
Figuring out what to get dressed in each morning when your brain is only 50% on is hard enough. Doing it with the expectation that your entire body is going to transform into a bloated, sweating, frizzled, frazzled mess as soon as you step out of your (hopefully) air-conditioned abode is enough to send you back to bed.
Though a hat might seem like it’ll suffocate your head, protecting your scalp from UV rays will eventually keep you cooler. Built-in ventilation doesn’t hurt, either.
Sweat stains: They’re inevitable. Patterns camouflage perspiration a whole lot better than solid colors do.
Swash shorts; Derek Lam 10 Crosby tunic;Pleats Please by Issey Miyake skirt; Ashwedges.
Though it might seem counterintuitive, double-layering in the summertime is actually key. A single piece will stick to your body, and you’ll find yourself constantly tugging, fixing, and fanning things to make sure you’re not accidentally flashing other pedestrians. Find clothes that already come with an inner slip, or DIY it with clever layers.
Derek Lam 10 Crosby tunic; Pleats Please by Issey Miyake skirt; Ash wedges.
Natural fibers are way more breathable than anything synthetic. But, since they’re also way less stretchy, make sure you’re, again, going for something bigger in size.
You probably learned in school that darker colors retain more heat, but the difference between a black T-shirt dress and a white one is minimal, except when it comes to hiding sweat. Opt for darker colors in breathable fabrics if you know you’re going to be shvitzing.
When it comes to bags, you want to make sure to choose one that doesn’t touch your skin. A crossbody with a thin strap that hits you right at your clothed parts (like your hip or thigh) can feel a lot better to carry than a shoulder bag that sticks to your armpits.
Embrace the slip dress this summer as your go-to for going out. It’s sexy but not clingy — perfect for hot nights.
If you don’t have to, don’t tuck things in. That extra bit of fabric pushed against your skin can feel oppressive. The answer lies in clothing that’s cut right where it’s supposed to stop. Slightly cropped tops can catch the errant breeze, but you won’t feel sloppy.
Derek Lam 10 Crosby dress.
Sport sandals that strap onto your feet are incredibly trendy at the moment, so take advantage of their ubiquity. These Tevas are lightweight, sweat-wicking, and you won’t accidentally slip out of them onto the subway floor (it’s happened before, and it ain’t pretty).
Jill Stuart tunic.