One thing my clients struggle with is how to dress in the heat, especially when they live in a warmer climate. They want to look stylish and put together, but don’t know how when the traditional “complete” outfit consists of a third piece. They ask, “How am I supposed to add a layer to my look when the temperature will hit 100?!”
Now that summer is upon us, you may be asking the same question. That’s why I’m sharing some simple style tips for getting dressed in the heat.
How To Dress In A Hot Climate
To help you feel fresh and look good in the heat, there are 3 main guidelines to follow. You don’t have to apply each one, but the more you incorporate into your outfit the more put together you’ll feel.
1. Fabric First
Not all fabrics are created equal. In fact, some will wreak havoc in the heat. Synthetics like polyester, nylon and acrylic feel more clammy because the manmade consistencies trap warmth near your body.
Natural fabrics like cotton and linen are your best choices as they’re breathable and breezy. I also like silk because it’s super lightweight. Just be mindful that silk will show sweat so go sleeveless on sweltering days.
Athletic fabrics are another option. Because of the sweat wicking technology, you won’t get bogged down with moisture.
2. Silhouette Second
There’s a reason loose and flow-y clothes reign supreme in warm weather. They’re more comfortable! Tight clothes cling in the heat and make your body temperature rise. You know that feeling of sweat dripping down your back and causing your clothes to stick? It won’t happen when you’re in baggier silhouettes.
3. Cooler Color
Wearing all white, or light colors is the way to go when it’s really hot. First off, it looks chic. And secondly it’ll reflect the light in a way that darker colors will not. This is key when you want to keep cool. Pastels are also a good choice.
To breeze through summer when it’s still hot and humid, pay attention to what you wear. Choose natural fabrics, looser silhouettes and light colors.
How To Dress In The Heat
Now that you understand how to choose which pieces to put on, the next step is putting them together into cohesive (and stylish!) outfits. Ideally, in the summer (or any season) you want your garments to be interchangeable so that when you open your closet, it’s easy to mix and match your clothes because they all work together.
My favorite place to start in building a summer capsule is with what you already own. This means finding multiple ways to wear each piece. Then when you notice that you are missing specific items to complete your outfits, you’ll know exactly what to buy.
Many women don’t see all the possibilities with their existing wardrobe, and this is a problem! They’re so accustomed to wearing their clothes in the same way that they can’t see beyond their usual combinations. So they end up buying more because they believe they need new clothes, but really they just needed a new perspective.
Like my client who had lots of workable options from her existing wardrobe. She just needed to buy a few key pieces. Then we were able to create 20 new looks (not including her dresses which increased her outfit total!)
If you’re ready to refine your wardrobe, I have a new offer coming soon that can help you elevate your summer style without spending money on unnecessary items. Interested to learn more? Book a call here to get the details and save your spot before it’s too late.
Related
FAQs
Natural fabrics like cotton and linen are your best choices as they're breathable and breezy. I also like silk because it's super lightweight. Just be mindful that silk will show sweat so go sleeveless on sweltering days. Athletic fabrics are another option.
How to dress for extreme heat and humidity? ›
Choose quick-drying, sweat-wicking fabrics, such as polyester, polypropylene, nylon, or nylon-blend. You can look for terms like moisture-wicking, Dri-fit, Coolmax, or Supplex.
What do people wear in a hot and humid climate? ›
Wear Clothing that Hangs Slightly off Your Body
The single most important thing you can do to improve your comfort in high humidity is to wear lightweight clothing that won't cling to your skin. Woven fabrics or those with some texture, and a looser fit, usually do a good job.
How to be stylish when it's hot? ›
Linen and cotton (in light colors) are your best bets for staying cool in the heat, especially if it's a dress, but it can also mean a cotton t-shirt and an airy, light skirt. Stay away from fabrics that can't breathe, like polyester and synthetics! Shoes: A mule, a flat, a sandal/espadrille, and a sneaker.
How do you look fresh in humid weather? ›
Our Top 5 Tips: The Best Skincare for Humid Weather
- Stay hydrated from the inside out-and outside in. ...
- Lighten up with serums. ...
- Control excess oil with retinol and alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) ...
- Get your beauty sleep. ...
- Make masks your friend.
Therefore, pants are, without question, your best option, even when temperatures are approaching 100℉. But you can't just wear whichever pants you prefer either. Instead, you must keep the following benefits in mind, as you search for the most ideal options, which will protect you in hot weather, day in and day out.
What to wear if you don't wear shorts? ›
The 2023 Guide to Alternatives to Shorts
- Wide Leg Pants. Why are wide leg pants such a great alternative to shorts? ...
- Cropped Wide Leg Pants. Are you on the more petite side like me? ...
- Cropped Straight Leg Pants. ...
- Skirts. ...
- Skorts. ...
- Jumpsuits and Rompers. ...
- Shorts.
Keep yourself well-groomed to show that you care about and put effort into your appearance. Women should try to keep their legs shaved and their nails manicured, while men should keep their facial hair trimmed and wear a sophisticated cologne. Being sexy but classy also involves having excellent manners.
How can I look cool in every outfit? ›
How to Look Put Together
- WEAR CLOTHES THAT ACTUALLY FIT. In the words of Stacy and Clinton from “What Not to Wear”, “if you don't have fit, you don't have style”. ...
- ENSURE YOUR CLOTHES ARE IN GOOD CONDITION. ...
- WEAR FLATTERING CLOTHES. ...
- INCLUDE YOUR PERSONALITY. ...
- ADD FINISHING DETAILS. ...
- BE CONFIDENT.
Real Simple explains that matte makeup is more effective in hot and humid weather because it's formulated without mineral oil or petroleum, so it's not heavy on the skin and will help absorb sweat, not induce it.
7 Ways to feel Fresh all day long during Summer
- The power of the shower!
- Keep body odour at bay!
- Tackle with talc!
- Non-sticky moisturizer FTW!
- Keep that face wash handy!
- Wet wipes - The on-the-go saviours!
- Easy breezy fashion.
7 easy ways against sweating in summer
- Apply an antiperspirant at night. ...
- Avoid food and drinks that make you sweat. ...
- Try Botox against excessive sweating. ...
- Get a prescription for the treatment of hyperhidrosis. ...
- Laser treatment for underarms. ...
- Surgical removal of sweat glands. ...
- Wear breathable clothing to avoid overheating.
Wear a hat wide enough to protect your face. Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Avoid high-energy activities or work outdoors, during midday heat, if possible. Check on family members, older adults and neighbors.
How do you stay cool in high heat and humidity? ›
Staying cool in summer: Top tips to keep cool in hot weather
- Be sun smart. ...
- Wetter is better. ...
- Drink plenty of water. ...
- Limit your alcohol. ...
- Eat light meals to feel cooler. ...
- Limit physical activity to cooler parts of the day. ...
- Keep your home cool. ...
- Know the risks.
What fabrics should be avoided during hot weather? According to Draddy, you should avoid wearing dark-colored fabrics and natural fibers such as wool, silk and cashmere on hotter days.
How do you balance heat and humidity? ›
Humidity and Heat
One easy solution is to increase the humidity in your home. More humidity allows you to lower your thermostat a few degrees without losing comfort. This is because air with more moisture feels warmer than dry air.
