It’s getting hot and humid and dressing comfortably is of paramount importance to feel at ease during this time. But does that mean we have to give style a miss and only wear baggy pants and cotton tops for the rest of the summer months? Not at all. There are easy ways to jazz up your outfits. A simple ensemble can be stylish and look well put-together with some thought and effort. Here we tell you how you can stay comfortable and classy when the sun’s out and you’d rather jump into the swimming pool than attend meetings and work.
Create a summer wardrobe
Take a look at what you have and pull out all the clothes that aren’t comfortable or those that you haven’t worn in a while. Choose pieces that you want to wear, the ones you feel comfortable in and keep them aside. Fold or hang them where you can access them easily. This makes getting ready a lot easier than having to hunt for clothes when it’s time to go out. Once you know what you have, decide what you want to buy and invest in a few summer pieces like an oversized white cotton shirt, a flowy dress, some skirts, and perhaps even a few co-ord sets that you can wear together or mix and watch with other items in your closet.
Take a look at your accessories
Summer calls for dainty jewelry and light accessories rather than bulky ones that feel heavy and look out of place when paired with a breezy ensemble. So, evaluate your jewelry and accessories situation. Invest in some light earrings and belts. A neutral color bag that doesn’t have flashy hardware or too many buckles can accessorize any summer outfit. Accessories can make or break any outfit and the problem with summer outfits is that your jewelry and other things that you use can weigh it down. You have to get the balance right. Choose lightweight pieces and dainty silver jewelry to compliment your outfit and don’t over accessorize. Stick to one or two pieces at the most.
Don’t go all baggy
We tend to wear loose fitting clothes during the summer because the thought of body hugging jeans and tops make us sweat more than the actual heat. But pairing an oversized jeans with an oversized top makes you look sloppy and bigger than your actual size. It’s also not a good outfit choice for office and formal occasions, never mind the oversized suit trends you see on Instagram. Pair one loose clothing item with another well fitted one. For example, wear a well-fitted trouser with a flowy top instead of a loose harem pant with a flowy top. The key is to make sure one thing fits properly. It doesn’t have to be a body hugging piece. You can opt for tailored cotton pants or linen leggings.
Opt for pastel colors
Dark colors trap heat and make you feel uncomfortable. Light colors reflect sunlight and have a cooling effect. Pastel colors look really good during the summer months. They give you an airy feeling while looking proper and put together as well. Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics and make sure they are in a lighter shade for the extra impact. Soft hues like baby blue, lavender, peach, and mint are perfect for summer. It’s not that you can’t wear dark colors during summer but try to avoid it when you can, especially during the day.
Pay attention to the details
Wear comfortable shoes. Avoid closed, heavy shoes that can trap sweat. Opt for sandals and breathable sneakers in canvas instead. Keep your makeup light so that it doesn’t melt in the heat and also doesn’t make your look sweaty and shiny. Opt for just a moisturizer and sunscreen when you can as a natural look is more practical during the summer. This way, you can use oil blotting sheets to dab away the excess oil from your face during the day. Layering might seem counterintuitive but it can help you transition from outdoor heat to indoor ac with ease. It can also protect your skin from sun damage. The trick is to use light or sheer fabrics when layering. And lastly, choose the right undergarment. Avoid padded bras and synthetic materials.