What Not to Wear When It's Super Hot Out
It all started one morning when I was getting dressed for work during an especially hot week in L.A. As I was putting the finishing touches on my outfit (my everyday jewelry pieces), I decided to skip the rings, telling myself it wasn’t worth the discomfort in such heat. After all, your hands are the first thing to, for lack of a better word, swell in the summer.
This got me thinking: What else is simply not worth wearing when it’s super hot outside? A few things came to mind instantly, and a couple others after a conveniently timed trip to New York and quick chat with our East Coast team, and here we are: I’ve compiled a short but sweet (and life-saving) list of the things to avoid wearing when the mercury is especially high—if you want to be even semi-comfortable.
Scroll through to see the full list of what not to wear when it’s hot outside and shop the best alternatives to each!
Don’t Wear: Rings
Do Wear: Light Earrings or Layering Necklaces
Like I said before, when it’s exceptionally hot, your hands are prone to swell, making your once-unnoticeable daily rings quite uncomfortable.
Shop layering jewelry
Don't Wear: Super-Strappy Sandals
Do Wear: Sneakers or Sandals With Thick Straps
Super-strappy sandals (especially those with thin straps) on a warm day will dig into your feet, which not only feels bad, but it isn’t the best look either.
Shop sneakers and thick strap sandals
Don't Wear: Anything Silk
Do Wear: Linen or Cotton
While it’s tempting to break out your favorite silky top for a chic summer outfit, as far as breathability goes, the fabric is among the lowest on the scale. Not only will you feel restricted, but you can end up ruining your clothing if feeling hot turns to sweating.
Shop linen and cotton pieces
Don't Wear: Too-Tight Jeans
Do Wear: Loose-Fitting Pants
Jeans that start off tight in the morning will only get more restrictive as the day goes on. Combine that with heat and humidity, and you’ll be wishing you opted for a more forgiving option.
Shop wide-leg pants
Don't Wear: Gray or Black Clothing
DO Wear: Brighter Colors
Okay, so black may be an obvious one, as it’s known to attract heat, thus making you feel warmer, but have you ever stepped out in a gray T-shirt on a warm, summer day? Hopefully not, or you’d know that the light shade is the quickest to reveal even the slightest sweat stains—which no one wants in July.
Shop bright colors
Next up, shop the boot trend that will be everywhere in three months.
Opening Image: Fashion Me Now
This post has been updated by Lauren Eggertsen.
Since starting as an intern back in 2013, Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour has held several roles here atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing , and she is currently Editor-at-Large. It was a less expected route, seeing as she was graduating from business school at USC when this all began, but it has turned out to be the best one for her. Fast-forward to 2024, and she's moved to NYC from her hometown of Beverly Hills and spends her workdays a little differently from when she was an intern starting out. Currently, she focuses on a weekly mélange of shopping content. As far as her personal style goes, she's largely drawn to classic pieces and neutral basics but will always make an exception for something colorful, printed, or bejeweled as long as it's deemed worthy enough. After all, the only thing she loves more than a good party is dressing up for one. On weekdays, she can usually be found at home eating something delicious for dinner and trying to force her husband to watch Summer House.
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