Though we hate to complain about balmy weather, there’s one thing about the dog days of summer that never fails to cause problems: How do you dress for this heat? You might think you’ve got an incredible outfit dreamed up for that night out on the town, day at the office, or weekend on holiday abroad, but when the weather is creeping up into the high thirties, your vision can quickly go for from knock-out style to sweat-soaked disaster. If you want to keep the heat under control while still looking fantastic, we’ve got you covered. Here’s how to dress for a summer heatwave, including the best summer shirts and best summer pants.
Let It Breathe
The most critical element of every summer outfit is material, and when it’s especially hot out, it’s absolutely imperative that you prioritize fabrics that are lightweight and breathable. Try to aim for something natural, like a linen, cotton, or tropical-weight wool, and avoid synthetics like polyester, which can trap heat and make you sweat.
Lighten Up
It might sound obvious, but it bears repeating that darker shades, and particular black, absorb the heat and make you that much warmer in the sun. Opt for something lighter and seasonal, which not only work as sun-repellant, but look more weather-appropriate and suitably bright and cheerful. This is the moment to bust out the white pants and light-blue shirts, and don’t worry about Labour Day approaching — that rule is officially outdated.
Relax in Style
Although the debate about whether skinny jeans are back rages on, it’s clear that when it comes it beating the heat, loose silhouettes always preferable to slim. A relaxed but tailored fit will help you keep loose and airy without looking sloppy, and even if you do end up perspiring, fabrics that don’t cling too hard to the body will keep the sweat from seeping through and making a mess.
Work Without Structure
If you have to spend your summer afternoons cooped up in an office, make sure that your workwear fits the season: avoid overly structured suit jackets and instead opt for unstructured Italian tailoring, especially unlined blazers in linen. Pair these beauties with an open-collared shirt or light polo for an added dose of summer cool.
Mind the Shoes
A common mistake when dressing for summer is to suit up in linen and then forget about your feet — nothing can spoil a hot day than realizing you’ve worn a heavy-duty pair of leather dress shoes and silk socks when it’s thirty degrees. Think light leather sneakers, woven leather driving shoes, or even dressed-up sandals, and ditch the socks entirely.
Holiday Bonus
If you’re lucky enough to be heading away for a summer vacation, prioritise wrinkle-free fabrics, lightweight layers, and plenty of swim suits for a dip in the pool. Plan to be versatile, too: A nice pair of swim shorts can match up nicely with a crisp linen shirt, making the transition from afternoon dip to evening cocktails that much smoother.
