Step aside sweat, we've got no time for you.
Summer is such a great time of year; everyone feels happier, the days become longer and the weather gets hotter— which can be a double edged sword.
We have all experienced that dreaded feeling of needing to get dressed when it's hellishly hot outside, wishing that it was socially acceptable to wear a bathing suit, or that we didn't have to get dressed at all.
Coming from someone who has experienced this many a time, I have pretty much mastered the art of getting dressed when you don't even want to be wearing any clothes except for your pyjamas, or thinking about leaving the sweat-free security of sweet air conditioning.
This is why I have compiled a list of my self-taught and learned tips for staying as sweat-free as possible when it's stupidly hot outside.
ACTUALLY WEAR YOUR BATHING SUIT
Gone are the days where swimwear was limited to tiny triangle bikini tops, tankinis, and Speedo one pieces. Now, some bathing suits actually look like clothing!
Put your bathing suits on double duty and wear them as tops or body suits. They'll look cute and soak up any sweat that comes your way with their absorbent swim material. Just make sure that whichever swimsuit you choose to wear, looks purposeful and not like you just came from the pool.
Style Suggestion:
Take your halter neck, off-the-shoulder, sports-bra style, or bandeau bikini top and
team them with a pair of billowy culottes or palazzo pants to put a stylish spin on your swimwear.
WAVE THE WHITE FLAG IN A WHITE BUTTON DOWN SHIRT
Sometimes you've just got to admit defeat and make whatever you have in your closet work for the weather. One thing you should all have is a basic white button down.
I personally recommend linen button downs for summer, but as long as your button down is made with some sort of cotton or cotton blend, you should be fine to brave the heat in this versatile piece.
Style Suggestion:
If you're going for a more trendy feel pair a boxy, oversized button down with a pair of biker shorts and mules.
GIVE LINEN SOME LOVE
At times, certain items that are meant to be worn during the summer, like denim, fabric shorts, t-shirts, lightweight blouses, and tops can be made with materials that are not breathable, therefor generating more heat, even though you have more skin on show.
This is why linen is a great fabric to wear during the summer. Not only does it look great, it is very lightweight and breathable, even if in the form of a long-sleeved blouse or pair of trousers.
Style Suggestion:
Want to dress up the classic t-shirt and shorts for a summer evening out on the town? Throw a linen blazer on with your favourite pair of mules, white sneakers, or heeled sandals if you're feeling bold, for an easy, and breezy look!
SWAP OUT YOUR SHORTS FOR SKIRTS
I love a good pair of denim shorts as much as the next person, but sometimes the thought of wearing shorts makes me want to ditch any remaining desires of wanting to go out in the first place.
So, I simply swapped out my shorts for skirts. I will admit, I'm not the biggest fan of skirts, but I have become fond of midi skirts recently. Even with a decent amount of fabric, they still manage to keep me cool with their breezy silhouettes and light fabric. If the temperatures keep rising wherever you are, opt for a mini over a midi skirt.
Style Suggestion:
For optimum coolness (both temperature and looks-wise) pair your midi skirt with a crop top or cut-off t-shirt.
SKIP THE HEADACHE AND DO A DRESS
Dresses are probably the easier way to combat heat during the summer, without putting much effort into your outfit.
Make sure to opt for a looser-fitting style, with the least amount of fabric touching your skin as possible. Alternatively, if you're opting for a dress that provides a little more coverage, make sure they are made of breathable fabrics like rayon, chambray, cotton, or linen.
Style Suggestion:
Combine two tips and seek out a shirt dress, for a simple and quick summer outfit that will have you looking and feeling fresh all day.
Those are my tips for staying sweat-free and stylish throughout the summer! I hope they were helpful for any of you who, like me, tend to perspire throughout the summer months, but still want to stay cool while looking cute.