The Chemistry of a Good Heat Wave Outfit

Swimsuits, scarves, light footwear + more ways to look (and feel) COOL!

Getting dressed in the summer heat takes a certain amount of body-mind-connection. A lot of times, we see something that on the hanger is a perfect hot-weather outfit, but 20 minutes in, our body’s reaction says otherwise.

And it can be frusterating. So much so, that we opt for the simpler options in the summer — which I’m completely not opposed to! But I’m a firm believer that there are still ways to have fun with your summer style.

Dressing in the summer involves treating your outfits like a chemistry experiment. Will this fabric make me chafe? Will I feel cooler in something tighter or looser? Will this piece absorb the sweat or reveal it?

In other words, figuring out your summer style takes a lot of trial and error. You sometimes won’t know until you go a whole day wearing (and sweating) in something before you know if it can be on rotation for another 85 degree (+) day.

A good example is silk and satin outfits, which are gorgeous, seductive fabrics to wear in the summer. But in certain cases, can’t do well on a day that you know you’ll be sweating a lot.

So it’s all about picking and choosing, finding adjustable formulas and ultimately, taking the pressure off. The heat is doing all that for you anyway.

I Found 20 Vintage Silk Pieces for You To Wear This Summer

I think this heat can be a good opportunity to listen to what your body needs: comfort, ease and lots of VENTILATION! In that feeling of restriction, may come a stroke of genius in your wardrobe you didn’t have before.

5 things to wear when it’s too hot to function

(The following list includes a couple commissionable links)

1. Tube Tops

Sleeves are absolutely out of the question when it hits a certain temperature. And I think the tube top is one of the few pieces in our closets that can only be worn (to its true potential) in the hot, hot summer. Sure, in theory you can play around with layering in other seasons, but let’s be real: tube tops were made for the hot weather.

I have couple I thrifted a while ago and in my opinion, it’s always best when they have some kind of built in bra. The last thing you want to do is be wiggling around uncomfortably. But what I’ve also learned is that the sweat I release during the day, helps keep them stuck to my body anyway (gross, I know, but hey, that’s the chemistry of our bodies!)

Speaking from experience, you may have to go through a few duds before you find the one that molds to your body juuuuust right.

This tube top with a paisley pattern has been my go-to lately: it has a bit of a Y2K flair and feels like a tankini

A lot of times, this also depends on what your skin is most comfortable with. I personally do fine with a polyester, nylon or spandex blend. I have a simple black one from H&M (which you can find in many places secondhand) I wear all the time but I also this kelly green one from Free People.

But I also like the idea of a natural fiber, too. Like this 100% linen top from Quince that has more of a summer-in-Italy sort of vibe. I may have to find a secondhand dupe of it…

Speaking of vintage, there’s so many out there that can make you look like you’ve stepped out of a Vogue editorial from the 70s or 2000s. I love this orange printed one from Energie or this paisley green satin number.

And of course, the hottest accessory on my shoulders is plenty of SPF!!!!

🔥 HOT tip: Take a mid-length frilly skirt and wear it as a tube top!

2. A Straight-Up Swimsuit