There is an art to dressing for extreme heat and it does not necessarily mean less clothes, but the right clothes. The right fabrics, the right shapes to keep you cool. I find that when it’s sweltering outside, I don’t actually want to strip down into nothing because inevitably, the “nothing” clothes sit too close to my body. And it’s TOO HOT TO TOUCH! So today, five pieces (styled many ways!) to get us through the inevitable next couple months of extreme heat and 90% humidity.
A Parachute Mini Skirt
Close your eyes, imagine a cartoon character jumping from a plane and the little parachute carrying him/her down. This is the shape of mini skirt I’m talking about. I have procured two this summer and only now am putting it all together. This is a shape that sits away from the waist, isn’t too much fabric and eagerly beckons the breeze to crawl up underneath.



Posse Tops
This brand has really just nailed the summer top! I’m sorry to all other brands, but it is true. It’s my first stop for both myself and clients of all walks of life. The price is right to sweat in and the shapes/styles are just so summertime. Last summer was all about their cropped linen shell (which you can get now at the Gap for better or worse) but this season is all about their slightly girlish but not lame details. The two I’m smitten with are the embroidered trim tank (my most worn top of the summer!) and the linen peasant top with a little puff sleeve. These run slightly big. I have an XS in both, just an FYI.




The Tent Dress
Specifically, the mini tent dress is peeking, most likely thanks to Loewe. Brands like Sofie D’Hoore and Daniela Greigis have been perfecting the midi length tent for ages (and are worth the investment if you have it to spend, I might add.) But happily, this summer there are waist-free dresses at every legnth and price point that don’t skimp on design.

A Huge White Short
This is a sneak peek at next week where I get into this idea in more depth, but the big white short has proven to be the master key to this summer’s uniform. I knew we’d get there eventually. We briefly touched on the denim version last week. Now the chino…and next week an even deeper dive. In the meantime…. embrace the drama and go big in a pair of white shorts.
This first pair is a very lightweight chino style from Ozma of California in a size medium. (Medium appears to be the only size sold out at them moment, so if you are also a medium try these two sizes up.) The cotton makes her easy to care for and the shape makes “summer tops” feel less like statement items in a great way. Now you’re in A LOOK!



Crinkly Fabrics
So much gauzy material out there right now. Perfect for hiding stains and sweat! I love that we are embracing wrinkles this year. I love wrinkles in all forms. Gauzy shirts, silky skirts, micro pleated pants! It screams: I AM RELAXED! 😆
All Three Studio’s crinkle cotton shirt (size small and excellently billowy) makes a for a great full coverage layer both for those who don’t like showing their arms and for those who are more responsible with with their sun consumption.



Thats all for today. Stay cool out there ladies (and germs). Next week we are finally unlocking the summer uniform…and getting into why it took so dang long to figure out.
Yours TRULY,
Becky
Thanks for sharing! There are a lot of good ideas. But I will say, I live in a very hot and humid climate (Houston. It sucks), and I’ve eradicated all polyester, viscose, rayon, etc. from my wardrobe. Yes, even the blends. Linen has become my go-to material, followed by organic cotton which is moisture-wicking.
I love all your finds! The posse shirts are lovely. I got excited when I saw you say “priced just right to sweat in” so I clicked on over and saw … $230. Is that considered a good price these days? For me that’s major splurge.