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
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stay at home ;)
no, seriously, besides your article (it’s really full of wisdom) there’s not much left to say. My personal experience in dueling with summer heat is mainly based on dresses. I prefer rather short (shot is “above the knee”, not “an inch under the tush”) and ample dresses so air can circulate freely; tank tops with skirts or shorts (when shorts involved I love the ’safari’ type and length - meaning adjustable), sandals or flip flops (minimal. not flashy, not sparkling or singing ;) ). The hat poses problems for I cannot drive with it (as for the umbrella it would be quite a challenge since I’m literally handsfull with the kids).
The bottle of water is the best thing around, for everyone, no matter the clothing preferences!
Well done for the posting!
Kpriss
Hi Kpriss!
Well, you’re certainly right about staying home! And maybe that’s one reason why I’m such a night owl.
I’m glad you liked the post so much. It sounds like you’re already quite good at staying cool with style. Although I don’t have any (yet), I actually like the look of adjustable shorts. They have a nice way of balancing out hips and thighs, which is something I can certainly appreciate.
As for the hat, I just toss it in the back when driving. There are also some styles from Betmar that can be rolled up, making them easy to stick in a tote bag.
Meg - way to get me way jealous that you’re in Florida and I’m here in Massachusetts.
Anyhoo, we do get some pretty hot days up here in the middle of summer and if I have to hang out somewhere, it’s usually somewhere with AC or by the water (lake, river, sea - anywhere there’s a breeze).
We also eat way more salads in the summer (vegetables around here are more awesome anyway) and other foods/drinks that are not warming (no soup!).
Hi Shopaphilia,
I don’t know, I’m pretty jealous of people like you who live where it’s cooler longer! I love cold weather accessories too much, and I hate the stifling humidity here. It’s pretty lovely this week, but it has already been in the 80s.
Salads are wonderful when it’s warm. I was just thinking, though, that some gazpacho soup would be refreshing next time it gets really hot.
Great article, Meg!
My best tip re capris: get them shortened a little, so they end just below your knee at the thinnest point between your knee and your calf.
Seriously, doing this visually slims you down by 10-20lb — I’ve watched other women’s eyes pop out at the clothing alterations place, when they see how big a difference it makes.
But because they still cover your knees, they still read as ‘cropped pants’ rather than ’shorts’, so they’re considered much dressier and are fine to wear to more places.
Thanks, Sara!
And what an awesome tip!
I might have to have some of mine taken up. Since I’m 5′10 and have nice enough legs, I can usually get away with capri lengths that others can’t; but even so, it’s not the best length on me, either.
Great post.
Living in Florida myself I can relate, I try to be indoors as much as possible but if I have to go out I always carry my water bottle and a spanish hand fan (abanico) also I recommend wearing clothes made of linen, sure they get wrinkly but oh boy they are very nice and will keep you cool.