t hug the body too tight, light colour beige or light brown, flip flops or non-strappy sandals as the straps tend to heat the feet uncomfortably, mine do anyway. Avoid synthetics, they make you sweat like crazy. Sun hat and cross body bag.

Cotton or linen shorts and thin cotton top that covers shoulders is my go to outfit for trips like this. Either Fitflops or Birkenstocks. Lots of suncream. Lots of water. Hair up.