If summer is your favorite time of the year, you’re in good company. It’s the time of year when you’ve got long days and hopefully plenty of sunshine to enjoy. If you’ve got a family, it’s also the time when children have some time off school, so you have an opportunity to spend more time with them.
In this post, we’re going to look at another opportunity summer gives us, which is the chance to refresh and renew our wardrobes. Summer style and fashion are all about taking advantage of the warm weather, so here are some tips to help you be comfortable and stylish whether you’re on the beach or at work.
The Right Fabric
While some people love the heat of summer, it’s not for everyone. If you get too warm, it’s a good idea to look for solutions in your wardrobe.
Certain fabrics are much more comfortable than others at this time of year. Ideally, you want to find a fabric that is airy and reflects light and heat. Natural fibers like cotton and linen work really well, because they are incredibly breathable. If you plan on working out or it’s a very hot day, you should look for material that has wicking qualities, which means that it doesn’t soak in sweat.
Color can also have a surprising effect on how warm or cool your clothes are. Black material absorbs light and heat, meaning that it can intensify heat. Lighter materials and especially white or cream materials reflect light and heat, so it doesn’t feel so hot against your skin.
Loose and Airy
Another thing to consider is the fit of your clothes.
Tight clothes are uncomfortable at the best of times, but especially in the summer heat. While fitted clothes can look nice, it’s a good idea to look for looser styles that flow.
These styles are designed to be flattering for any body type, as they look elegant on anyone. But they’re also much more practical and comfortable in summer. A loose material lets air flow around and underneath it, rather than clinging to your skin.
You can even wear darker colors and be comfortable if you wear looser material. Because the material isn’t touching your skin, the heat doesn’t transfer as readily to your body. True, lighter materials are still more effective at reflecting heat, but you do have more options.
When to Cover Up
Speaking of loose clothes, summer is often a great opportunity to bring out the shorts and vests, depending on where you are. Context matters when it comes to style, you wouldn’t wear the same thing at the office as you would on the beach.
But you should also think about your health and comfort when considering what to wear. The sun is damaging to your skin and, while you should wear sunscreen when possible, you can also protect your skin by covering it.
A loose cardigan is a good option when you’re trying to stay cool and prevent your arms or shoulders from catching the sun too much. A beach dress can be great for when you’re not in the water or trying to catch the rays. Finally, you should never forget the summer classic option of a nice big hat.
The summer hat is the definition of stylish and practical. It keeps the sun out of your eyes and off your face and neck. This keeps you cool and, if you haven’t kept up with reapplying sunscreen, protects you from potentially burning.
Switching Up Your Hairstyle
Your hair is a part of your style no matter what you do with it. But summer is a great opportunity to experiment with different cuts and styles.
One common option is to go short with your hair in summer. If your hair grows quite quickly, you have the advantage of being able to switch styles dramatically in a short time. Shorter hair is much cooler in summer and can be easier to look after.
On the other hand, there’s something very summery and elegant about longer hair. However, you have to make sure that you keep it healthy, especially if you spend a lot of time swimming in the sea or in pools. This can damage your hair which is especially risky when you have very long hair.
If you want to change your look without dramatically cutting your hair short, consider something like a v-shape hair cut with layers. You can have this cut at any length and all it does is create a shape to frame your face and add body and movement to your hair. This makes it ideal for a layered beach look.
Summer-Friendly Makeup
If you like wearing makeup, you might have mixed feelings about summer. Overly hot days can cause you to sweat, which can in turn make your makeup run and look messy. Otherwise, you might find that makeup is uncomfortable to wear in very hot weather.
But you can find a way around this. Some makeup isn’t just designed to withstand the heat, but to look after you in the summer.
First, consider light makeup looks for every day. This way, you still look fresher, but you don’t feel as though you have to battle a heavy makeup look and the sun all at once. Your skin might thank you for it.
You should also research makeup options that are kinder to your skin, especially in the sun. For example, some foundations include sunscreen, which is a great option if you want to protect your skin but keep forgetting to apply sunscreen to your face. You can also get mascara and eyeliner that can slightly protect your eyes from the sun. After all, that’s what it was designed for.
Accessories For Summer
As mentioned before, a summer hat is a great start for accessorising, as is a light cardigan or shawl, depending on your style. But it’s also a good idea to think about bags that can carry water and sunscreen as well as your normal essentials.
When wearing jewelry, you can choose whatever style you prefer, but there’s something nice about wearing materials like wood, twine, and simple stones when you want to look like you belong on the beach.
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