What to Wear on a Hot Day

Who doesn’t love a fabulous summer day? The sun is shining, the sky is blue, there’s not a single cloud in sight, and, hopefully, you’re lounging by the pool or out to brunch with friends and a refreshing spritzer in hand. Yet, as much as we love this sunny, fun-filled season, we know hot weather can be tricky to handle (ok, let’s be honest, hot weather is unbearable sometimes!). Inevitably, no matter how many days in the sun we’ve enjoyed, at some point or another, we find ourselves wondering, how do we stay chic (and fresh) when the heat and humidity threaten to ruin our best outfits? 

With this in mind, we decided to make life easier for you and provide an answer to the eternal question of what to wear on a hot day. The good news is the possibilities are endless! Below, we’ve put together a list of ten tips to create stunning summer outfits that promise to keep you looking and feeling cool on even the hottest of days. 

Lean into Loose Silhouettes 

Here’s an important rule: if the fabric can’t touch your skin, it can’t stick to your skin. As you know, hot days often mean sweaty days, so looking for clothes that won't adhere to your skin and make you even hotter than you already are is essential. Luckily, oversized silhouettes are both stylish and hot weather appropriate, so don’t be afraid to size up a bit when looking to stay cooler. In general, loose shapes that prioritize airflow are what you’ll want to look out for. And, as you’ll learn below, sundresses are a foolproof option for this!

When in Doubt, Wear White 

One of the easiest ways to put together a perfect summer outfit is by opting to wear white. Think: a chic white mini dress, flowy white pants, a white linen shirt, or a lovely white set of shorts and a tank top. You’ve probably heard the well-known theory that states white is a color that reflects light, helping keep your body cooler, as opposed to black, which absorbs light and therefore creates more heat. Well, we fact-checked that theory, and it’s true! Wearing white to stay cool is not just incredibly stylish, it’s also a science-backed option. So now you know, when in doubt, wear white. 

Play With Prints 

Summer is the season of joy! So don’t be afraid of having some fun with your wardrobe. One of the easiest ways to do so is to wear feminine floral prints that are sure to match the mood of a bright summer day. Tropical prints are also very season appropriate, and if you’re looking for a more classic, effortless option, channel your inner French girl and opt for timeless Breton stripes. 

Show Off Your Legs 

We can’t think of a better time to show off your legs and that glowy summer tan you’ve worked so hard on! Hot weather is the perfect excuse to wear short dresses, which we love since they’re an effortless way to put together fabulous holiday outfits. Mini skirts are also a great option! Pair yours with a white t-shirt for a casual day look, or style yours with a chic shoulder bag and a pair of sky-high stilettos, and you’ll have a flawless look for fabulous fashionable pictures and a dreamy summer night on the town. 

Rock a Crop Top 

Speaking of showing a little skin, hot days are also a fantastic occasion to rock crop tops. Far from boring, crop tops are versatile garments that can range from ultra-cool strapless pieces to more romantic tops with short puffed sleeves. For a cute and casual look, pair a girly crop top with jean shorts and white sneakers, or if you want to put together an outfit for a special occasion, crop tops always work well with maxi skirts, and they look even better when they’re part of a stylish matching set. 

Always Remember: Summer is for Sundresses 

If you follow one rule when it comes to deciding what to wear on a hot day, let it be this: wear a sundress! These breezy, casual garments are loose-fitting and usually made in airy fabrics. There’s truly no better option. The best part is they come in all shapes and sizes, so chances are you’ll be able to wear them all summer long. If you’re looking for a coquettish alternative, you can opt for a flowy silhouette with barely-there shoulder straps. Believe it or not, a cotton sundress with long balloon sleeves can protect your skin from the scorching sun and keep you cool all at once. And midi dresses with slits that provide movement and let air flow are superb options for more formal summer affairs. 

Favor Flowy Fabrics 

Choosing the right fabric is essential when it comes to choosing an ideal outfit for hot weather. Trust us. The proper materials will make a big difference when the weather seems unbearable. Number one: choose flowy fabrics that allow air to circulate, instead of sticking to your skin. For instance, opt for breezy linens, that are both incredibly chic and one of the most breathable fabrics out there. Cotton poplin is also a wonderful option when choosing summer outfits. Think: white cotton poplin shirts paired with mini skirts or shorts (we love boho-chic cotton poplin sundresses as well!). And don’t rule out silk, an underrated but very fine option when looking for a breathable fabric that will help you stay fresh. 

Wear Bodysuits and Bathing Suits 

Hot days are ideal for bodysuits and bathing suits. Now, here’s some life-changing advice: let your favorite one-piece bathing suit double as a chic bodysuit. This way, you’ll be more than ready to dip into the ocean or take a refreshing swim in no time! And, just as you would with any other bodysuit, add flowy trousers as a chic cover-up, or opt for a flowy skirt, and you’re ready to face the summer heat! (Pro-tip: if you’re looking for a more modest ensemble, pair your bodysuit with a cotton poplin shirt.).

Hot Weather is for Hats 

Hats are one of the easiest ways to protect your skin from the scorching heat and look fabulous at the same time. They bring instant charm to the simplest of holiday outfits and if you’ve never worn them, a hot day is a great time to start! One thing to consider is that there are many possibilities. When deciding which hat to wear, think about the occasion and the vibe you're going for. Bucket hats are great for the beach and so are woven sun hats, Panama hats are timeless and elegant, and a sporty baseball cap is a great way to add casual flair to any ensemble. 

Choose the Right Shoes 

The ultimate guide for what to wear on a hot day would not be complete without a few tips on choosing the right shoes. If you’re thinking of an afternoon stroll by the beach or a sunny day sitting at your desk, minimalist slides are both comfortable and incredibly cool options. If you’re planning to be active throughout the day and need to prioritize comfort, don’t be afraid to put on classic white sneakers (make sure you pair them with short breathable socks, and you’ll be good to go!). And if you’re looking for the best shoes for a fancy lunch or a summer soiree, you can never go wrong with a pair of strappy sandals. Opt for tonal sandals, if you’re already wearing a colorful ensemble, or have some fun and let your shoes add some color to your perfect summer outfit.