“Roll out those lazy, hazy days of summer!”  Students may be enjoying time off, yet many of us are working everyday in the heat. We want to look hot and professional as we remain be cool, calm and collected!

Professional attire is still very different from casual attire. Even if the temperature spikes, these looks are still considered inappropriate business attire for females:

• Sundresses
• Halter tops
• Spaghetti straps
• Micro mini skirts
• Midriff tops
• Flip flops

Though summer can be unbearably hot and sticky, you can maintain a businesslike air. There are ways to stay cool, while still coming across as professional and stylish, even during the hottest days of the year.

Here are My Top Ways to Keep Your Cool this Summer and Still Look HOT!

• Wear loose clothes. The less fabric that touches your body, the more comfortable you will feel. A flowy maxi dress will keep you cooler than a pair of shorts and a form fitting tank.
• Skip the padded bra.  An unlined bralette is much cooler. Three inches of foam padding along with a hot summer day equals major boob sweat.
• Choose natural fabrics. Cotton breathes, absorbs sweat and dries faster than polyester or rayon.  You’ll feel sweaty longer wearing a synthetic fabric.
• Avoid embellishments — The heavy ones like beads or metals will weigh down your clothes causing closer contact with your skin trapping body heat. You can add the same kind of interest to your outfit by wearing a patterned garment.
• Trade your backpack for a small crossbody or handbag.   A huge backpack strapped to your back, or a gigantic tote stuck to your side will turn on the sweat.  Get back to basics and only carry essential items in a small bag.
• Switch to light colors. Dark colors absorb light intensifying the heat, while light colors reflect light to keep you cooler.
• Be light on your feet.  Canvas sneakers provide good breathability. Also, open-toed shoes like sandals and flip-flops are also a great option for keeping your feet from overheating.
• Choose cooling tech fabrics. Invest in clothes made with moisture-wicking and advanced cooling technology. The stretchy, silk-smooth material feels cool to the touch, making it the perfect choice for particularly warm days. Many items also offer SPF 50+ for sun protection.
• Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun’s glare. Hot weather accessories can also be a great way to look fashionable while you beat the heat. Go for sunglasses that have UV and glare in bright frames to add another level of cool summer to your look!
• Wear minimal jewelry.  Necklaces, bracelets, and rings are often uncomfortable once the temperature rises. Lightweight chains stick to your skin, heavy necklaces trap your shirt against your chest, metals get hot, and bracelets cover your wrists, a major cooling point on your body. Earrings are the best because they don’t touch much skin!
• Often when it’s sweltering outside the air conditioned workplace is freezing! One way to be comfortable is to keep a lightweight cardigan or jacket handy for the extreme temperature changes.

Fun Style Tip
A scarf is a versatile accessory that ca multitasks providing extra mileage in the summer. Of course, it goes without saying swap the chunky knits and heavy fabrics for lightweight, natural fibers like cotton, rayon, or linen.  Here are 3 cool scarf ideas for summer.

1. Tie a small or medium square scarf around your hair to tie to keep your tresses off your neck.
2. Tie a scarf around your bag for extra color and flair.
3. Tie a large scarf folded in half and wrap around your waist. The sarong makes a perfect swimsuit coverup!

Remember:
“Summer has a flavor like no other. Always fresh and simmered in sunshine.” Oprah Winfrey

All ideas to beat the heat are welcome, so please share your favorite ideas and outfits.