Air-conditioning is a blessing in high heat, especially at night when we sleep. That said, the A/C can be set very low and make indoors feel arctic in the middle of Summer. For someone who runs cold, arctic air-conditioning can be very uncomfortable. 

Indoor air-conditioning that is set too low also poses dressing challenges. When it’s hot outside and I’m wearing a breezy dress, skirt, top and sandals, I’m perfectly dressed for that temperature. But not sufficiently insulated for indoors. A denim jacket or blazer helps, but my feet freeze in open shoes. I can handle the discomfort for very short periods, but not for long.

When shopping with a client in an air-conditioned mall recently, I rushed out the door wearing white jeans, a camisole, a sheer floral long sleeved blouse, a belt, and loafers. I was freezing in the mall without a jacket. I know better, but forgot to bring an extra layer. I almost bought a jacket while we shopped, just to feel comfortable.

We once went to Las Vegas in July. I was waiting in the shade outside our hotel wondering why people were coming out wearing jeans, boots, sweaters, and jackets in 107F (41C). I was wearing denim clamdiggers, a cotton sleeved shirt, and sandals. I went into the hotel and froze my buns off. When you see people walking outside on a hot day in outfits meant for cold, chances are high they work in an air conditioned setting.

I’d rather feel a little hot outside than uncomfortably cold in air-conditioning. If I know I’m in A/C all day in the middle of Summer, I will dress for that temperature and wrap up. If I go into A/C for short bursts during the day, I’ll bring a jacket and wear loafers or sneakers. It helps that I usually wear a cotton camisole and covered clothing for sun protection.

How about you? How do you combat arctic air-conditioning?