Five Ways to Keep Cool, Comfortable, and Confident This Summer

Location: Colorado Springs Farmer’s Market

Outfit Details: Cotton Dress || Classic Chacos || Farmer’s Market Tote (c/o)

Summer is hot. Like HOTTT. Am I right? And I don’t even live in one of the hottest states! I have an issue with heat, the moment it gets unbearable, I get unbearable. But less is not always more when it comes to surviving the heat. I have found that the way I dress and plan for the day is so important in helping me stay cool, comfortable, and confident as I move throughout my summer plans. When picking out summer clothes, there are five things I keep in mind:)

WHAT ARE MY PLANS?

Okay, so this may seem like an obvious one but it is super important. Look at your day and figure out how you need to dress for those plans. Do you have to go to work? Are you going on a hike? How long are you planning to be outside? Are you walking around the farmer’s market for a couple hours? I have a lot of freedom to pick my outfits each day but not everyone gets that benefit – some of you have to worry about dress codes & looking professional. Like I said, summer does not mean you have to wear skimpy clothing to not get overheated – it just means you need to think a different way! Can you wear a dress without pantyhose to the office? Can you wear dressy sandals?

I took these pictures at the farmer’s market on a Saturday morning. I wore my Chaco sandals because they are great for walking around and a breathable dress without sleeves (but still covered my bra strap). I thought about what I was doing, and planned my outfit accordingly to match the weather so that I could stay cool but also comfortable!

PICK FABRICS WISELY 

Cotton becomes your best friend in the summer. It allows air to circulate & move freely through the fabric, which makes heat more bearable – it literally works to cool you off. There are other fabrics that also do well in the heat but there are also some that do not do well. Know the fabrics in your closet, know the weather report for the day, and choose accordingly. I try to buy a lot of cotton clothing so that I don’t have to worry about not being able to wear certain things on the hottest days. Also, there are some fabrics that pick up sweat better and cause sweat stains or odors – just avoid those when you know you will be a bit sweaty! It will not make you feel cool, comfortable, or confident!

OPEN TOE SHOES

This is pretty simple for me because I just wear my Chacos all summer but letting your feet be able to breathe is really helpful in keeping your body temperature down. I suggest having several different types of sandals (dressy, athletic, casual) that you can chose from when you look toward your day. Make sure they fit you comfortably and stay on your feet – flip flops can become a hot mess when sweaty or wet causing you to slip off your shoes. I try to only purchase sandals with backs because they stay put better and help me feel more confident and put together.

STAY HYDRATED!

This one is not about what you put on your body but what you put in it! Make sure you are drinking lots of water as you move throughout your day. It will keep your core temperature down, and will help the rest of your body work efficiently. There have been hot days where I haven’t been drinking water and it will physically effect me – not being able to think, plan, or feel well. When you stay hydrated, your body feels healthy & taken care of and helps you to go through your day comfortable, confident, and happy!

THINK ABOUT YOUR UNDERGARMENTS

Don’t forget about what you are putting on underneath your outfits! Comfortable and breathable fabric is just as important when picking out your bra and panties for the day! Also wash your bras more frequently than you do during the winter. You will be sweating more and keeping them clean will not only help them smell best but help them rest best on your skin. The Hanes Ultimate Comfy Support ComfortFlex Fit® Wire-free Bra helps you feel supported but without all the bulkiness – keeping your bra light & airy (also it is tag free!) The Cool Comfort® Cotton Bikini Panties stay in place and are breathable, preshrunk, and tagless. You can still have cute undergarments that fit well, feel comfortable, and help you feel confident all day!

How do you stay cool, comfortable, and confident during the summer? Join the movement #BeComfydent and share your tips with us!

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

XOXO, ELIZABETH