Surviving the heat without sacrificing your style.

There’s hot—and then there’s I can’t think straight, why is the sidewalk melting hot. When temperatures start climbing into the high 90s and beyond, the last thing anyone wants to do is think about clothes. But you still have places to go, people to see, errands to run—and sweat to dodge.

The challenge? Getting dressed in a way that keeps you cool and makes you feel like yourself. Because while staying comfortable is key, looking like you’ve given up on style altogether never really feels good either. So what do you wear when it’s way too hot outside? You keep it light, you keep it effortless, and you make a few intentional swaps.

Here’s how.

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1. Fabric First—Always

Let’s start with the obvious but most important rule: natural fibers only. Cotton, linen, rayon, and lightweight silk are your best friends in the heat. They breathe, they absorb moisture, and they won’t trap heat the way synthetic fabrics do.

Think:

• A linen mini or midi dress that skims the body without clinging
• A breezy cotton poplin top paired with relaxed shorts
• A silky slip skirt that doesn’t stick when the temps rise

Bonus: wrinkles are chic in linen. Embrace the lived-in look.

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2. Loosen Up Your Silhouette

When it’s hot out, the structure takes a back seat to ease. Tight waistbands, body-hugging fabrics, and fussy details? Not it.

Go for:

• Oversized button-downs (leave them open over a tank or tie them at the waist)
• Flowy maxi dresses
• Pull-on shorts or wide-leg trousers in breathable fabrics
• Two-piece sets that make getting dressed feel like a shortcut
  

The looser the fit, the better the airflow—and the more effortless your outfit will feel.

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3. Lighten the Color Palette

Black may be chic, but in extreme heat, it absorbs the sun. Opt for whites, creams, pastels, and sun-washed tones. Not only do lighter colors reflect heat, but they look refreshing too.

If you love color, try a citrusy yellow, soft blue, or muted coral—just enough to keep things visually interesting without feeling heavy.

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4. Lean on Accessories to Pull the Look Together

When your outfit is simple out of necessity, accessories are where your style shows up.

A few warm-weather staples:

• A lightweight scarf tied as a headband or worn around your ponytail
• A structured straw bag or canvas tote
• Layered gold jewelry (minimal, but impactful)
• Statement sunglasses
• A sandal that feels like you—whether it’s a sleek slide, a colorful platform, or a barely-there lace-up
  

Even if you’re wearing the same dress three days in a row (no judgment), accessories give it new life.

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5. Don’t Underestimate Hair and Makeup Adjustments

Style goes beyond clothing. A slick low bun, claw clip, or loose braid can instantly cool you down and look intentional. Skip the full face of makeup and go for tinted SPF, a bit of brow gel, and a lip stain. When it’s hot, less really is more.

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6. Confidence, Even in the Heat

Let’s be honest: no outfit can make 100-degree weather feel like spring. But it can help you feel a little more like yourself as you move through the day. The goal isn’t to be perfectly styled—it’s to be comfortably polished, effortlessly pulled together, and confident in your skin.

And if you’re sweating? You’re human. Welcome to summer.

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Easy Outfit Ideas for the Heat

• Linen shorts + tank + oversized button-down + slide sandals
• Slip dress + slick bun + gold hoops + retro sunglasses
• Cotton tee + midi skirt + platform sandals
• Lightweight romper + crossbody bag + claw clip
• Breezy matching set + minimal sneakers or flat sandals

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At the end of the day, extreme heat doesn’t mean you have to abandon your style. It just means dressing with intention—choosing pieces that work with the weather, not against it, and allowing yourself to prioritize comfort without giving up your aesthetic.

Stay cool, stay confident, and remember: sweating through a cute outfit is still better than sweating through a boring one.

By Julia Belian