During the heatwave of 2016, Janna and I wrote an article for the New York Daily News titled: Five Ways to Dress Cool When You’re Under the Heat Dome. 

Because perspiration and stylish dressing don’t exactly go hand in hand, and triple digits have persisted for weeks, I dug up that article. Furthermore, when we head indoors, it’s 25 degrees cooler than outside. Brrrrr.

So how can gals possible expect to look fresh in this kind of heat? Without looking like we all just came off the beaches of Jamaica?

In the article, we recommend wearing:

• light colors
• cool colors
• absorbent fabrics
• loose fitting clothing
• open-weave, lightweight material

The real secret to looking chic in the sweltering heat is lightweight toppers. They give you coverage when you’re indoors, but they won’t give you a heat stroke if you go outside.

Here is the lightweight ivory base I start with. (Try substituting a white or ivory base in summer, instead of the your go-to black.)

I add a sheer poncho and a beachy shell necklace.

For a more professional look, put on a light-colored jacket with a bit more classic necklace.

I substitute a cotton kimono with a longer pendant for a more casual look.

If I need to dress up, all  have to do is change into this organza duster and add layers of ice-blue beads..

Notice all fabrics are airy, loose, and light in color. Simply wearing cooler colors like blue, purple, and green help you perceive that temperatures are lower.

Here are a few more tips from our article:

• Substitute navy for your usual black. Navy, even though dark, is synonymous with beachy and nautical.
• Avoid polyester and fabrics that don’t ‘breathe.‘ Choose linen, cotton, gauze, and seersucker instead.
• Air circulation is a must to keep you cool. Look for a “don’t touch me” fit with your clothing. Skin tight, clingy garments trap heat — just the way thermal underwear does in winter.

Remember: you only need to begin with a neutral base, then add toppers and accessories to change of up look.

“As you head out the door with your ice-filled YETI cup, it’s a good idea to throw an extra cotton t-shirt into your tote bag. Just in case the shirt you’re wearing when you arrive at  your destination is–well–dripping wet.”

To read the full article from the NY Daily News, click here.