When the thermometer reaches numbers that make you want to spend the day standing in front of the air conditioner, it can be difficult to find something to wear that helps you keep comfortable. While you cannot change the temperature, you can dress to stay cool and look good doing it. Let’s look at some options for hot weather dressing.
Fabric choices when temps are north of eighty degrees are critical. Set aside your leather, suede, heavy denim, and other bulky fabrics. Put down your man-made polys and synthetic nylon fabrics. These materials will wear you down and have little ability to breathe. Any perspiration will get trapped under the fabric with you, resulting in a hotter, more uncomfortable you. Instead, reach for linens, light cotton, lightweight silk, and other natural fabrics that can breathe and cool you down.
The next consideration is color. Warmer weather means lighter colors to help avoid overheating. Dark colors–black, dark blue, deep, dark red, and other winter colors–naturally hold in heat. To reflect some of the heat, opt for white, beige or ivory, as well as soft blue, pink, yellow, or peach. The lighter the shade, the better off you are in letting heat escape.
Finally, consider the cut of the clothing. Slim-fitting clothes can be tricky this time of year. They are made to skim along or cling to the body, which will, clearly, hold in the heat. Try long, flowing dresses and blouses, or pants with wide legs from hip to ankle. These will allow a rare breeze to cool you down and avoid clothing sticking to your body with improved airflow.
If your plans include the beach, pool, or gym, look for swim or workout wear with SPF protection. Clothing for fishing or spending a day on the water at sea can also offer this feature. More clothing lines are offering SPF protection in their lines, simplifying your outdoor prep routine.
These tips hold true for your accessories too. Put leather bags aside and break out rattan, linen, and light weave handbags. Available in natural or light colors, these pair beautifully with wide-brimmed summer hats that will help block your head, neck, and face from harsh sun rays. Large ‘Audrey Hepburn’-style sunglasses will not only give you fashion-forward flair, they also offer sun protection for your eyes. Paired with a big summer hat, you’ll be sporting your very best ‘Hollywood star’ vibes. Summer shoes in lighter materials will look stylish and keep your feet from overheating. And, while not a true fashion accessory, add a water bottle to your ensemble to keep yourself hydrated (without the water turning hot or adding more plastic to the landfills).
Light, loose, and soft-colored summer fashion can help get you through the next heatwave. Stay cool and stay fashionable. Make memories and enjoy the season–it is too brief, after all.
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