When the dog days of summer arrive, there is no better way to combat the heat than to stay cool and stylish. With the temperature rising, it is time to look beyond your typical t-shirts and shorts and add a few relaxed, summery pieces to your wardrobe. Whether you’re headed to the beach or just out for an evening walk, we’ve put together a list of North American summer essentials to keep you both looking and feeling good while the weather is hot.
1. Beat the Heat: Cooling Tips & Tricks
1) Invest in light, breathable fabrics for clothing and bedding. This can make all the difference to keep you cool during hot summer days. Lightweight, natural fabrics, like cotton and linen, are great choices that not only breathe but help to soak up any sweat or moisture.
2) On the hottest days, consider finding ways to keep the heat out, like closing your curtains and/or shutters during the day. Don’t forget about the windows either! Install awnings or sunscreens to help keep out the light and heat on sunny windows.
3) Make sure to run a fan in your home. Keeping your windows open at night (especially the ones in the shade) and running your fan will help draw in cool air and make things feel so much cooler. If you don’t own one already, it may be worth investing in a few fans or even air conditioners to ensure your home is at a comfortable temperature.
4) Soak your feet or take a cool shower. The quickest way to cool off during a heatwave is to dip your feet into some cold water. Alternatively, a cool shower can also bring some temporary relief and help to regulate your body temperature.
5) Stay hydrated! You should drink a minimum of eight glasses of water a day and avoid alcohol and caffeine. Eating fruits and vegetables that are high in water content such as cucumbers, cherries, watermelon, tomatoes, and celery can also help keep you hydrated.
6) Up your exercise routine – but only when it’s cooler. Although exercising during the day can bring a much-needed boost, it will also make you hotter and do more harm than good. Make sure you wait until it has cooled down a bit or exercise indoors where temperatures are lower.
2. The North American Style: On-Trend Fashions for the Summer Months
With the new season comes a new wave of fashion: the North American style! Whether you’re into the LA street look, classic New York chic, orsomething a little more laidback, there’s something for everyone.
Layer Up – Summer nights are notoriously chilly, so make sure you’re prepared for anything. T-shirts, light jackets and cozy knits are all great options for layering up. Look for pieces in lightweight fabrics that won’t weigh you down in the heat.
Show Off Your Shoulders – Shoulder-baring tops are huge this season. Whether you go for a classic Bardot neckline or prefer to keep it more modern with wide shoulder straps, just make sure you’re wearing the right bra!
Forget the Flats – Strappy sandals are the way to go for summer feet. Opt for block-heeled styles for a dressier look that’ll take you from day to night. You can also achieve the perfect balance between comfort and style with chunky slides.
Think Bold – Bright colours and eye-catching prints are a must-have for the warmer months. Try colour-block pieces or look for abstract florals for a bold look that will turn heads.
Accessorize
- A fashion-forward backpack – think stops and geometric shapes.
- A pair of statement sunglasses.
- A choker necklace for added edge.
North American style is all about effortless fashion that takes you from the beach to the city streets. With the right pieces, you can look and feel your best this summer.
3. Beat the Heat & Look Good: The Best Summer Essentials for Keeping Cool
Summer heat can take a toll on our comfort and style. With sweltering temperatures and sticky humidity, staying cool and looking good can be a tricky task. Consider these summer essentials for beating the heat and looking good.
Sunscreen: Nothing ruins a summer day like a painful sunburn. To stay cool and protected from the elements, make sure to stock up on quality sunscreen with at least SPF 30 for both UVA and UVB protection.
Light, Loose Fitting Clothing: Weather-appropriate clothing is key to staying cool in the summer heat. Say goodbye to heavy fabrics and thick layers. Instead, light and loose fitting clothing is the way to go to let air circulate around your body. Pick up some breathable pieces and summer staples like lightweight t-shirts, shorts, and skirts for maintaining your look while keeping cool.
Cool Accessories: A stylish and functional accessory can go a long way in the summer. Consider investing in moisture-wicking and sweat-resistant materials like straw hats or fabrics with dri-fit technology. To add a pop of color, bring some light and vibrant colors in the form of scarves, sunglasses, and jewelry.
Comfortable Footwear: Whether it’s a day at the beach or a night out, shoes can make a big difference in temperature and comfort. Choose lightweight footwear made from breathable fabrics to keep your feet cool, and look for an open-toed slip-on with ankle straps for a fashionable and airy sandal.
Cooling Products: Take a break from the heat with personal cooling accessories like cooling sprays and neck towels. Cooling products help maintain a pleasant body temperature and can even be reused throughout the day. Additionally, consider investing in home cooling products like air-conditioning or air coolers for an extra layer of comfort.
For those hot days, these summer essentials are your ticket to keeping cool and looking good. Keep calm and beat the heat with style!
4. North American Summer Essentials: Get the Look Without Breaking the Bank
With summer’s rising temperatures comes the familiar itch to spruce up your wardrobe and make sure you look your best no matter the activity. But you don’t need to break the bank to stay up to date with the season’s hottest trends. Here are some of our favorite picks to help you look your best without going overboard on your budget.
Keep it Cool While Looking Sharp: the T-Shirt
A fan favorite in the warmer months, Memorial Day through Labor Day is a hot period for the always timeless t-shirt. This season, opt for vintage-inspired stripes and florals or dip into the trends like logo prints and tie-dye styles. Throw on a light denim jacket and you’ll be good to go for any BBQ, day at the beach or night out.
The Classic Denim
If you’re looking for something to go with everything and anything, the classic denim piece is just the fix. From shorts to pants, the key is to embrace the distressed look, with exposed pockets and frayed hems. Oh, and don’t forget the essential accessory – the trusty belt. Look for a pastel or color-blocked one to compliment your ‘fit.
Shine Bright: Accessories
Show your true colors with bold accessories that brighten up any look without breaking the bank. Don’t be scared to switch it up – a fun fanny pack is definitely a great daytime companion. Plus, colorful pendants, twill bucket hats and signature rings are other great pieces to invest in to elevate your summer look.
Shoe-In: Sandals and Sneakers
- Slip sandals give off a timeless, summer feel while keeping your feet aired out.
- A bright sneaker can add flair to any look – just be sure to pick one in a classic style.
There’s no need to worry about spending too much money when stocking up for summer. Whether you’re hitting the pool or just headed out for an ice cream, explore the latest trends to find pieces that fit your wallet and sense of style.
As temperatures around North America start to soar, it’s time to get summer-ready. With the right fashion pieces and features, you can stay cool and look great. From maxi dresses for hot days, to straw beach bags for summer getaways, you can be sure to hit the beach while still looking your best.