How to Survive The Summer Heat in Style
As a lifelong Floridian, I take summer fashion pretty seriously. When the daily weather is 90-100+ degrees, you need a fashion battle plan to survive the day. Even a simple outfit for a casual date in the park needs to be mapped out strategically, and if you think I’m being dramatic…come visit Florida in July. Summer in Florida is beautiful, but the stifling heat and humidity can ruin your fashion game if you’re not careful. Thankfully, after spending years surviving the tropical climate, I’ve learned how to survive the heat in style. Whether you’re planning a summer vacation to Florida or just need a little summer shopping inspiration, this post might become your summer BFFL!
Light & Airy Sundresses Are Your Friends.
Some girls will tell you that shorts and tank top are the ideal outfit for summer, but the sticky heat is going to leave you feeling sweaty, gross, and uncomfortable within minutes. Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t feel comfortable or cute when I’m re-adjusting my shorts or wiping off the sweat stains on my shirt every few minutes. So what’s my summer outfit of choice? Sundresses. If you’ve ever read my blog before, you know that I’m a teensy bit majorly obsessed with dresses of all shapes and sizes, so I’ll admit that I’m biased; however, sundresses are where it’s at on hot summer day! Choose a sleeveless design that’s made from a light fabric that will wick away you’re sweat, and you’ll look and feel comfortable all day long.
Find A Cute & Compact Crossbody Bag.
When you’re heading outdoors on a hot summer day, it can be tempting to load up a giant beach bag with anything and everything you could possibly need for the day. Trust me on this one – don’t do it. You’ll be stuck carrying around an obnoxious 50-lb bag all day, and I guarantee you won’t use 90% of the items that you bring. Instead of sentencing yourself to toting around an unnecessary and annoying tote all day, find a cute and compact crossbody bag like my Christian Siriano Livie Crossbody from Payless (also comes in black and white) that can carry your essentials. Despite its diminutive size, my cognac crossbody from Payless fits everything I need for a day outdoors: my wallet, cell phone, keys, a mini sunscreen and bug spray, and oil-blotting sheets. I can’t get over the adorable tassle detailing, and the quality is amazing for the price point. After taking this bag on my date in the park with hubby this weekend, I immediately went back to my local Payless to purchase the same bag in white! It’s the perfect summer bag, and you NEED it. End of story.
Add Fun Sunglasses & Minimal Jewelry.
I’m usually a member of the more-is-more philosophy when it comes to accessorizing, but jewelry has to take a backseat in the summertime. When my arms and neck are respectively loaded up with heavy metal bracelets and necklaces, I feel slightly claustrophobic within minutes. I still like to add a little bit of sparkle and shine to my summer outfits, so I look for lightweight statement pieces that won’t bother me and can be easily removed if needed. Even though I’m a fan of minimal accessorizing in the summer, a fabulous pair of sunglasses is absolutely non-negotiable. Not only do they add a dose of attitude to your look, but they’ll protect your eyes and hide your melting eye makeup! Sunglasses are your #1 secret weapon during the summer, so make sure you never leave the house without them. I grabbed this designer look-a-like pair from Payless (available in-store), and they couldn’t look or feel better for the affordable price!
Most Importantly: Wear Sandals.
If there’s one secret tip to surviving the summer heat, it’s a cute and comfortable pair of sandals. The summer heat can cause your feet to sweat and swell, which means closed-toed shoes are going to leave your feet feeling stuffy, blistered, and in pain. I suggest heading to my #1 source for sandals, Payless Shoesource, and picking up a pair or two for the summer. Their sandal selection includes everything from casual flat sandals to fancy wedges, and their affordable prices can’t be beat. This week I added the gold Whimsy Espadrilles from Payless (also comes in black, blue, and tan) to my summer sandal collection, and I knew they’d be perfect for my afternoon date in the park. The gold and woven materials match everything in my summer wardrobe, and they were extremely comfortable while we were outdoors AND when we went to a surprise concert afterwards. I was on my feet in these 4.5″ wedges for nearly eight hours, and I didn’t experience any discomfort at all. I might need to pick up the blue version as well for my upcoming beach trip!
SHOP THE LOOK:
Shoes: Payless c/o | Handbag: Payless c/o | Sunglasses: Payless c/o (available in-store) | Dress: Target | Bracelet: Leila| Lips: Revlon Whimsical
Whether you’re headed to a tropical summer vacation or just looking for a few new additions to your summer wardrobe, these four easy tips are guaranteed to help you look great in even the warmest weather. Don’t forget to stop by the Payless Shoesource website to check out their sandal selection and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube to stay up-to-date on their new releases as well as the latest fashion trends!
