How to Dress for Summer / Nice Outfits

Summer can be a hard season to dress for, but there are a few reliable ways to dress for sweltering heat and humidity.

1.Wear light-colored clothing. Choose light colors and white dresses and button-down shirts, which reflect, rather than absorb, the sun's rays.

2.Opt for sleeveless or loose sleeves. When it comes to summer clothes, the goal is to have as much airflow as possible. You don't have to go fully strapless, but consider sleeveless camis and off-shoulder or puff-sleeve blouses. Short-sleeve button-ups are another good option.

3.Stay away from tight clothing. Loose-fitting clothing is your best bet for staying cool in the summer. Go for cropped, wide-leg pants, loose shirts, oversize blouses, and dresses and skirts with room to breathe.

4.Upgrade your athleisure. Technical fabrics are typically moisture-wicking, but they’re also tight, which isn’t always great for summer. If you're a fan of athleisure, swap your usual black leggings and sweatshirt for colorful bike shorts and tank tops or short-sleeve crop tops.

5.Choose breathable fabrics. It may not matter during the rest of the year, but you’ll definitely notice the difference between breathable fabrics and fabrics that trap moisture during the summer. Synthetics usually aren’t breathable, so check clothing labels to make sure your clothes are 100 percent linen, cotton, or silk. If you want to play with texture, try eyelet and seersucker.