How to Survive a Heat Wave Like a Fashion Pro
3 min readDespite my love for all things summer—from longer days to sun-kissed skin and endless travel—fall and winter have always been my favorite seasons, sartorially speaking. And while this season’s unprecedented heat would normally reinforce that long-standing belief (after all, when it’s insufferable out, the only thing I want to wear is a bikini), the fresh crop of outfit inspiration landing on my radar is actually making me something of a convert.
During Paris and Milan’s recent Men’s Fashion Weeks, showgoers offered inventive yet surprisingly easy solutions for dressing in scorching temperatures. Namely, remixing summer basics with a playful piece or accessories, and opting for silhouettes with bold shapes and volume that instantly make a neutral ensemble feel more interesting. Choosing breathable materials that keep you cool—think linen, silk, and pure cotton, while steering clear of heat- and sweat-trapping synthetics—gives you the freedom to experiment with layering and more styling tricks usually reserved for the colder months.
The seven heat wave-friendly outfits below are currently living rent-free in my mind. Plus, discover exactly how to re-create each one in five simple steps.
An Oversized Tee and Culottes
Exaggerated short silhouettes that allow for maximum airflow have been having a huge moment this summer. And while a Bermuda will always be infallibly chic, a culotte takes the voluminous shape even further. Try a tailored yet lightweight pair like Eileen Fisher’s linen version, styled with an oversized tee and heeled satin mules to balance the proportions. Finish with statement accessories for a bit of glamour, or keep things pared back with slim sunnies and a slicked-back bun.
A Button-Down and Sheer Skirt
Layered over a sheer midi skirt, a relaxed-fit button-down that skims the top of the thigh captures that sexy, coy, and sophisticated ease synonymous with Parisian style. Softly cinch the look with a delicate pearl belt, and you’ve got an effortless mix of textures that won’t weigh you down in the slightest.
A Black Tank and Printed Skirt
What’s a summer wardrobe without a little color? A structured, printed skirt and classic black tank can easily take you from the office to after-work drinks, finished with a pair of sleek flip-flop heels. It’s the kind of versatile ensemble that works for practically any occasion.
A Summer Knit and Balloon Pants
Also in the realm of big, breezy bottoms, lightweight balloon pants are a foolproof choice when temperatures creep into the triple digits. And when you need a bit more coverage from the sun—or know you’ll want a layer later but don’t want to lug one around—an open-weave sweater makes the perfect companion. The duo also doubles as a swimsuit cover-up and would look right at home on a European vacation.
A White Shift Dress
Our list of heat wave outfits wouldn’t be complete without a flowy white shift dress. An eyelet style—or even a repurposed nightgown—is exactly what you’ll want to slip into any time you need to leave the comfort of your A/C. Padded yellow flip-flops, a polka-dot bandana, and chunky aviator sunglasses pull the look out of its usual ethereal territory, adding a bit of edge.
The Quiet Luxury Combo
For a warm-weather approach to wearing all black, try a soft cotton cami and silk maxi skirt. The elongated silhouette channels that off-duty supermodel aesthetic (with a hint of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy), and you can easily swap woven flats for heels before a romantic dinner or evening out.
A Striped Button-Down and Bloomers
It only makes sense to try a pair of trending, barely-there bloomer shorts to stay as cool as possible. This gingham pair from Frankies Bikinis is an especially fun pick, easily shown off (and matched in airiness) by an oversized striped button-down fastened only at the top.
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