I bought a good quality hair iron two years ago and have felt much more presentable the summers since. Before, my hair – which is straight fall through spring – would become wavy *with the dreaded curly bangs!! as soon as it got hot. A few moments straightening with the iron once or twice a day has been a godsend.

Excellent, Angie! Great inspiration for me. I’m currently “beefing up” my summer wardrobe. I went through my first two Texas summers with hardly anything on this list above. Not this year! I’m currently sporting a knit a-line sleeveless dress as we speak. It’s a life saver!
My plan of action this year is to stock up on dresses like this for every day. I also plan on trying voluminous tops for the first time. These, and cute comfy sandals are my go-tos for the heat.
PS: I’m also considering whacking off my hair!!

After 5 years of inland San Diego, I have to concur with everything you have on your list. And the problems of dealing with the AC indoors is very real. I was NEVER comfortable…tooo hot….tooooo cold! We had mostly tropical humidity with periods of intensely dry Santa Ana winds. But when its hot, its hot. The most important thing on your list is the frequent showers!

None of these strategies actually make me “cool” or “comfortable” when it’s really hot and humid, just “less miserable.” I can’t dress primarily for the air conditioning, even if I’m spending most of the day indoors–I’m going to have to go out at some point, at which time I will want to die. So it’s indoor cardigans for me.

The only other things I would add are (1) tops that are easily thrown in the washer/dryer and (2) shoes with some sort of rougher or more absorbent sole, so that your sweaty feet aren’t sliding all around. Ugh. I’m so glad I don’t live in DC anymore, but even in Boston there are days so sweaty I can’t even stand to wear a watch.

Natural fibers are KEY, as are strappy, airy sandals. And lots of stops in air-conditioned restaurants and shops!

Thanks for these great tips, Angie. I live in the hot and humid Southeast and summer is always hard. Experience has convinced me that dresses are the best way to keep cool while looking polished, so I’m working right now on building up my dress wardrobe. I’m not into the voluminous trend and I don’t think I can bring myself to go there even to keep cool. I’d consider a nice banded top, though.

I get cold easily, and I’ve found that in addition to whatever plan I have for covering up indoors, I need to have on hand a large, pashmina-type scarf that I can put on top if I’ve miscalculated how cold it will be. It’s saved my ability to concentrate in over-air-conditioned offices more than once.

Oh yeah, and for people like me who find it impractical to shower twice per day, washing your feet is a good alternative. It cools you down a bit and keeps your shoes smelling better. Also, mosquitoes are attracted to smelly feet!

My AC cover up is a denim jacket. It looks great over my knit dresses and looks cooler than a cardigan (IMO). Often times I can wear it both indoors and out of I roll the sleeves to elbow length.

Yay! Thanks for this post, Angie. Having lived in the south all of my life, summer heat is quite the issue every year. I think I probably do every single on your list at this point, although I only got into voluminous tops last year, thanks to you. They have worked great for me and I’m wearing one today. In practice the only issues I tend to have are:

o I like white and it looks good on me. Unfortunately this means I have to wear a cami which is not ideal. Sweat stains also limit the lifetime of my tops. For me these are sacrifices I’m willing to make to wear white.
o I’m with you on sleeveless. I realized one year how my sleeves migrate up to nothing throughout the year. The one exception I discovered last year is that my longsleeve linen tunic is so breezy it’s like wearing nothing. (Of course, it’s white so there’s a cami there too.)
o Hair is always such a huge challenge for me. I must admit that I was seriously considering growing out my fringe for the summer because they were curling up uncontrollably. Instead, I’ve realized that if I wear them a little longer and sweep them to the side a bit, I can work with them a bit better. I do resort to pony tails when outside too. It’s a necessity.

I guess I’m lucky that the cold AC does not bother my sandal shod feet and a cardigan is usually sufficient if even necessary.

What a great post. Thanks!

Looks like you’ve got it covered. I also make sure to always have a big bottle of water with me everywhere I go. If I am wearing makeup, something really light like mineral powder or tinted moisturizer and a lip stain. I usually wear my hair in a bun or a braided style. When it gets hot it is just HOT, there is not much you can do. I guess being born in Houston in August makes me somewhat used to it, as “used to it” as you can get.

Thank you! I’ve just jumped on the style bandwagon recently, and I’ve been wondering what I will do to be stylish when it gets hot this summer. I really don’t want to go back to t-shirts and shorts. Your tips are timely and helpful.

Susan H.: I, too, keep a pashmina wrap at my office, which is almost always too cold for my comfort. Another easy way to cool off is to use Purell-type cleanser on your hands and a dab on your temples and forehead. It’s basically thickened rubbing alcohol, and as it dries, it’s refreshing and cooling. Because your blood circulates to your hands more frequently, keeping them cool (either with water or the purell trick) will make you feel cooler.
K

So if you are wearing a single layer (no cardi, no cami, no jacket) … do you rely more on accessories to complete the look? I’m very used to dressing in a single layer for summer but also very new to accessories, and think maybe this is why my summer outfits always look so plain.

For example, if I wore white clams and an orange knit trapeze top, with wedge sandals, what accessories would complete this outfit?

We moved to the very hot, dry California valley (Chico) after 15 years of Olympia,WA weather. Along the Pacific ocean from SF (where I live now) to BC, there isn’t much heat to deal with but in Chico it averaged 105 degrees from June through Sept.

My best tip was single layers and also a non-constricting waistband. Dresses were very helpful in the heat as long as the fabric didn’t require a slip.

On days off or to hit the fabulous farmer’s markets, etc. we always wore hats and lots of light cotton tanks/tees for practicality.
Alot of the businesses had these spray misters outside hooked onto awnings so passers by could cool off walking underneath. Waste of water but heavenly.

I am not a hot weather fan and for the three weeks of high temps we get in SF, I melt! None of us have AC down here except in offices and they tend not to be tuned to hot temps. I barely own any really hot weather clothing just for that reason – I just suffer on very hot days.

all great suggestions, Angie and I concur with sleeveless- it gives the most relief to me in the heat!

I use sunscreen that is dry to the touch after application. Greasy-feeling skin makes me feel sticky, and when my skin can’t breathe it makes me feel hot! I’ve heard peppermint can be a skin irritant, but I dab a little peppermint lotion on my temples like the Purell tip Kim had.

Great tips! I’m planning on wearing loose cotton knee-length dresses on the super-hot and humid days of summer in Chicago. Otherwise, clams and walk shorts should work for most of summer. Plus, we try to get to the beach and pool as much as possible!

I’m with you on the the attire, the hair ,and the blasting air conditioner. I freeze wherever I go. Even on the hottest summer days I keep my house at 80. I can’t tolerate cold air blowing on me.

If you dress for summer ,but everywhere you go feels like winter (62 degrees is winter here), it is hard to dress without layers.

I am in skirts and dresses most summer days, I feel light and breezy.

I’d rather feel too cool than too warm, because I have a sort of a natural resistance to cold. Heh, not surprising since I spent most of my life in places where the weather is freezing from October till April. I love safari style for summer. I don’t have a problem with my hair, even though it’s down to midback, but tying it into a high ponytail helps when you are sweating a lot. I’m with you on dresses – pants aren’t nearly as comfortable.

Taylor, we’re 80 degree twins! My office is frigid, and often times two or even three layers are not enough to keep me warm. There is often a 30 degree temp difference in my office and outside.
Patience brings up a good point about the camis under white. I’ve pretty much given up on my much-beloved white because of the cami issue.

I’d love to see a post about how to look summery even while bundling up to cope with the frigid air-conditioning at work and at restaurants.

Great tips! Will be linking.

When I lived on South Beach, it was perpetual summer. flowy skirts and flip flops for me (pre-ylf days!).

But THE thing that helped me most when you’re gonna sweat anyway even in a skirt, and your thighs rub together because you’re not super skinny –

http://www.monistat.com/soothing-care-powder-gel

It prevents chafing! Highly recommended!

Also, certain-dri is amazing for perspiration, which Angie has mentioned before.
Amy

This is one of my all time favorite blog posts, Angie. I agree with everything you say although 100% cotton knits feel hot to me. I don’t think they dry fast enough.
I live in a climate that is both hot (90’s-100’s for at least 3 months) and equally high humidity. Add hot flashes to that and I want to rip my clothes off.
My new challenge for this summer is that I am definitely coolest with sleeveless tops but my upper arms aged over the winter so that they need to be covered to look my best. I’m looking for elbow length sleeves on floaty tops and dresses that are not low in the neckline. So far Sweet Pea tops and rolling up buttondown shirt sleeves have been the best solution but the hot weather hasn’t even hit yet.
To hot weather solutions I’ll add that cotton bandana-shaped scarves are a big part of my summer style and I wear them like a necklace (twisted with a big knot in front to adjust the length and tied in back). My hint is to soak them in cold water and wring out very well so they are damp but not drippy before putting on. They help me fill in low necklines and keep cool as they evaporate. This can take hours in our humidity, but when dry you can easily redampen them in the restroom. This may sound extreme but you can’t tell they are wet if you choose your pattern carefully and they add to the look of an outfit and coolness at your neck. If you are at an outdoor grassy activity like theatre-in-the-park, you can also spray them with insect repellant.
Let’s hope businesses and shops will save money and energy this summer by not freezing us with unnecessarily low set airconditoning. My feet turn to ice.

This is a great post, Angie. It’s very applicable for me (as we hit the mid 80’s today). I do most of these items already but I’m making a conscious effort to purchase more natural fibers (a challenge I’m finding when looking for summer dresses). I’m a little shy about the sleeveless top suggestion but I will consider it in order to keep from melting! Thanks for the great tips!

This post is right up my alley, since I live day in and day out in sweltering humidity (much like Singapore). Your suggestions are right on, and are tried and true!
The only thing I would add is finding a make-up regime that is minimalist and gives you more of a “summer glow” look as opposed to a look that involves foundation, powder, etc. If you try to pull off that look, by mid-morning, your “face” will have slid right off.

I’m looking forward to heading back to a cooler Northwest (US) soon, for a brief hiatus from humidity….maybe then my hair will stay the way I want it!
Blessings,
JoyinIndonesia

Great list. I would just add that whenever possible, carry as little you can with you. Toting around a huge bag stuffed to the brim is enough of a pain in the winter, but once it gets sickeningly hot, it just makes me feel sluggish and sweaty from lugging it around.

Another trick I learned is to carry a small bottle of lavender water and a fan with me. The lavender water is cooling and drying, and has a light scent that is refreshing but does not linger (so you will not smell like lavender all day). I got mine from a natural foods store. The fan comes from Chinatown for $3, and besides being very functional, I always feel very pretty and dainty when I carry it! Especially effective on the subway, whilst waiting for trains in the scorching, stuffy tunnels. You’ll look a lot nicer than those people waving rolled up magazines in their faces.

Charlotte, good thinking about the flat iron, and Linda you crack me up.

Cricket, adding a necklace, watch and statement bag to that ensemble will do the trick.

Chris, a non-restrictive waistband is so important. That’s why I’m stressing voluminous pieces. I know that they’re not everyone’s cup of tea, but the are IDEAL for heat.

Taylor, like you, I get SO COLD in AC. I can barely stand it. I am almost always layered up, even in hot and humid HK. But I’ve noticed that people don’t generally run as cold as I do and are fine in AC (when all I want to do is crawl into my Winter coat, boots and a turtle neck). It’s a huge problem when you’re commuting out in the heat (walking or taking the subway), but it’s frosty inside. Like Marlene, I’m never comfy on hot Summer days unless I choose to dress for one surrounding and stay in that surrounding (either inside or outside).

Joy, an interesting bandana concept! Remember that you can cut three quarter sleeved and long sleeved tops to elbow length. (Sweet pea top fabric is ideal to cut at home because it does not fray). Crocheted cardigans are another great idea to wear over sleeveless tops if you want to cover your arms but stay as cool as possible.

Nice fan tip, Maya.

Being an Aussie addicted to all things summer and having lived most of my life in the tropics, this topic is very close to my heart.
* Wide Brim Hat – keeping the sun directly off your head and face will keep you cooler not to mention help you to avoid skin cancer and premature aging…uugh!
* Hydration – sweating is the body’s natural way to bring your body temperature down so it’s going to happen in the heat. It’s vital to keep sipping water throughout the day (no skulling girls). Have a bottle on hand as a reminder and for convenience. Sorry to also add that cold water is not as readily absorbed by the body as room temperature water.
* Keep out of the sun in the hottest time of the day – may be obvious but many do it. Hit the beach or pool early/mid morning, get out of the sun for lunch and go back to the great outdoors mid afternoon until dusk…perfect.
* Stock up on Kaftans – there are so many stunning styles out there now compared to when I started my business 2 years ago. If you are used to a more fitted look, try a draw string empire line or one with side ties so that you can bring it in to suit your style. Air flow is critical so leave a gap between you and your fabric.
* Fabrics – must be 100% natural, pure cotton are great as too is silk…don’t underestimate this one…it’s not as fragile as you may think and it can be washed and dried in a flash! Modal (from tree fibres) too is a great option for those who would like a little more fit but it falls so beautifully well it’s a stunning option.

Could rave on and on about this one…sorry girls. Will stop boring you now.
Have a wonderful summer!

Being in Florida, I definitely experience this all the time. My solution for keeping warm in air condtioning is usually to keep a cardigan on hand, but in general, I tend to dress for whatever temperature I will be spending most of my day in. That means, if I’m going to be in my freezing office all day, I’ll make sure to wear a cardigan and some closed toe shoes.

I have found that tops made of woven fabric tend to feel cooler than knit ones, even if they are made of the same fiber (cotton, linen, etc.), so I wear woven tops more often in summer. I also like that synthetic fabric that allows moisture to evaporate quickly rather than absorbing it and holding it. The problem is that they don’t seem to make anything out of that fabric other than athletic gear.

I also agree with Maya that fans are invaluable in the heat. Wide brim straw hats are great too, if you are doing a lot of walking outdoors.

This is a great post! Love wearing dresses to keep cool in the summer and keep a wrap cardigan in my tote for the office which is usually freezing.

Thanks, Angie! Today, I added a watch, dark wooden beads, and a tote to my dark brown bermudas with graphic tee. I couldn’t recall how you felt about a graphic tee without another layer, but I must say just having the beads made it feel more put together.

Well, I went back and read some old blog posts and see that the graphic tee on its own isn’t so fab. How are the rest of you wearing graphic tees in the summer?

I just wish someone would email the state of Georgia with a reminder that it’s late spring and it’s supposed to be warm!! It’s 51 degrees right now and I’m freezing!!!

I’ll have to bookmark these great suggestions for later I guess!!!

Angie, love your tips! I agree the hard part is the AC. I usually wear a cardi or jacket to work (it is still cool in the morning), then take it off at lunch and afterwork.

Amy, thanks for your tip on the gel. My husband is a runner and for long distances he was getting chafing.

Maya, thanks for your fan tip – great idea. Is the fan attached to the waterbottle?

For all the people who mentioned having to wear a cami under white shirts–I always wear a nude/tan-colored t-shirt bra under white tops and it doesn’t show through at all, unless you’re talking very, very sheer white fabric. But regular white cotton, no problem. I thought everyone did this! If you haven’t tried it, it’s so much better than layering up! And also much better than having your white bra clearly visible through your white shirt

[...] I’m not saying that you must wear sleeveless garments. If you’re more comfortable covering your arms then that’s fine too. But on the off chance that you had your doubts, I hope you feel encouraged. Bearing your arms is an ideal way to beat the heat. [...]