Summertime is here and dressing for comfort and fashion during the hotter months takes some strategies that are different from other times of the year.
As opposed to winter, when you can layer your outfits, it seems as if staying cool and stylish is a challenge.
The truth is, it may be easier to look fashionable during the warmer months if you know how to do it.
With summer fashion, the goal is to have as much airflow through the garments as possible, so wearing loose-fitting, sleeveless tops and dresses may be a good idea.
Limiting the amount of makeup and being smart about accessorizing are other great suggestions.
Looking hot when the weather heats up requires planning and understanding of how to put your outfit together.
There are six primary ways to look good and stay cool this summer.
Loose Fitting Clothes
The benefit of loose-fitting clothes is that you allow the air to flow through your clothes, aiding in cooling you down.
Wearing sleeveless tops and spaghetti straps is key, but short-sleeve button-ups or off-the-shoulder tops are also good suggestions.
Oversized blouses, light, flowing dresses, and skirts offer plenty of room to breathe, making them ideal for the hotter months. Summer is also perfect for flowing summer dresses, rompers, and mini skirts.
Light Colors
Lighter colors reflect sunlight and heat instead of darker colors that absorb heat, so consider white or light colors for your outfits.
If tanning is part of your summer repertoire, your lighter-tone outfits will make your skin shine radiantly, appearing more toned and healthy.
Athleisure? Sure!
Athletic attire is made from moisture-wicking materials but also may be too tight to wear on a hot summer day.
Consider swapping your leggings for shorts, your tops for sports tops, tank tops, and other sleeveless options.
Breathable Fabrics
During hotter months, you’ll notice if your clothes are breathable or not.
Avoid clothes that are made of synthetic fibers as they tend not to breathe as well as cotton, silk, or linen.
Breathable fabrics release the moisture of your sweat rather than trapping it, so loose-fitting and breathable fabrics are crucial during summer.
Ditch The Jeans
Jeans are made of denim, a heavy material that traps heat.
If you wear skin-tight or skinny jeans during the rest of the year, put those in the back of your closet until it cools down.
If denim is your jam, consider wide-legged options with a loose, oversized top to aid in cooling you down.
Effective Accessories
Long earrings, heavy necklaces, and other jewelry can stick to your skin when it’s hot, so minimalize your accessories.
Instead, look for looser fitting accessories that won’t stick to the skin when it’s humid.
For example, gemstone bracelets and bangles are perfect for long, flowing dresses, earrings, and sandals. With accessories during the summer months, less is more.
Dressing For Summer Vacations
Planning your summer vacation also requires planning your outfits for function and fun. Understanding the local weather trends and the type of activities you may participate in during your trip will help you prepare your outfits.
The type of summer vacation you take and the wardrobe you take with you should complement each other, but pack light, dress for the occasion, and enjoy yourself.
For example, you don’t need to dress to the nines to attend happy hour at the local beach cabana.
Instead, consider a shawl to wear around your shoulders and your bathing suit, or tie a loose blouse around your midriff with shorts.
A sun hat is ideal, with oversized sunglasses for the Aubrey Hepburn chic.
If you plan to be active on your vacation, wearing breathable shoes and socks but comfortable, breathable clothing is essential.
Depending on the terrain and type of activity, you may want to choose tighter clothing than if you were relaxing poolside.
Looking good during the summer heat isn’t as challenging as you may think. Thinking about your outfits and accessories ahead of time and where you plan on being will help you design the outfit to make you look as hot as it is outside.
Minimalism is a crucial concept, but minimalism doesn’t mean you have to slum around.
Follow these six principles when designing your summer outfit, and look great all summer long.