Coming from a girl who grew up in Arizona, I know a thing or two about hot weather – the kind that feels like you opened an oven and stuck your head in it. Typical summer days go past 100-degrees and the heat continues way into night time.
It’s certainly a challenge to dress well when all you can think about is not sweating off your makeup (more on this topic in a later post!). The truth is it’s tough not to go straight to a tank top, shorts and flip-flops – it seems like the logical way to go! But if you clicked on this post it means you know you don’t have to dress in style for summer, you want to! And that’s what I’m here for.
Click to Shop my Look
Dress: Express | Shoes: Steve Madden (old), similar | Sunglasses: Primark, similar | Purse: Forever 21, similar | Earrings: Forever 21 | Lip Stain: YSL (7 Nu Interdit) | Lip Gloss: Entitled Beauty
Choose fabric wisely
The summer dress I’m wearing is a linen-blend which is perfect for warmer weather. Lightweight cotton and chambray are other favorites that really help me stay cool in the summer.
I’m a huge fan of affordable fashion but this is an area where stores like Forever 21 tend to skimp on so just make sure you check the label when purchasing a new summer wardrobe – you want to re-think fabrics like poly-blends or really thin materials that stick to your skin if you sweat.
Cut-out dresses are the “it” dress right now
The little triangle cut-out is going to be everywhere this summer and I’m totally here for it! If you live somewhere where it gets super hot, this is a nice way to show a little skin while still being modest. The little peek-a-boo skin is balanced with the midi length of my dress and it really keeps the look classic.
Loose clothes mean more airflow
There’s a reason why the maxi dress is so popular in the summer – it circulates airflow and doesn’t trap heat. Skin tight clothes will make you feel uncomfortable and sticky when you sweat so try to avoid anything that comes in contact with your body too much.
You’ll find I wear a lot of dresses come summertime because they’re easy to throw on and can be dressed up or down with a simple shoe switch.
Small bags are your best friends
Speaking from experience, the last thing you want is to carry a huge purse when it’s 110 degrees outside. Not only will the heat make it feel like it’s 50 pounds heavier, you’ll strain yourself causing you to sweat more. Skip it and go for a cute crossbody that carries only your necessities.
Hydrate
When it starts to get really hot, a cold water bottle permanently lives in my right hand. I don’t leave the house without it and will re-fill throughout the day. Not only is it absolutely necessary for health reasons, it helps me stay cool and collected (because heat makes me cranky lol).
Skip chunky jewelry
The earrings I’m wearing are a great example of a fun accessory that didn’t 1. break the bank and 2. added something to my look without weighing me down (they’re actually SUPER light).
Big costume jewelry is fun but during the summer, I recommend opting for dainty jewelry or keeping the material lightweight.
If you want to add drama to your look, play with eyewear and pick up some fun sunnies – it’s practical and an accessory that will add personality to your outfit in a big way.
Like most things, if you want to stay (and look) cool in the summer it takes a little preparation and thought behind shopping for hot weather clothes. Follow these tips and you’ll survive the summer heat, if only until you reach your next air-conditioned destination!
As always, your thoughts mean everything to me! Tell me how you keep cool when the weather gets hot and your tips for stylish summer dressing?
See you guys in my next post!
