How to look chic, despite summer heat

Since I’ve been a Floridian all my life, I know a thing or two about dressing for even triple-digit temperatures.

Fortunately, those temps are still a ways off even here — but with spring just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about warm-weather purchases that will keep on working as the temperatures rise.

Dress up and cover up

The hotter it gets, the less people tend to wear around here. The unfortunate result is that it doesn’t take long before a lot of people go around in midriffs and short shorts, all in material thin enough to reveal the absence of anything underneath.

Despite what you or they might expect, it is possible to dress comfortable in the heat and retain more than a modicum of modesty. In fact, covering up can actually keep you cooler by reflecting the sun’s rays before they get to your skin.

My favorite trick for beating the heat is a comfy sundress. Of course, you don’t have to wear a sundress specifically. Just about any light-colored cotton dress will keep you delightfully cool. Long bohemian skirts can be also be great since they keep the sun off one’s legs.

For those women who chafe, consider wearing some thin, loose under-shorts or slip shorts.

If you aren’t a skirt gal

Shorts are acceptable most places, of course. But I don’t suggest wearing the shortest pair you can find, because short shorts just don’t tend to be figure flattering. Unfortunately, anything mid-calf can be hard to pull off, especially if you’re short, so you have to be careful about capris.

However, just about everyone can wear knee-length shorts, give or take a few inches.

Avoid cling

Don’t wear anything too tight or too clingy. Remember, you want to keep the air flowing.

I always wear at least a half slip underneath my skirts and dresses to keep the fabric from clinging as I sweat. Trust me, that extra layer actually makes me feel cooler.

Wear light colors

If you live somewhere warm, you probably already know that it really does help to wear lighter colors. If you’re visiting somewhere warm, you may want to rethink packing a lot of dark clothes. Sure, black is thinning, but even white is when worn all over. My favorite summer outfit is a white halter top dress (a bit like this one).

Hats

I love big sun hats — especially when my hair is not cooperating with me thanks to the humidity. In addition to covering up a bad hair day, they also do a great job of providing much needed shade.

That’s why I love my big tea hats, which I love wearing when I dress up for outdoor events in the heat. I’m also hoping to get a somewhat more casual hat by this summer (maybe something like this).

Don’t forget your umbrella

Even if it’s not raining, bring your umbrella. For one thing, here in Florida those afternoon showers come out of nowhere. However, they also provide much needed shade. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve sat at a bus stop in the summer and was glad that I had my umbrella.

Summer friendly footwear

Open shoes like flip flops can be a good way to go because they do make you feel cooler. However, that doesn’t mean that you should wear flip flops everywhere. Here’s a quote from Wardrobe Oxygen that sums up my own view remarkably well:

Sandals are worn most of the year; but not all sandals are created equal. Flip-flops and sparkly little thongs should only be worn in the most casual of environments. My boss