You know those days when the humidity is 90% and the sun is searing down like laser beams intent on burning out your retinas?
When the steamy breath of summer is making you sticky in places you can’t air out in public?
When it is simply too hot to wear clothes?
Yeah. I’ve got you covered. Literally because this is a SFW site…there will be no nakedness here today. Sorry creepy dudes.
What To Wear When It Is Hot Outside
This is how you keep your cool and look relaxed when it is too hot to think outside.
Wear silk or natural fibres that flow away from your body, like this silk A-line dress that I thrifted a few months back.
I also avoid excessive accessories in the heat. Normally I’d be wearing a hat with this but I took the photos later in the day.
I also load up on SPF and fake tanning cream for the legs. I don’t need any new age spots freckles.
I can’t be bothered to put on any fake tan anywhere but my legs. I’m sure I’m not the only one. That stuff stinks.
I’ve had a few summer heat emergencies before where I literally thought I was going to spontaneously combust. There is the time it was death or a new dress and the time when a trickle of sweat rolled down my back and laughed at me as I made haste for Costco (it’s not what you’d expect).
I’ve learned the hard way not to wear synthetic fibres or tight belts.
Here is another one of my all time favourite dresses for summer heat, made of linen.
The famous dress I bought because I was going to die.
What is your favourite go-to clothing when it is sweltering hot outside? Dress, skirt or shorts?
I’m having a couple of famous bloggers come for a visit this week so I might not get a post up for Friday as I’ll be having too much fun in real life. I will probably still take a few shots for my Instagram if you’re following me there you can see what we get up to and who my mysterious visitors are.
Linking up with I Will Wear What I Like What I Wore, Your Whims Wednesday, Turning Heads Tuesday, Throwback Thursday
Mysterious visitors…how intriguing and fun! You couldn’t be more right about loose, flowy, natural fiber clothing in the heat. Love the dresses, the first one in particular is so you. And it’s funny you mentioned the self-tanner on just your legs. Last week my husband and I were sitting outside and I had my feet propped up on the table (yes, I’m a heathen) and he said, “Do you realize your legs are dark and the rest of you is white?” Um, ya. Of course I do. I’m colorblocking, but on my body.
Debbie
http://www.fashionfairydust.com
A big “I hear you!!” to the stink of fake tan.
Even the ones that claim not to stink still eventually stink…. like biscuits or something?
I was gazing enviably at your hot weather dresses.
We have rain and a chill in the air (13 degrees or so).
It’s nice to see your “posh” blue bag again.
It must go with everything!
XXX
Samantha
I can relate to this type of dressing in every way, even the story about running to buy the dress or die, haha. So, can I just borrow all three of those dresses??? They are perfect for our summer heat, I love them all. I’m definitely one for wearing lots of SPF and hats but I still haven’t used the self tanning lotions, probably due to the fact I would miss sections.
Sounds like a super fun week, can’t wait to see who’s visiting. Wish it were me.
I’m sitting here with the heating and Jon’s socks on whilst the rain lashes down!
The last time I was too hot was in pre-monsoon Karnataka, India 3 years ago. My hair never seemed to dry and a single hair felt like seaweed clinging to my shoulders and it very definitely natural fibres all the way.
All three looks are magic but that first dress is particularly gorgeous. With your fabulous necklace you’ve cleverly added shape, much less bothersome than a belt.
Your weekend sounds very exciting. Have an absolute blast. Can’t wait to read about it! xxx
Cuteness all around. I’ve always thought that a dress has more cooling potential than shorts. This is mainly due to the fact that you can air your girlie parts to a certain degree. I LOVE your Costco dress dash story.
Can’t wait to hear about your weekend rendezvous!!
Let me tell you I sure don’t miss the humidity—sure it gets hot here, but it’s nothing like what I grew up with!!
I think shorts & dresses have their own pros & cons. One of the reasons I like a dress like this better, is the coverage when you sit down—not only in the front, but underneath your legs (the leather seats of a car can burn!!)
As for the fake tan—I gave up! I am whiter than white and that’s me. I hated the lines around the ankles even more than the smell!!
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
ps….love the silver sandals—I’m actually wearing mine today (both on the blog & in person)
Lovely little summer frocks! Real vintage elegance and perfect for hot weather. You look cool Suzanne!
Curious to see who the mystery bloggers are. I’ll check Instagram.
❤️carmen
https://fashionableover50.wordpress.com
I only wore fake tan on my legs once – I was doing some serious cycling that day. BIG BIG HUGE mistake. It all pooled behind my knees with the sweat. A drippy mess. Horrid, wretched. I’ll never wear it again. I figure people are wearing sunglasses – they can handle my glaring pegs.
I love your summer-wear dress. GORGEOUS, yes, especially with your necklace. We seldom get that kind of heat here in Vancouver but I remember those Ontario days. Keep cool. I KNOW you will with your friends. Have a blast!!!
Lovely dresses, all of them.
As for hot weather outfits: can I stick my head in the freezer?
You look very lovely and cool indeed. I love to wear Mexican huipil dresses or Hawaiian muumuus on hot days. I look to the hot climates for logical fashion inspiration. Also these are big roomy dresses that allow for a few extra ice cream cones or orders of nachos and Margaritas which are also very helpful in staying cool…or at least forgetting about it. How you feeling these days????
What a great dress. I agree that the materials we wear in hot weather make a huge difference. I’m a cotton-gal myself.
I can’t believe I’m gonna see you tomorrow! I’ll call when I’m close and know my arrival time.
AWESOME!!!
Hope the ride up is wonderful.
I only put self tanners on my legs only too but my arms are pretty tan so I don’t really it on them. Loose cotton dresses and my to go for the summer.
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
Hope to see you Thursday for TBT Fashion link up.
My dear Suzanne I know about heat, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh . I keep well away from the sun, wear my parasol and hope for cooler weather.
Much love, my stylish friend
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I love the green silk dress, Suzanne, and the accessories too. My body’s thermostat gets a bit too precious once the temperature begins to climb. Loose flowing dresses (can’t do belts!!) or camisole tops and loose flowing skirts are my choice for summer…which is a few months off…I just lit the fire, the nights are pretty cool now, down here. Hope you stay cool for your fabulous time with the mysterious visitors.
I’m loving your breezy fresh dresses, fabulous and comfy!, and agree about natural fibers (and lighter colors) when it’s hot and humid. It sounds like hell for me!
I’m a pants lover when summer arrives, particularly linen pants when it’s awfully hot, and linen shirts which don’t even touch my skin: anything floaty looks very appealing when it’s more than 35ºC.
Not a huge fan of fake tan, too difficult (and stinky) for me, and I think that here most of the people is pretty tolerant to see white-as-milk legs, teenagers in shorts included!. I like to use some ‘bon ton’ body lotion on my legs anyway. to add some glow!
besos & fun
Gorgeous dresses. And yes, natural, natural, natural! I’m loving the cold weather down here and don’t envy you at all. I still can’t wear flammable fabrics for fear of spontaneous combustion when too close to heaters, open fireplaces or menopause symptoms. Turns out there may not be a season for polyester after all? I can’t wait to see who’s coming to dinner. Xx
I love these dresses! I green pattern is so pretty on you, love the linen! I need to buy one piece this summer. I know what you mean about the heat… it is too darn hot here if you ask me! 90+ with the humidity in the 90s,.. so i try some of the cooler materials and spend time either in the pool or in the air!
I used to do the self tanner, but I couldnt pass it off.
Have a great weekend!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Man, I was thinking about this very topic over the weekend. I find myself wearing a lot of skirts, lately. As much as I love pants, I have to admit, it’s nice to wear some flowy light fabric when it’s deathly hot out. Speaking of, I love the dresses that you picked out. They all make a statement while keeping you cool. No need to add anything other than a few accessories. Perfect. The third dress is my favorite!
– Anna
http://www.melodicthriftychic.com
Couldn’t agree more. I live in Florida so weather is always so hot and humid. It’s cotton and silk all the way and as little else as Possible!
Presently in your neck of the woods and enjoying the Canadian sunshine!
Enjoy your weekend, we are heading to Niagara Falls!
beautiful and fresh!
stylentonic.com
Hell has arrived in Nashville. It’s been in the 90s for a week straight. When I brave the outdoors, I follow many of these same tips, minus the tanning cream because really, you’ve seen my skin. There’s no hope.
I’m putting together a similar post for the end of the month with my own tips for surviving the summer heat. I’ll have to link to yours as well! I thought I had summer fashion under control until I wore a lightweight, unlined cotton sundress last week, and it was a revelation. Hence my decision to write the post. Sorry polyester anything. You just don’t compare. I felt like I was wearing nothing, which is exactly how I want to feel when it’s 100 degrees.
<3 Liz
http://www.withwonderandwhimsy.com
Your post and your writing made me smile this morning. I like how you styled all three dresses and I’ve not thought to try silk. The third dress may be my favorite and I have to say I’m inspired to add some sandal variations to my closet as well as dresses. Last thought here…these are a great length!
I go for a dress and sandals and no make up. Boo summer. BOO I SAY!
That’s an amazing dress by the way.
Golly Suzanne, thank goodness we never get temperatures like that here or I surely would have a meltdown. Island life seems to always afford a breeze too which make everything more bearable. The geometric print dress in silk does look like the perfect foil for a scorching day. I wish you’d shown a hat though, as I’m sure you have something divine that goes with this. The bag however, does suffice as the perfect accessory as it’s such a classy number. Have seen your meet up on Instagram – lucky you! You do seem to know all the right people don’t you? Looking forward to seeing some photos on the blog soon.
Anna x
http://www.annasislandstyle.com
I am just totally in love with the print on that dress! So gorgeous!
Yes those summer dresses are perfect for this frightening temps Suzanne!!!
Come see how I welcomed Summer in a boho-inspired look this week at the blog – Happy Monday!!
Rebecca
http://www.redtagchiclosangeles.com
i prefer shorts for around the house and skirts if I’m out and about (less chance of burning my legs on hot metal benches etc!)
For me, maxi length cotton viscose slip dresses with side slits and a thin silk/fine cotton robe on top to create my own breeze whilst wafting, works. Canvas flats and cotton liners (because feet swell and a pedicure does not detract from the horror of the proving-bread effect).
Hair UP. So far I have resisted clawing it off my head.
I also buy small foldable paper fans in bulk (you can often get them in packs of 10 from party bag suppliers/ebay). Sunglasses, chilled rosewater in a little spritz bottle, small pack of wipes go in my bag too.
Then its just – make like a vampire and keep my paler than a pale thing skin in the shade/under a parasol.
Linen is gorgeous but sometimes a little too heavy. The famous dress you bought because you thought you was going to die is just so pretty – I really do think that some colours can make you feel less gross when it is too hot too.
Hope you have excellent fun with your visitors!
Love that dress! Even better in person : >
I wear as little as is decent, and mostly stay indoors. A hat is a must. xox
-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
Hahaha. My kind of woman.
I tend to stay indoors or in the pool for as long as I possibly can whenever temperatures are high, and since that’s the norm here in Houston, that means an exorbitant electricity bill as well as big pool umbrellas. Having SLE means I can’t take direct sunlight, at all, but I also need to stay in the water because I can’t handle sweat either. Thank the lord for a little nook in the corner of the pool, it’s nicely shaded. That’s Sheela’s corner 🙂 being South East Asian, I tan very very very easily so I’ve never used any lotions, I can’t stand that stuff anyway. Sticky icky. I could walk from one end of the backyard to the other, and have tan lines so yeah.
p/s may I say how delightfully charming your dresses are, Suzanne?? Especially the last two, so lovely.
Yes to the silk and mostly dresses for me I think!!!! I do like that really thin cotton you get!! That thrifted dress is amazing!
Your green dress looks so cute. I usually wear cotton but thinking about looking into silk since cotton soaks up all the sweat and hangs onto it!
Julia
http://www.whenthegirlsrule.com
You managed to dress very well in hot weather. I know that is not an easy thing. If such weather ever hits The Netherlands, it is never for more than a week. I have some emergency dresses for that too.
Greetje