Perspiration and stylish dressing don’t exactly go hand in hand. Here in Texas, temps have already reached triple digits. How can ladies possibly expect to look fresh in that kind of heat? Furthermore, when we head indoors, it’s 25 degrees cooler than outside. Brrrrr.

Photo from NY Daily News, 2016.

During the heatwave of 2016, Janna and I wrote an article for the NY Daily News titled: Five Ways to Dress Cool When You’re Under the Heat Dome. In the article, we recommend wearing: light colors, cool colors, absorbent fabrics, loose fitting clothing, and 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.

Still cool. The necklace a bit more classic.

For fun, a loose, cotton kimono.

With a longer pendant.

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

Janna made this amazing necklace!

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, 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.

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