When Luke and I made the move to Sydney a little under five years ago now, I think the biggest adjustment for me had to be those sticky hot and long summers. Growing up in Wellington, while we did have some lovely summers (and equally, some terrible ones), we generally didn’t see the temperatures rise much above 25 deg C. My wardrobe wasn’t exactly equipped for it, and neither was I. I was used to wearing long sleeves and oftentimes a jacket or a blazer in the middle of summer, and I quickly found myself trying just about everything to keep cool while still looking somewhat put together. Given summer is just about in full swing, I thought it might be fun to pull together the tips and tricks I’ve been using to dress for a heat wave.
Wearing Madewell courier shirt (also here), Nobody denim shorts, Grana linen dress
Stick to natural fibres
The first thing I consider when adding anything to my summer wardrobe is the fabric breakdown. Synthetic or man-made materials are something I will generally avoid (though there is the odd exception), as they don’t breathe. The reality is, that if it’s 30 degrees or higher, a little bit of perspiration is normal. However, synthetic fibres are tightly woven fabrics that actually retain heat and will make you a hot, sticky, sweaty mess during a heat wave.
Instead, I like to look to fabrics like cotton or linen, which are not only lightweight and breathable, but temperature-regulating as well. While I do think a silk piece – such as a slinky camisole – is a great summertime essential, I would generally avoid heavyweight silks.
Go sleeveless
This ones a bit of a no-brainer, but I find exposing a little bit of extra skin definitely helps me to stay cool during a heat wave. I’m a big fan of sleeveless blouses, cotton tanks or camisoles, all of which I think can look really chic during the warmer months. If you’d rather cover up your shoulders or arms, then a nice scoop neck (like this one) is a good option too.
Floaty fabrics
On my lower half, I like to reach for items that have a bit of movement to them; think a full cotton midi skirt, or shorts that have a wide leg opening. I find this helps to circulate a bit of air around my legs, and keep me cool, even if I’ve opted to wear a longer length.
A great pair of sandals
Your feet tend to swell during warmer weather, and combined with closed-toe shoes, it can be a bit of an uncomfortable experience. A great pair of sandals are an absolute must in my summer wardrobe. I’m conscious that for the office, this may not be an option. I’d recommend a sling back at possible just to expose your heels, and wearing sandals to and from work during your commute.
Wear black sparingly
Darker colours attract the heat, so if you’re planning on spending a lot of time under the sun’s rays, you may like to consider wearing a lighter colour. It’s a simple trick but it will keep you slightly cooler – and during a heat wave, every little bit helps.
Do you have any other tips for dressing during a heat wave? x
