How to Look Put-Together in the Summer Heat
Places to go, people to see — and the mercury is rising. 🥵 If your summer social calendar calls for something more than poolside lounging, today I’m sharing a few ideas for staying cool and looking effortlessly put-together, whatever the occasion.
Pick a Color…
Matched sets are popular at the moment, and for good reason. Wearing a single color head-to-toe reads as intentional and polished. And so easy! But you don’t have to go for a perfectly matched set to achieve the same effect.
Coordinate, Don’t Match
The crochet-trim cotton voile top and linen-blend pants are from ME+EM. I purchased both during my visit to London in early May. Both pieces are labeled “Cinnamon Brown,” and in person the colors are closer than they appear in the photo. My tip for wearing similar or almost-matching colors together is to vary the fabric or texture between the pieces. That way it looks deliberate rather than accidental. Think “coordinating” rather than “matching.”
Textured Cotton Voile Top – $178 | Cotton Poplin Wide-Leg Pants – $178
Here’s another example of “coordinating not matching.” This Berry Bloom color is excellent for you Winters! Both pieces are available to size 3X.
Or Go For a Perfect Match
Of course, if you prefer a true matched set, there are plenty of beautiful options — and the same rule applies: look for pieces that can be worn separately for more outfit versatility, especially when packing for travel.
“Tuscany” Linen Set – $506
Yes, this is a splurge — but the quality of these linen pieces is excellent. This bright blue is best for Winters and Blue Springs. Sizes XXS-XL.
Eyelet Shell – $109 |
Eyelet Skirt – $149
You could easily dress this up for a special event! Throw a light cardigan over the shoulders for coverage or air-conditioned interiors.
I haven’t seen this red in person, but it reads as neutral on my monitor, so good for Springs and Winters (may be too bright for most Summers and Autumns).
Puckered Organic Linen Top – $158 | Puckered Organic Linen Pants – $188
I love how the subtle stripe and textured fabric of these pieces adds interest and dimension.
This Sun Dried Tomato color looks close to Chestnut in the Autumn palette. The pants are also available in a subtle Black/White stripe which I think could work for both Summers and Winters (pair with this top to match).
Embroidered Cotton Shirt – $138 |
Embroidered Linen Pants – $158
Fun and fresh! Wear together or separately.
Go Wafty
Though I’m not a dress person, I know many of you love them, especially in the warmer months. When it’s really warm, avoid anything clingy or constricting, and opt for easy styles that allow for plenty of air flow.
Flutter Sleeve Knit Dress – $228
This 100% cotton dress looks like denim, but it’s actually a knit. The embroidery adds interest without weight or fussiness. Available in Standard, Plus and Petite sizes, too!
Lightweight Cotton Maxi Dress – $198
I love a good paisley! This dress comes with a self-belt, but can also be worn without. This off-white/red color combo works for Springs & Summers, while the navy option can work for most Autumns. (It’s not Autumn navy, but the colors in the print warm it up.)
Belted A-Line Shirt Dress – $139
Here’s another easy dress that can be worn with or without the belt. This blue and white print is a good one for you Winters, and it’s also available in solid brown. In Regular sizes XS-4X, also in Petites and Tall sizes.
Stripe Pleated Shirtdress – $109
Summers, one for you in a perennial blue and white stripe. This one has nice shaping at the waist — no belt required, and is also available in a warm beige stripe (good for Springs & Autumns). Sizes XX-Small to XX-Large
Choose Breathable Fabrics
Natural fibers will be most breathable in the heat. I love my linen, but if the creases bother you, look for lightweight cotton fabrics like voile, poplin, or gauze. It’s hard to avoid blends these days, but some synthetics like Tencel will be more breathable. Some synthetic performance fabrics can work well in the heat, but they are found mostly in activewear.
Let Accessories Do the Heavy Lifting
No, you don’t need to load up, but a few well-chosen accessories can go a long way toward personalizing and adding interest to simple outfits. Many of the pieces shown above can be dressed up or down depending on how they are accessorized. Earrings, rings, bags, sunglasses, hats, and sandals are some of the easiest ways to add a finishing touch on the warmest days when less is definitely more.
Summer dressing doesn’t have to mean choosing between comfort and style — a little intentionality goes a long way. Whether you reach for a coordinating set, a wafty dress, or just your favorite linen trousers with a tee and great pair of earrings, the key is keeping it easy on yourself. I’d love to hear how you navigate getting dressed in the heat — do you have a go-to formula? Leave a comment below and let me know!
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Hey Susan, it looks like you got a shorter bob. you look fantastic. I know I said earlier that you should go back to original short but this French bob really suits you. bravo!
Thanks, Judy!
I am taking your cues and have added two very comfortable linen pants to summer clothing now. Two years ago I purchased a black and then a white pair of linen, gathered waist pants from J Crew in petite; this years there are many more colors so I added a flax and a kaki color. These can be work with plain blouses of linen and cotton in my closet. As for blazing Summer heat that is ahead soon, I have basic Tee shirt material dresses bought three years ago. Once I tried one I went back and purchased every color I could find in my size. These will do for at home and the black and navy for errands. In the past my summer clothing was sparse. I didn’t find anything that worked so I am glad for the improvements in fabric and design that has allowed me to be cooler. I have sandals and a crochet bag and a straw one to alternate. As everything heats up longer and longer these days we will rely on more ‘summer ‘clothing.