Fall semester might have started, but that doesn’t mean Missouri’s miserable summer humidity is coming to an end. And when you’ve got only 10 minutes between classes to sprint from Strickland to Schweitzer Hall, chances are you’re going to break a sweat here and there.
That doesn’t mean you have to let the heat beat you. I’ve seen too many of my classmates fall into a rut of wearing athletic shorts and tank tops every day for the sake of staying cool. But looking hot doesn’t have to come at the cost of feeling too hot.
Here are some ABCs of how to dress heat-chic:
Accessories
It’s no surprise that one of the simplest ways to avoid overheating is how you accessorize. Scarves, socks and the like should be avoided at all costs — all they do is trap heat within the body. But many people mistakenly avoid wearing hats because they know most heat leaves the body through the head. The trick is to find a hat with a large brim that protects your face and scalp from the sun’s scorching rays while still being airy enough for ventilation. Straw fedoras are the perfect accessory to stay effortlessly stylish and cool for both men and women.
Breathable fabrics
You can’t go wrong with lightweight fabrics that let the air move through them. Natural fibers such as cotton, linen and silk breathe best. But be careful. Sweat marks are more likely to show on silk, so it’s a good idea to wear it only when the occasion calls for a dressier look. Printed fabrics and light layers also can help hide unsightly sweat spots.
Colors that reflect light
There’s a reason why white, yellow, coral and turquoise are such hot colors during the summer. These lighter colors reflect sunlight to keep your clothes and resulting body temperature cooler. Dark-colored clothes like black and navy actually absorb the sunlight, adding unnecessary heat to your body. Sure, that black romper might make you look two sizes slimmer, but by the end of the day, you’re bound to regret the color choice. Save the dark colors for fall — the best part about warm weather fashion is the bright colors, anyway.
Dresses and skirts
I might be a little biased here because I’m the type of girl who wears dresses and skirts every day of summer. But I have my reasons. They’re just about as lightweight and loose-fitting as clothes can get. When it’s 90 degrees out, the last thing I want to do is cover my legs up, so short, airy dresses and skirts are my go-to outfit of choice. And for those especially windy days, rompers and skorts are a great option if you want to avoid an embarrassing Marilyn Monroe moment. Trust me, I’ve learned from experience.
Eyewear
A lot of people get so caught up in dressing to stay cool that they forget about dressing to stay safe as well. But sunglasses are a crucial staple in any warm weather wardrobe. Be sure to get a pair with 100 percent UV ray protection to ensure your eyes are covered. Not only do sunglasses protect your peepers, but they also look great on everybody. From aviators to oversized frames, you’re sure to find a pair that suits your face shape.
Footwear
I hate to admit I own more flip flops than Carrie Bradshaw owns Manolo Blahniks. They’re just so comfortable and easy to slip on when you head out the door. But they definitely aren’t the most stylish. So this summer, I vowed to ditch the duds and actually wear fashionable footwear. Strappy sandals, wedges and open toe flats emit just as much style as they emit heat off your feet. What better way to put your best fashion foot forward?