Summer Style: Staying Stylish in the Heat

 The temperatures (and humidity!) are creeping up! Welcome to summer!

Sometimes during the summer it can be hard to know what to do to still stay stylish. We don't want to add a lot of layers or heavy jewelry. That's why I decided that I am going to address Summer Style in TWO blog posts, both this week and next week.

This week, I am going to focus on clothing and how to keep your look on-point without adding on extra sweat.  Next week, I will discuss how to amp your look up with accessories, which become really important during the hot summer months.

Are you ready?!  Let's go!

Let's Talk FABRIC!

When it comes to summer style, one of the most important things that you can do in order to stay comfortable is to ditch the synthetics.  Fabric synthetics, that is!  It's time for au naturel!  

If you know anything about fabric, natural fabrics are more breathable than manmade fabrics. Now, natural fabrics can be a bit more pricey and can be a little more finicky to care for, which is why many manufacturers of clothing rely on synthetics (not to mention, synthetics are less expensive to make). 

Here are the WORST fabrics that you need to avoid in the summer:

• Polyester: Known for its ease in care, imagine wearing saran wrap or bubble wrap all day.  Well, that's a bit extreme, but polyester is made of plastic fibers. Because of this, polyester traps heat, doesn't breathe and leaves you feeling HOT.
• Acrylic:  Another chemically created fabric, acrylic will not breathe. It can wick away more moisture than polyester, but it retains water, so it feels damp and gross next to your skin. Definitely skip it.
• Nylon:  While nylon has great stretch and durability, this manmade fiber traps heat and sweat and does not breathe, so once you step into the hot air outside, you will automatically feel the yuck factor.

So, what fabrics should you choose instead?  Here is a list of the BEST fabric to wear. Again, while these items may wrinkle more easily, investing in a handheld steamer will help keep your fabrics looking fresh and keep YOU feeling comfortable:

• Linen: This is a natural fiber made from flax seed. The fibers are strong and durable and have excellent breathability. Linen has a loose weave, so that lends perfectly to air circulation, which helps keep you cool.  On top of that, the fabric absorbs moisture and dries quickly, so you don't feel like you are drenched in sweat. The fabric itself is lightweight and drapes nicely. I always tell my Clients that linen WILL wrinkle and you just have to accept it.  As in, while you are wearing it, and you sit down at work, it will wrinkle. That's the nature of the fabric.  Embrace it and be happy that you are wearing such a light, breathable fabric that is keeping you comfortable!
• Cotton: It's soft, it's comfortable, it's breathable, and it's easy to get!  Made from the cotton plant, air easily circulates with these fibers so it helps with temperature regulation. Like linen, it also absorbs moisture and dries relatively quickly making it an optimal fabric choice for the dog days of summer. It's available in a multitude of weights and weaves, so you can find the perfect items for tops, shorts, dresses, and t-shirts.

My son in a cotton field

• Rayon: While rayon is a partially synthetic fabric, it is created from a natural cellulose pulp (oftentimes, from bamboo). It's soft, has a smooth hand to it, and drapes really nicely. Similar to cotton, Rayon is known for it's moisture-wicking properties and breathability. It's a lightweight fabric making it a good choice for summer months. It has a bit more of a luxury look to it, so it's a good alternative to cotton for occasions where cotton feels a bit too casual. 
• Chambray: Many think that chambray is denim, but it actually is not. It is made from cotton, or a cotton blend and is lighter weight than denim. Because of its plain weave, it allows for easy air circulation which translates to breathability in the fabric. It's soft and comfortable, durable and versatile and a chic fabric for summer style.

Now that you know what your best (and worst) fabric choices for summer are, let's move on.

Types of Garments

When it comes to summer, it's important to consider the types of garments you may wish to wear to beat the heat.

• Dresses: These are my #1 TOP PICK for summer. One and done dressing is so easy and takes little thought. When you choose dresses in a slightly flowier fabric that have a beautiful print to them, they scream summer. Psychologically, people think that dresses are dressed up, so while you are comfortable and cozy and not feeling restricted, subconsciously people think you are being a fancy pants!  Dresses also allow for built in air conditioning and swoop around your legs which feels great.
• Wideleg pants, Palazzo Pants, or Maxi Skirts: Similar to the dress idea, these pants are breezy and don't stick close to your skin allowing for more air movement. The key to wearing this style is that whatever you put on top needs to be a bit closer to the body or your look will be a bit frumpy. 
• Tank Tops: Sleeveless styles are a must when it's hot out. While you have to take the totality of your outfit into consideration, when you are wearing a more flowy bottom, you will want your top to be closer to the body (and in the right fabric as mentioned above). If your bottoms are more fitted, a breezier, looser tank on the top is a good alternative.
• If you don't like to show your arms and tanks are NOT an option: consider wearing a top with a cap-sleeve or even better a flutter sleeve detail. It will add a touch of a fun detail to it, give you that upper arm coverage that you desire.
• Another alternative is to have an open-weave cardigan that has short sleeves that you can put over the top of your tank. Keep it in a neutral so that you can wear it with multiple items in your closet.
• Shorts: There is a short for every body type and there are so many options available. While I LOVE a denim short, it is less breathable than some other styles like twill shorts. Twill shorts are made of cotton, so are breathable.  There are also some great stretchier fabric shorts for comfort. The key is that you don't want the shorts to be TOO fitted and close to the body, because it makes the shorts less comfortable.

Okay, so we have talked about the fabrics you should select and the styles of clothes that you should gravitate towards.  What's next?

Additional Summer Style Tips

• Trying to keep your fabrics simple and silhouettes more loose on the body is important for summer. This allows you to maybe play with a fun or unique neckline or details like ruching in the midsection, fun sleeve details.
• Choosing light colored clothing, particularly if you are going to be in the sun will be something you want to pay attention to. Many times women go to black as their neutral. Not only is it rarely flattering on, but it just draws head to you.
• Have fun playing with COLOR. When your clothing is a bit less dressed up to keep you cool, have fun mixing colors or playing with fun prints. This keeps your outfits interesting. If you know your perfect colors because you have been color analyzed (a service I offer!), you can choose prints that feature your best colors and your closet will work easily around them!
• While layers are not something that many women want to entertain during the summer, I have to say one thing: the hotter it is outside, the cooler it is inside! You can choose beautiful blazers, denim jackets, or even breathable linen or cotton blazers to dress up your summer style. There are so many different options out there. The last thing you want to do is have a cute outfit and throw on a blanket when you get to the office because it's cold (or worse yet, an athleisure jacket over your outfit).

Next week, I'm going to talk about upping the ante on your look with amazing accessories: jewelry, hats, shoes, etcetera. An outfit is NOT complete without accessories, even in the summer, so I will guide you on how to choose the best pieces that will pack a punch while not weighing you down!

Until, next week, comment below and let me know if you have any favorite go-to's when you get dressed to look stylish in the sizzling summer heat!

Stylishly Yours,