Written by Joseph Sheehan in Tips & Advice on the 8th May 2014

We all know how unpredictable summer can be, especially here in the UK, one minute you’re trying to find some shade wearing shorts and t-shirt while trying to escape the unforgiving sun, and the next minute you’re trying to find cover from the rain wishing you'd brought an umbrella. 

So, layering for summer is almost a necessity since you never know what’s going to happen with the weather or what items of clothing you wish you'd brought with you to keep warm or cool.

It’s not as simple as just throwing on a jacket or coat over your t-shirt and shorts combo though (well in some cases it can be). 

It’s all about building up a gradual base of layers that you can remove one by one as it approaches the hottest time of day, and add items again when it starts to get cooler into the early evening.

One of the best things for the job is a simple shirt over your t-shirt, such as a light blue chambray shirt over a white t-shirt, a classic that never fails. 

But then you could also go for an over-shirt aka a "shacket"(shirt/jacket), these are a little thicker but are great for rapid changes in temperature. 

But if it’s not quite the weather for either, why not pull on a jumper over the t-shirt or shirt, it looks smart and keeps you warm! And the great thing is, they can all be combined in different ways such as a t-shirt, shirt, jumper and over-shirt or just a shirt and jumper... endless possibilities from a few items.

But it’s not all about what’s going on up top, you’ve got to think about below as well. This doesn’t mean get yourself some baggy cargo trousers that unzip at the knee and turn into shorts or wear trouser over shorts and think you’ve got the best of both worlds (although it may be convenient they will not look good.) 

Instead this will likely be about planning ahead so check the weather forecast and see how the clouds look in the morning. If there's a chance of rain, instead of wearing those very thin linen shorts, go for something a bit sturdier such as a chino short.

A final item is a foldable (but stylish) waterproof jacket or coat. This garment is easy to store, lightweight and will save you lugging round an umbrella everywhere. 

Layering for summer is pretty simple really, you’ve just got to think about colours and fabrics to make sure it works right. A thick cotton shirt paired with a wool jumper and a linen blazer would kind of defeat the point (thinnest and most breathable materials first!).

A Guide to Layering in the spring and Summer Season from staying cool past midday to keeping warm in the chilly early evenings.