ONE CHIC ACCESSORY Everyone Should be Wearing in this Crazy Summer Heat

Wherever you live, you’re probably feeling the BURN of this sizzling summer heat. Trying to dress for the weather has become a major challenge, but I have come up with one accessory you can wear that even appears to make you feel cooler (and I don’t mean edgy). I wear it almost every day, so I thought I’d share.

What do all three of these outfits have in common–besides the white pants? Look closely. Yes, in each photo, I’m wearing WHITE EARRINGS. Of course, this all goes back to the “Bottoms Up” rule mentioned on page 58 of our book, Quintessential Style: Cultivate and Communicate Your Signature Look.

With this heat, no matter your size, your wardrobe should include a pair of white pants, capris, shorts, dress, or skirt. Not only does white reflect the sun, but a crisp white pair of pants always looks chic. And, the best part is you can wear it with ANY color top.

Therefore, if you’re wearing white bottoms and white earrings, it doesn’t matter what color top* you have on. The outfit will look pulled together. (*Just make sure to wear a top in your most flattering color.)

Pearls will even work if you don’t own a pair of white earrings. (See below.)

Here are a few more tips for staying cool when it’s sweltering:

Substitute navy for your usual black (if you must wear a dark color). 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.

These tips came from an article Janna and I wrote for the NY Daily News titled “Five Ways to Dress Cool When You’re Under the Heat Dome.” (See full article here.)

And, Janna adds: “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.”