Summer is here and it is hot and humid in the 'burg! Here are my tips for dressing in the hot weather:
Fabric
Polyester: A big no-no. This is a synthetic fabric that has no breathability and thus will trap all heat inside, leaving you one hot sticky mess. So be especially mindful when shopping for your summer wardrobes as it is a popular, cost-effective fabric in many cheaper clothing lines. If necessary, at least look for a look that has some cotton blended in.
Cotton: Nature's bounty. This fabric is lightweight and very breathable, thus cool for warm sunny days. The downside is that it is very absorbent, so if you live in a particularly humid climate or are going to be getting very sweaty, such as at an outdoor workout, it will become heavy and soggy.
Silk: This is an option many people don't think about. Silk is very lightweight and breathable. It is sensitive to sunlight exposure, which will cause it to break down, but it is perfect fit for a summer work wardrobe.
Linen: Linen is wonderful for removing moisture away from your body, and is nice and lightweight. The problem most people have with linen is that it wrinkles very easily, so you either have to be prepared to deal with the upkeep, or look for more relaxed styles that will look okay, or even better, when wrinkled, such as an easy, long skirt.
Another fabulous option to look for is a linen-cotton blend. It removes moisture the way linen does yet resists wrinkling, and is still cool and lightweight. Most likely one of your best bets.
Styles
Words cannot describe how thankful I am that, although I love corsets, we no longer live in the days of Gone With the Wind and have to wear layers upon layers of skirts and hats and gloves during the summer months! Truth be told I'm surprised the human race didn't become extinct back then due to mass heat strokes. However, it can still be difficult to find looks that are comfortable and chic during the hot weather. Here are some tips.
Relaxed silhouettes. Skirts. Dresses. Loose pants. Basically anything that allows an airflow.
Dark colors are helpful if you know you will be sweating a lot during the day, as they hide sweat marks that tend to show up on the back and underarms.
Honestly, one of the best changes I make for summer dressing is to wear sports bras round the clock. Since they're made of cotton or wicking fabrics, they keep me cool under my shirts, and now lots of styles are available that still have cups and support, to prevent the "uniboob" effect.
It's also wise to carry a light cardigan or cover-up for when you go inside places, such as restaurants and movie theaters, which always feel particularly chilly in the summer.
I also tend to go with lighter, less bulky jewelry in the summer months, especially necklaces. I find that when I'm already uncomfortable from the heat, they just seem to bog me down and make me feel worse.
