I Asked 2 Professional Stylists How to Dress in a Heat Wave — and Their Advice Saved My Summer Wardrobe

As summer temperatures soar above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, choosing the right attire can become quite daunting. This seasonal challenge often leads many to opt for loungewear, but feeling comfortable in extremely hot and humid conditions does not have to mean sacrificing style. To explore options for summer dressing, I sought advice from two experienced stylists: Vanessa Valiente from San Diego and Amanda Vargus, lead stylist at Wave + Woven. Both offered insight into navigating the heat while remaining fashionable and comfortable.

One key piece of advice from Vargus and Valiente is to eliminate tight-fitting clothing and embrace loose, flowing shapes. With muggy conditions often making us feel weighed down, opting for lighter materials is essential. According to Vargus, heavy fabrics like denim and synthetic fibres are often the culprits behind discomfort. Instead, she suggests wearing more breathable options such as shorts, joggers, cropped wide-leg trousers, and dresses in loose fits. Valiente echoes this notion, emphasising the comfort offered by these relaxed silhouettes.

In addition to choosing the right fit, colour selection plays a significant role in staying cool. Vargus recommends light neutrals including white, ivory, and beige, which reflect sunlight. She also suggests incorporating soft shades like butter yellow for a cheerful summertime vibe. On the other hand, Valiente advocates for medium to darker tones alongside various patterns. She argues that lighter materials help mitigate the heat, while darker colours can help conceal any unsightly sweat marks.

An often-overlooked challenge of summer dressing is the abrupt shift from scorching outdoor temperatures to the cold confines of air-conditioned buildings. Valiente cautions against forgetting a light layer, which can be crucial for combating the chilly indoors. Lightweight jackets or cardigans, particularly those made from fabrics like linen or cotton cashmere, are beneficial additions to any summer wardrobe. Vargus recommends keeping a larger bag handy to store outerwear once you step outside, allowing for easy transitions.

For those looking for ultimate comfort on hot days, Valiente suggests a clever wardrobe hack: forgo the bra when wearing the right outfit. A sleeveless dress with smocking can offer both style and ease, allowing for a bra-less experience. The organic cotton gauze sleeveless maxi dress and smocked wide-leg jumpsuit available at Quince capture this idea perfectly, providing options that keep you cool without compromising on chicness.

Accessories also play a crucial role in elevating a summer outfit, especially when restricting layering options. Vargus insists that when temperatures rise, a few standout accessories can keep things stylish. She highlights the importance of well-chosen footwear, noting the versatility of a sleek Italian leather T-strap sandal. Additionally, a lightweight crossbody bag can round out your ensemble without adding unnecessary weight.

As the season progresses, it may be wise to refresh your wardrobe with breathable staples. Quince offers a range of summer pieces designed to comply with the stylists’ advice. Items such as the European linen short-sleeve popover top for £42 and the organic cotton poplin A-line maxi skirt for £50 exemplify the blend of style and functionality.

For more formal summer occasions, consider investing in a washable stretch silk high-neck midi dress, priced at £150, which combines elegance with ease. Meanwhile, staple layering items like the lightweight cotton cashmere cardigan, available for £40, provide the ideal solution for braving the often unpredictable climate of air-conditioned locations.

In conclusion, summer fashion need not sacrifice comfort for style, even during exceptionally hot days. By embracing flowing shapes, selecting appropriate colours, and utilising clever accessories and layering, one can maintain an elegant and composed appearance, regardless of the often stifling weather. This guidance from experienced stylists not only makes dressing for summer simpler but also encourages a wardrobe filled with timeless and long-lasting pieces.