Don’t Sweat It: What to Wear on
the Hottest Days of the Year
While certain aspects of summer 2020 have felt completely foreign—lobster rolls to go only, friends diligently spacing beach towels six feet apart—other things are, in the most comforting way, gloriously predicable. Humidity and eighty-five-degree heat are some such things.
Were it any other year, we’d track down the nearest art exhibit or seek refuge in a dark theater. Being that those climate-controlled oases aren’t operating as usual, staying cool requires a little more creativity of the closet variety. So we’ve rounded up pointers to ease the getting-ready process when you’d rather not wear anything at all.
DRESS CODE
If you’re in triple-digit temps, go for something that barely skims the body (bonus points if it’s made from whisper-weight poplin or breezy cotton gauze). Tent dresses are a no-brainer here—and if you’ve never left the sash off of your favorite belted option, now’s the time.
SMARTY PANTS
Things GP has taught us: You can drink your antioxidants, a good soak does wonders, and wide-leg pants can work even through the warmer months—just add a sexy scoopneck tank and some gold chains.
WHITE OUT
Pretty friends of the plain white tee, these detail-oriented tops—finished with ruffles, dainty ties, and sweetly gathered necklines—put in work and don’t absorb any heat. Team them with denim or prints, or go head-to-toe tonal.
JUMPSUIT YOURSELF
If the mere thought of a jumpsuit is starting to make you sweat, hear us out. You don’t actually have to wear the entire thing. Swap your bra for a bikini top, tie the sleeves snuggly around your waist, and boom: You’re bike-ride ready.
ADULT SWIM
When all else fails, treat yourself to a pool party of one. Shrug on a cover-up (say, a classic striped button-down or a flowy robe) on your way to the backyard, and slip it off before diving into the deep end.
HOLD IT
Every city girl, beachgoer, and mom on the go knows: A tote bag is only as good as it is lightweight. Not only do these options hit the mark; they’re all roomy enough for whatever you’re schlepping (a change of shoes, a Turkish towel, an armful of kids’ toys—anything).
