Dear E!, How Do I Dress To Stay Cool in Hot Weather? Fashion Tips To Help You Beat the Heat in Style

Entertainment Camila Quimper 13/08/2024

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Summer’s cranking up the heat again, and while working poolside all week might be a dream, the real challenge is figuring out how to dress for a heatwave. Sure, the thought of living in a swimsuit or drenching yourself in water to hide those sweat marks might be tempting (and honestly, who could blame you?), but as a fashion editor turned shopping editor, I’ve got some tips that are a bit more practical.

Growing up in the scorching Miami heat, I’ve pretty much mastered the art of dressing for temperatures that hover around 98 degrees or more. And while you may have the strong inclination to wear absolutely anything that doesn’t stick to you (borderline au naturel), I’ve learned through my many years of working in the fashion industry (surviving both UK and US summers with or without AC) that it is possible to look chic, put-together, and not a hot mess during these hot, trying times. Choosing the right fabrics and finding ways to stay cool, calm, and collected are just part of the game. That’s why I’m here to share some tips for beating the heat while keeping your look on point when you’ve got to be out and about.

Keep It Breezy and Oversized

When dressing for the heat, breezy is key. Ditch anything tight, like that bodycon dress, and opt for loose, oversized pieces instead. My favorite? Men’s cotton poplin shirts. It's no surprise that shirts and shirtdresses are summer staples—they’re crisp, cool, and effortlessly professional, keeping you polished even in the heat.

It doesn't get more crisp than this sleek, 100% cotton boyfriend shirt from Old Navy. It's affordable and has lasted me over four years of constant use.

Available styles: 13
E! Styling Tip: I constantly style this with a tank underneath and cotton poplin shorts.
Shoppers Say: "Great to throw over a tank top and head out for dinner. Love the fit."

It's technically a beach coverup, but as a 5'1 girlie, I've been able to style it as a breezy oversized dress with the right accessories.

Available styles: 4
E! Styling Tip: Just Imagine how cute this would look with a statement belt to cinch the waist and ballet flats.
Shoppers Say: "This is the perfect beach coverup! You might even be able to wear it as a dress. Very cute."

Whether you're headed to the office or going out to dinner, this silk maxi dress will keep things sophisticated while staying fresh and comfy in the heat.

Available styles: 3
E! Styling Tip: I've paired this dress with beige, kitten heels and it looks divine.

Linen, Linen, Oh and More Linen

Linen is essential for warm-weather wardrobes because of its breathability and moisture-wicking properties, keeping you cool and comfortable in high temperatures. This lightweight fabric allows air to circulate, making it ideal for tailored shorts and loose-fitting shirts. Plus, its natural texture avoids any clinging.

Pair these linen drape shorts from Everlane with a flowy blouse and chic, rattan sandals for the perfect office fit that'll win you compliments all day.

Available styles: 3
E! Styling Tip: I'd also style these with dress slides, a brown belt, and a classic white tee for a Euro look.
Shoppers Say: "I am a fan of the way-high fits. I have a short waist so these actually sit at the right spot for me. I am pleased with the length as well. They are a perfect summer linen short for the Texas heat."

If you're building a summer capsule wardrobe, a flowy linen boyfriend shirt is an absolute must. I love this Gap option that's made from 100% linen and comes in a variety of colors.

Available styles: 16
E! Styling Tip: I'd also style these with dress slides, a brown belt, and a classic white tee for a Euro look.
Shoppers Say: "Beautiful light weight linen. Shirt looks like it might be see-through but it isn't. Looks great with the sleeves rolled up and worn with white shorts or white jeans."

Trust me when I say linen cargo pants will come in clutch during the warmer months. These Gap mid-rise ones can be paired with any top, and are an easy option to quickly slip on when you're too hot to think about what to wear.

Bodysuits Are Your New Best Friend

I’m not exaggerating when I say I’ve been living in bodysuits for the entire summer. Something I do want to urge is to keep in mind the fabric because some can actually do the opposite and retain heat. That being said, a light cotton or stretchy polyamide will do just the trick. Here are a few of my favorites I’ve been wearing nonstop (I’m even wearing one of these as I’m writing this).

Bodysuits Are Your New Best Friend

This plunge bodysuit is lightweight, buttery soft, and doesn't make me feel like I'm dying when I wear it underneath a blazer in the summer.

Available styles: 3
E! Styling Tip: This bodysuit + wide-leg pants = corporate IT girl
Shoppers Say: "This is a really cute and comfy lightweight bodysuit, perfect for the summer!!"

Do I wear this four times a week? Yes. Is this probably the best bodysuit to have ever been created? Also yes (in my eyes).

Available styles: 14
E! Styling Tip: Pair it with any shorts, pants, or skirts you own. Trust that it'll always make you look snatched and keep you feeling fresh.
Shoppers Say: "I love the way this bodysuit feels. Feels like skin on skin. Color is fabulous."

This bodysuit is a favorite of mine thanks to its soft fabric that smoothly contours to your curves, eliminating lines and bulges.

Available styles: 6
E! Styling Tip: I love to wear this one with lounge shorts for a cute 'running errands' fit.
Shoppers Say: "This bodysuit is seamless and has a built-in bra which is my favorite thing! I wish I went a size smaller because it has so much stretch and lightweight but not enough compression to smooth me out like shapewear. It is very comfortable and I love wearing this with wide-leg pants. It is one of my favorite lounge clothes!"

Leave the Jorts at Home

Although jean shorts are a timeless wardrobe essential, especially given the resurgence of the jorts trend, they start to lose their appeal as temperatures rise above 90 degrees. The constrictive waistband and heavy denim that typically provide structure can quickly become uncomfortable in such heat. For a more suitable option, consider loose-fitting cotton shorts or invest in a pair of tailored linen shorts.

These boxer shorts went viral this summer, and I finally gave in. I love blurring the line between loungewear and workwear by pairing them with a vest.

Available styles: 4
E! Styling Tip: You can't go wrong pairing this with a matching oversized button-up. It's pajamas but made chic.
Shoppers Say: "LOVE this. I’m all about 100% cotton clothing, and boxers always look so comfy when my dude wears them. Perfect loung-wear!"

Not only are these shorts affordable, they're also incredibly lightweight and comfortable thanks to the elasticated waist and linen-blend fabric.

Available styles: 2
E! Styling Tip: Pair these pleated shorts with a linen vest and you're set for the summer.
Shoppers Say: "I am curvy with a small waist and they don't have the weird gap in the back. It fits just right."

You might be thinking, pants? In the summer? The gauze fabric in these helps with ventilation honestly feels like you're wearing nothing. They're THAT comfortable.

Available styles: 4
E! Styling Tip: Pair these pleated shorts with a linen vest and you're set for the summer.
Shoppers Say: "True to size. Very comfortable, and also very casual. Gauze material makes it easy to breathe, which makes them perfect for the summer heat."

Looking for more E! shopping editor tips? Check out this guide to dressing like a minimalist.

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